NELHA Offers Public Tours of Operations, Facilities

An aerial view of the National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority at Kona’s Keahole Point. DBEDT photo.

The Friends of the Natural Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority have announced a new lineup of public tours.

NELHA is the world’s largest operational Thermal Energy Conversion power plant. Each tour will explore an aspect of the plant, including information about the Hawai’i Ocean Science and Technology Park.

Currently, three tours are available, ranging from $10 to $32 general admission and $8 to $28 for Kama’aina.

FON Ocean Matters Tour

The tour takes participants on a tour of the green energy, aquaculture, desalination, and research being conducted by HOST. Tours run Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and have the option of visiting the OTEC tower at Keahole Point, Big Island Abalone, and the Kanaloa Octopus Farm.

Pricing for the tour is $10 general adults, $8 students, seniors and Kama’aina, and free for children under 8.

FON Ocean Conservation Tour:

This tour begins with an overview presentation before heading to Ke Kai Ola, the monk seal rehabilitation center. Participants will then travel to the world’s first octopus farm and get up close with cephalopods before taking a look at the OTEC tower. The tour is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Pricing for the tour is $32 general adults, $28 students, seniors and Kama’aina, and free for children under 8.

FON Sustainable Aquaculture Tour:

The challenges and successes of producing sustainable food in the ocean is the focus of this tour. Participants will learn during a tour at Kampachi Farms before taking a look at how Big Island Abalone produces feed, brood stock, and marker produce. Ending the tour, participants will sample grilled premium ezo abalone. An overview presentation at the OTEC tower will end the presentation, which runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Pricing for the tour is $32 general adults, $28 students, seniors and Kama’aina, and free for children under 8.

Tours can be bookedon the Friends of NELHA website or by calling 329-8073.