News

Posted: April 22, 2020

Monumental Connections


The monument is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth and is a critically important nesting ground for green sea turtles and breeding ground for Hawaiian monk seals. Credit: Mark Sullivan/NOAA
The monument is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth and is a critically important nesting ground for green sea turtles and breeding ground for Hawaiian monk seals. Credit: Mark Sullivan/NOAA

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, where nature and culture are one.

This year, Papahānaumokuākea is celebrating ten years of inscription as a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for both its natural and cultural heritage to mankind.

The 1,350 mile stretch of coral islands, seamounts, banks, and shoals supports an incredible diversity of coral, fish, birds, marine mammals, and other flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the Hawaiian Island chain. Culturally significant throughout Hawaiian history, it also houses sacred and iconic cultural sites.

Now you can experience Papahānaumokuākea through a variety of offerings. This web series will show how anyone, anywhere, can make monumental connections with your Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Boobies perch atop ceremonial shrines in the Monument. Credit: Kaleomanuiwa Wong

Papahānaumokuākea, the big picture

Image: Boobies perch atop ceremonial shrines in the Monument. Credit: Kaleomanuiwa Wong

A large ulua (giant trevally) swims amidst a school of omilu (bluefin trevally) while divers survey corals at French Frigate Shoals.

Research in Papahānaumokuākea

Image: A large ulua (giant trevally) swims amidst a school of omilu (bluefin trevally) while divers survey corals at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: John Burns/NOAA

View of aquarium at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Credit: NOAA

Educational assets

Image: View of aquarium at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Credit: NOAA

Hōkūleʻa sailing in front of Nihoa. Photo Credit: Naʻalehu Anthony

Videos and Movies

Image: Hōkūleʻa sailing in front of Nihoa. Photo Credit: Naʻalehu Anthony

French Frigate Shoals reefscape.

Lectures and Talks

Image: Symposium on Science in Support of Archipelagic Management. (Photo) French Frigate Shoals reefscape. Credit: Greg McFall/NOAA

Fourth grade students restore ʻohai along with other endangered native plants at Kaʻena Point.

Get Involved

Image: Fourth grade students restore ʻohai along with other endangered native plants at Kaʻena Point. Credit: Marie Ayabe/National Parks Service




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