The bay we are working to protect

Pacific Discovery

Pacific Discovery + Ocean Alliance Project: Conservation Through Exploration

This summer, Ocean Alliance Project is proud to partner with Pacific Discovery to offer an unforgettable blend of marine science, adventure, and hands-on conservation on the island of Oʻahu. Together, we’re creating immersive learning experiences for students that dive deep into Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems — both above and below the surface.

A marine biology intern in Hawaii recording coral reef data during underwater ecological monitoring activities.

What Students Will Experience:

Open Water Dive Certification

Students will begin their journey by earning their Open Water SCUBA certification, gaining the skills and confidence to safely explore Hawaiʻi’s vibrant coral reefs. Certified instructors will guide participants through classroom sessions, confined water skills, and open ocean dives along Oʻahu’s south shore.

Ecological Monitoring & Reef Conservation

Next, participants take part in Ocean Alliance Project’s 4-day Ecological Monitoring Program, where they’ll:

  • Learn about coral reef ecology, marine biodiversity, and current threats to reef health
  • Use real scientific tools like photogrammetry, fish surveys, and coral disease assessments
  • Contribute meaningful data to ongoing conservation projects across Maunalua Bay, Waikīkī, and Kewalo Basin

This is not just science — it’s stewardship. Each participant becomes part of our growing network of community reef monitors.

Monitoring our main restoration site

Community-Based Conservation Workdays

Outside the water, students will engage in meaningful conservation activities with local nonprofits:

  • Huki Events with Mālama Maunalua: Remove invasive algae and restore native limu in one of Hawaiʻi’s most important marine restoration zones.
  • Native Tree Planting with Aloha Tree Alliance: Help restore upland watershed health by planting native species that reduce runoff and protect coral reefs downstream.

These workdays give students a full-circle understanding of mauka to makai (mountain to sea) conservation and their role in Hawaiʻi’s future.

Why This Partnership Matters

At Ocean Alliance Project, we believe in collaborative, culturally rooted conservation. Our partnership with Pacific Discovery brings together education, action, and local insight to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

By joining this program, students don’t just gain skills — they gain purpose. They leave as certified divers, trained ecological monitors, and empowered environmental stewards.

Book Your Summer With Pacific Discovery

Interested in joining this transformational experience? Visit Pacific Discovery’s Hawaiʻi Summer Program to learn more and register today.

Whether you’re a student looking for hands-on experience or a parent searching for a meaningful summer program, this partnership offers a rare chance to explore Hawaiʻi, contribute to real science, and make a lasting impact.