News
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](/new-images/slider-monumental-connections1.jpg)
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](/new-about/images/uprights_wong.jpg)
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.](/new-images/news-ramp-2017_md.jpg)
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](/new-images/educational_md.jpg)
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](/monument_features/images/cultural_waa.jpg)
![French Frigate Shoals reefscape.](/new-images/news-symposium2018_md.jpg)
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.](/education/images/nav_ch_workshop3.jpg)
Get Involved
Image: Fourth grade students restore ʻohai along with other endangered native plants at Kaʻena Point. Credit: Marie Ayabe/National Parks Service