MUHEʻE Program

For Grades 7 – 9

Marine Understanding through Hands-on Exploration and Education (MUHEʻE) Program

March 16 – 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MUHEʻE APPLICATION FORM

If you are currently in grades 7-9 . . .

The MUHEʻE (Marine Understanding Through Hands-on Exploration and Education) Program is an immersive 5-day marine science program during HIDOE’s spring break (March 16-20, 2026), which was recently launched by the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology’s (HIMB) Center for Community Education* (CCE).

Course Description

This program invites Hawaiʻi students in grades 7-9 to the HIMB located on Moku o Loʻe, an islet within Kāneʻohe Bay. 

Students will participate in immersive, place-based activities focused on marine natural resource conservation, protection, and restoration such as:

  • Explore research facilities and meet the researchers
  • Observe reef ecosystems up close during snorkel surveys
  • Understand ridge-to-reef connections and watershed stewardship
  • Hands-on immersive marine lab experiences

Depending on students’ comfort in the water, we will plan a reef survey day or an on-the-boat-lab using HIMB’s educational vessel Ka Noelo Kai, as a science platform with opportunities to collaborate with community partners in the bay. A swim test will be conducted prior to any water activities for safety purposes. However, swimming capability is not required for participation in the MUHEʻE Program.

Notes:

  • Students will meet daily at the pier in Kāneʻohe and travel via boat to Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island). Students will return to the pier at around 3:00 each day.
  • Students must bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks as there are no food services on the island.
  • There may be activities in the water. If relevant, a swim test would be conducted prior to any water activities for safety purposes. However, swimming capability is not required for participation in the MUHEʻE Program.
  • This course is not graded and not for college credit.

Cost: $360

Class size: 18 students (max.)

Interested students should submit their MUHEʻE program application via UH Filedrop to Recipient: ecollege@hawaii.edu. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is full.

UH Filedrop screen:

*The CCE is an outdoor marine science experiential learning program for grades K-8, at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa located on Moku o Loʻe, an islet within Kāneʻohe Bay.

To contact us, call (808)956-9246 or email ecollege@hawaii.edu.