Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS)
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress in 1992 to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i. The sanctuary, which lies within the shallow (less than 600 feet), warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats.
Through education, outreach, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.
The Honolulu office of the sanctuary houses many of the sanctuary's administrative staff including the Sanctuary Superintendent. The office serves as the base of operations for the Sanctuary Ocean Count project and also serves as a venue for scheduled volunteer training, workshops, and meetings. Education and outreach materials are available.