#National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The Polynesian Voyaging Society is altering the next phase of their Moananuiākea voyage in response to an intensifying El Niño pattern in the Pacific, announcing plans to depart Aotearoa in August 2026.

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Washington faces charges related to harassing an endangered monk seal by throwing a rock at it on Maui.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline.

“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.

The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo student Iran Rosales has been awarded the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from NOAA and is one of only 130 scholars selected.

The agency’s data advanced space weather warnings, made water safer, protected right whales, and much more.

Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources and its partners began monitoring the sperm whale carcass Feb. 6; waters from Makalawena to Honokōhau are of particular concern during the next few weeks.

Throughout the deployment, Kimball’s crew conducted law enforcement operations, provided critical emergency response, and participated in joint exercises with the Department of War, showcasing the versatility and capability of the national security cutter platform.

In the study, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa provided insights into human-caused trauma and infectious diseases found in more than 65% of investigated strandings.

The initiative aims to restore native ecosystems, preserve historic and cultural sites and strengthen community resilience against climate impacts such as erosion, flooding and sea level rise at Puapuaʻa Iki, a parcel of land in Kona.

As East Hawaiʻi welcomes its wet season after one of the driest dry seasons in three decades, the potential impact of a La Niña event could bring above-normal rainfall through early spring 2026

Small actions can make a big impact on these endangered sea turtles’ survival, and volunteer efforts and guidelines can protect them during this critical time.

Introduction comes after Trump Administration announced plans to cancel lease for essential government office connected to Mauna Loa Observatory.

“For an endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, every patient matters,” said Dr. Sophie Whoriskey, associate director of Hawaiʻi Conservation Medicine at the Marine Mammal Center.

While land-based Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers supplement the work of the marine patrol units as needed, it’s up to the oceangoing patrols to be on the water regularly. Marine patrol units are now active on are now active on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

Despite near to below average forecast, officials — including Gov. Josh Green and those with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center — urge island residents to be vigilant and prepare now because any storm that develops has the potential to be the one that strikes.

Marine Option Program students provides opportunities to apply traditional course work to the real world while students obtain practical marine skills.

Kahaluʻu Bay will take a strategic pause as the sacred coral ecosystem undergoes a crucial spawning period from May 11-19, 2025, a collaborative initiative praised for reviving cauliflower coral populations devastated by climate change.

Bipartisan TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act introduced in U.S. Senate by Hawai’i Democrat Schatz and Montana Republican Sheehy would use artificial intelligence to better protect communities from increasing toll of extreme weather and wildfires.