Our education efforts focus on increasing understanding of ecosystem management, developing an ocean stewardship ethic, and training the next generation of leaders to be both scientifically and culturally grounded. All educational activities seek to actively engage the public in protecting our marine environment.

The Mokupāpapa Discovery Center (MDC) managed and operated by NOAA was created to interpret the nature, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Located on the waterfront in downtown Hilo, MDC is free and open to the public, and features a large-scale wall map, interactive displays and kiosks, three-dimensional models, immersive theater, salt-water aquarium, colorful graphic panels with interpretive text in both Hawaiian and English, beautiful photographs from the NWHI, a giant coral reef mural, and several life-size models of NWHI wildlife. For more information, click here.

Navigating Change is an education and environmental stewardship program that incorporates traditional knowledge with western science to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. For more information, click here.

Educational Resources

For Kids

For Teachers

For Everyone

More Ways to Learn

See our on-site education activities occuring in the Monument.

Educational Activities

• Classroom presentations by PMNM scientists
• Hands-on activities for kids in the classroom and outdoors
• Student videoconference calls with field station staff and volunteers working in the Monument
• Ship-to-classroom 'ask a scientist' email forums
• Outreach booths at events island-wide

If you want to request an educational activity for your school or event, contact:
Jennifer.Crawford@noaa.gov (Oʻahu)
Justin.Umholtz@noaa.gov (Hawaiʻi)