Nā Kōkua o ke Kai: Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Stewards
- Currently serving five middle schools and 500 students on Hawaiʻi Island.
Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is a Hawaiʻi-rooted marine science program that supports middle school learners through a curriculum grounded in place, culture, and kuleana (responsibility).
Connected to Next Generation Science Standards, Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ) Framework, Ocean Literacy Principles, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs), and the One Health approach, the program highlights the deep interconnection between the health of people, animals, and the environment.
At this formative time in their lives, students are empowered to build pilina (relationships) with kai (ocean), explore real-world conservation challenges, and lead community-based projects that reflect their role as stewards of Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.
Teachers receive access to Nā Kōkua o ke Kai Learning Center—an online hub of lesson plans, teaching tools, and videos—plus connection to a professional learning community of fellow educators.
Serving public, charter, and private schools across Hawaiʻi Island, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai offers free resource kit pick-up each school year.
How to Apply
Registration is currently open for the 2025-2026 school year.
If you are interested in learning more about this program and how your school might partner with The Marine Mammal Center in the future, please fill out our contact form.
*Nā Kōkua o ke Kai applications are open to educators only. If you are a student or parent interested in this program, please share this opportunity with your school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai for elementary school students? High school students?
Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai for elementary school students? High school students?
At this time, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is only offered for the middle school audience. We have developed this curriculum especially for middle school students because they are in a challenging and transformative time and need programs tailored specifically for them.
However, you may be interested in our Seal Stories program developed for upper elementary teachers and their students, or our many online learning resources.
We also offer other opportunities for elementary, high school, college and family audiences.
Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai outside of Hawaiʽi Island?
Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai outside of Hawaiʽi Island?
At this time, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is only offered on Hawaiʽi Island, and a similar program, Ocean Ambassadors, is offered in California. However, we are currently exploring pilot opportunities for distance learning. Please reach out to us at learn@tmmc.org if you are interested in partnering with us to explore new opportunities.
Can I have access to the Nā Kōkua o ke Kai materials?
Can I have access to the Nā Kōkua o ke Kai materials?
Because the Nā Kōkua o ke Kai resources are considered proprietary information, only current participants are allowed unrestricted access. If you have a specific question or concern and would like to review the curriculum or other resources with us, please reach out to us at learn@tmmc.org.
You may also be interested in our Life By a Whisker curriculum designed for learners in grades 3-8 or our many online learning resources.
Our Funders
Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is made possible by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Hawai‘i Community Foundation STEM Learning Partnership, the Cooke Foundation and many other generous funders of our education programs. The program is offered at no charge to schools, students or teachers so that financial constraints do not limit participation.
Additional funding was made possible by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Career Connected Learning Fund and the following funding partners:
- Anderson-Beck Kōkua a Ulu Fund
- Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund
- GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund
- Hokuli‘a Community Fund
- Jack's Fund
- Kirk-Landry Family
- Kuki‘o Community Fund
- Maunakea Fund
- Pahiki Nui Fund
- THINK Fund at HCF
- Richard Smart Fund
- Strada Education Network
Hosting a Community Event?
Conservation starts with education and outreach. That's why our educators focus on inspiring students to become marine science enthusiasts.
Are you interested in having our staff participate in an upcoming community event you're hosting on Hawai‘i Island? Tell us more about your request.