HawaiiMERC is a State of Hawaiʻi and U.S. federally-registered 501c3 non-profit organization that connects communities to timely scientific information on marine ecosystems. We support exploration and research of the marine environment, and we provide opportunities to connect cultural and scientific perspectives for the sustainability of reef ecosystems in South Kona, Hawaiʻi and beyond.

​HawaiiMERC hosts groups for presentations and hands-on educational experiences. Our state-of-the-art dive center supports scuba, nitrox, trimix, and rebreather diving. Our imaging group provides underwater and drone photography and videography. We also support SSI dive training for professionals via partnership with Scuba Schools of America (SSA).

For overnight visitors, we are in close walking distance to numerous house rentals (AirBnB; VRBO). Daytime ocean access is close to HawaiiMERC, and boat, canoe, and kayak options are available to cover larger areas around the South Kona reef ecosystem.

HawaiiMERC has teamed up with Paʻa Pono Miloliʻi, Hawaiʻi State Division of Aquatic Resources, NOAA Fisheries, and other groups working together to sustain the South Kona reef ecosystem and coastal environment.

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Hawaii Marine Education and Research Center

OUR PROGRAMS

Science & Culture

We connect science and cultural perspectives for sustainability

Reef Safe Outreach

We inform and incentivize the public on how to protect coral reefs

Reef Monitoring

We assist long-term monitoring of Hawaiian reefs

Reef Talks

We tailor presentations on Hawaii’s unique reef ecosystems

Coral Research

We collaborate on projects to assess coral and reef fish health

Tech Diving Support

We provide technical diving support to explore reefs

 

P​ARTNERS

SPONSERS