Hanauma Bay Education Program

The mission of the Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP) is to enhance appreciation and promote understanding and stewardship of Hanauma Bay and Hawai‘i's marine environment through public education.

Founded in 1990, the HBEP is administered by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program with support from the City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Since the program's inception, the HBEP has received praise and recognition from the City & County of Honolulu and the State of Hawai‘i and has won numerous awards for conservation, tourism, and volunteer excellence. By educating all visitors on the importance of marine conservation and reef etiquette we help to minimize human impact on the natural resources at Hanauma Bay. These efforts not only create better visitors and visitor experiences but aids in forging a better appreciation for our marine environment that will extend far beyond Hanauma Bay.

Each year, HBEP staff and volunteers educate nearly one million visitors on marine conservation, reef etiquette, and the variety of reef fish and invertebrates found within Hanauma Bay. To accomplish this task we have developed a team of highly trained volunteer docents who educate the local and visiting public about the proper use of marine resources. The HBEP’s volunteers are Interpretive Guides who interact with park visitors in several ways.

We ask that volunteers commit to one (1) four-hour shift per week for a minimum of at least six months. We also have many “seasonal” volunteers, like part-time residents or students who volunteer during school breaks and on the weekends. Shifts run every day from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (except on Tuesdays when the park is closed for maintenance). The four-hour shift is broken down into a rotation covering three volunteer stations: 

1. The Visitor Center is where visitors enter the park – they are usually disoriented and do not know what to do upon arrival. Volunteers help answer their questions, introduce them to various interpretive displays, and direct them to the Theater.

2. The Theater is where volunteers give a brief introduction to a nine-minute orientation film that informs visitors about proper reef etiquette, marine conservation, and ocean safety. All visitors are required to watch this film in order to gain beach access.

3. The Beach Desk is where volunteers are available to answer questions, provide assistance to visitors, and go on short “beach patrols” (which can mean various things: picking up trash, stepping out from the desk to talk with more people, walking down the beach to point out fish and provide information about the nature preserve and park rules).

The Interpretive Guide training program is held four times a year and consists of four Saturday morning sessions at Hanauma Bay. In total, a complete training program is 16 hours and features special guest speakers and some outdoor activities. To prepare new volunteers for their duties we arrange “shadow shifts” where they are partnered with a veteran docent or staff member to observe and learn in a hands-on setting. An application, interview, and at least one four-hour shadow shift should be completed before attending training.

If you feel this is something you’re interested in pursuing we’d love to hear from you! Please email hbvp@hawaii.edu or call (808)394-1374 for more information and an application packet.