> HWF naturalist training
Through our naturalist education program, HWF teaches thousands of residents and visitors each year about whales, dolphins, turtles, seals and the coral reef. We educate the public about threats to the marine environment and teach responsible boating and reef behavior.
   HWF conducts naturalist training classes through the "EdVenture" program, part of the University of Hawaii Maui College's Office of Continuing Education and Training. The "Hawaii’s Marine Naturalist Certification & Training" classes are held on the Maui College Campus in Kahului. In addition to classroom work, the program includes eight hours of field training onboard Kaikanani sailing catamaran and other locations.
    Spring coursework and field training are underway, but students can sign up for the summer course by calling Evelina Bondar at (808) 984-3231.
   Tailored for the tour boat crew and naturalists, this class offers an overview of some of Hawaii's most visible protected marine life. It focuses on the animals' basic biological needs and distribution and teaches how to assist in their protection. Students may obtain a certification after meeting certain requirements.
   Hannah Bernard, who teaches the courses, has worked for the last 29 years as a marine biologist, naturalist, naturalist trainer, policy advisor, environmentalist, community organizer and dedicated advocate for the ocean. She is co-founder and president of the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund.
   Hawaii’s waters abound with rare and interesting marine life such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles and monk seals. Yet few of our visitors know that these creatures are protected by state and federal laws and need ample room to go about the business of their own lives. Becoming a certified marine naturalist is one way for an islander to help our visitors enjoy responsible viewing of our special wildlife while keeping the wildlife from being loved to death.
   > COURSE DESCRIPTION  > PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

> Internship Program
Students! Earn credit for high school, college or community service programs through HWF's Internship Program. Interns participate in any or all of HWF's programs, helping with wildlife in the field, educating the public or assisting in the office with data entry and communications.
   > MEET OUR INTERNS

> Traditional Taro and Fish Farming Project
Hawaii Wildlife Fund launched a new educational program in 2011 that brings Maui's youth into the island's rain forest to learn about traditional taro and fish farming practices. The students visit Uncle Oliver and Antie Valerie Dukelow's remote and "off the grid" farm where they practice traditional management and land-use practices.

To help fund this educational effort, HWF received more than $10,000 in donations from the Bierer family and friends in honor of their late son, Nicholas. The program, formally entitled "Kahakuloa Valley Ahupua’a Restoration: Farming Taro and Farming Fish to Sustain Island Communities," was blessed and launched in the valley with a celebration of Nick’s life: Ka Halia Aloha, Nick.

HWF also received $15,000 in funding for this project from the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Region Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program. Hike Maui is also partnering with HWF to bring students from 4th grade through college to the Kahakuloa Valley to work and learn.

> HWF Think Island campaign
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund increases public awareness about Hawai'i's unique reef ecosystems through outreach education efforts in the field, as well as in the classroom through films, handouts and lectures. HWF advocates the theme "Think Island":

• When fishing/gathering - take only what you need, observe all laws and pono [correct] fishing practices
• when snorkeling for recreation - do not feed fish and show respect for sea turtles and other marine life
• take only pictures, leave only bubbles
• Be akamai [smart] around the ocean and streams, watch the environment carefully so as not to disturb it and to protect your own safety

> Slideshow presentations
HWF naturalists and program leaders are available to give informational slide shows at public functions, resorts, meetings and other events. Contact us for more information or visit Inner Ocean Hawai'i.

> Diving & Snorkeling Guidelines
To help snorkelers, divers and boat operators care for the marine environment, Hawai’i Wildlife Fund developed guidelines for environmentally friendly ways to enjoy viewing the coral reef and its inhabitants. The guidelines have been adopted by many of Maui’s dive and snorkel companies.
   MORE > GUIDELINES

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