Ocean Blog

Citizen scientists on Hawai’i Island observed 37 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.

Gavin Vasilescu, 18, is preparing for crucial competitions this month in Southern California, where he hopes to excel at the national level and inspire more Hawaiʻi sailors to compete nationally.

The Kohala Centerʻs ReefTeach program and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources ask and urge the public to refrain from swimming, snorkeling and surfing in Kahaluʻu Bay during the closure to support the successful reproduction, settlement and recruitment of new cauliflower coral, as well as give Kahaluʻu this brief — yet essential — time for rejuvenation.

Those who attend will learn about Kahaluʻu as ʻāina lei aliʻi, the lands that adorn the chiefs, and what made Kahaluʻu so special for generations; participants also will engage in kilo, or intentional observation along the shoreline or in the water and moʻolelo, or oral history, of Kahalu‘u will be shared and a mo’olelo of the day will be collectively created.

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.

The 15,372-square-foot site known as Keakealaniwahine was once slated for development of a 5-story condominium.

Severe weather continues to impact the islands this weekend and is forecast to worsen, generating hazardous ocean conditions between the islands early next week, especially for the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui.

Big Island community invited and encouraged to attend a special one-of-a-kind evening showcasing incredible talents of ʻOhana Waʻa Laulima canoe club members and supporters to benefit the nonprofit that provides opportunities for people with special needs and the programs that uplift them.

The locally owned and operated company founded on Maui has built a loyal following throughout the islands for its custom-fitting equipment, knowledgeable service and commitment to protecting local reefs.

The pilot was reported to be climbing a rope ladder from a pilot boat alongside the 3,090-passenger cruise ship Emerald Princess on Tuesday when he slipped and fell into the water on its port — or left — side, triggering a “man overboard” emergency.

Water sample testing results show that the enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the threshold level at the site about 12.5 miles north of Hilo.

Konane Zager, owner of the vessel Waiʻaka, will be fined the maximum penalty of slightly more than $10,000 and lose his commercial marine license for violation in May 2025.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green’s proclamation kicks off a year-long campaign filled with opportunities for education, responsible recreation and volunteerism with goal of encouraging people to celebrate rich diversity of life in coastal habitats.

Understanding SAR11 marine bacteria is vital because they are one of the main drivers of the global ocean’s life-support system; they move and recycle the carbon and nutrients that sustain all other marine life.

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point on Oʻahu located the men, safely hoisted them and brought them ashore to the air station in Kapolei, Oʻahu, the afternoon of Dec. 17.

“Understanding water quality is a fundamental challenge for everyone: it is key to assessing coral reef health and it is inseparable from human health,” said study co-author Nyssa Silbiger.

Peak monthly high tides combined with water levels higher than predicted will lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas

Volunteers from Ocean Defenders Alliance have collected thousands of feet of fishing lines and pounds of lead from Hawaiʻi’s coastlines, showcasing an ongoing effort to preserve marine environments.

“Time is of the essence when a tsunami threatens Hawai‘i Island, so we encourage everyone living, working or learning in coastal areas to know and practice their escape routes,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda.

42-year-old Earl Kekuanaoa Hind, who was last known to have launched his fishing vessel Makalapua Onalani from the South Point area, has not been heard from since that day on April 7.