Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Who We Are

Humpback Whale ready to volunteer

NOAA permit: HWS-NMML782-1719

Just hanging around? Become a sanctuary volunteer!

The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary focuses on educating the public about Hawai'i's humpback whales and other ocean life. A variety of volunteer opportunities teach the public about the ocean and encourage them to become ocean stewards involved in its protection. Volunteers are visitor center docents, lecturers, outreach naturalists on the land and water, school group educators and research assistants. In addition, volunteers can help at the gift shop, provide administrative support, be involved with arts and crafts, care for native plants and help with maintenance. Please inquire today.

What We Do

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary lies within the warm, shallow waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats.

The sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai'i through education, research, and resource protection.

We are jointly managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Hawai'i. 

Come visit us -

  • to learn what you can do,
  • to be part of a friendly environmental group, and
  • to protect and educate

Join us in our Sanctuary Mission: "Through education, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai'i." 

Come join us.