Reef Guardians Hawai'i

Protecting our coral reefs and oceans through research, restoration, and education.

Our Vision: Clean water, a balanced environment, thriving ecosystems, and an educated community actively participating in mauka to makai stewardship (from the mountains to the sea).

We teach to expand environmental and cultural awareness and reduce harm to the environment. Since 2015, we have hosted in-person and online environmental education programs for youth, adults, and visitors, focusing on marine biology, ecology, stewardship, and advocacy.

The online programs reach worldwide peoples so the environmental learning is global and amplified. Our Reef Camps provide real life experiences for children, teens and interns, to cultivate Reef Guardians of all ages who are deeply connected to the ocean and commit to protecting coral reefs around the world.

Donate so Reef Guardians Hawaii can continue its environmental education programs.

We collaborate with local communities, universities, business groups, and government agencies to study and address the rapid changes affecting our coral reefs and near-shore habitats. Click here to learn more.

In 2022, Reef Guardians Hawaii published the two-volume 'Anini Watershed Characterization Report, which has guided our organization's action steps and those of other stakeholders.

In February 2024, we launched a water quality monitoring program at ‘Anini, Kauai, in collaboration with WAI: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations. This program investigates pollution indicators such as nutrients and fecal bacteria in the streams flowing into ‘Anini lagoon. We've mobilized a team of dedicated local volunteers and established partnerships with the Division of Aquatic Resources, Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi Chapter, and local schools. In six months we sampled 20 sites using cost-effective field methods. Our initial findings have led us to aim for expansion of our water testing program using EPA-approved methods to ensure the data's utility for state and federal mitigation efforts.

Donate so we can continue water testing with the goal to get state and federal local water quality mitigation efforts.

When you donate to Reef Guardians Hawaii, you're giving the gift of healthy reefs, streams, and oceans for our and future generations.