Last month first lady Laura Bush traveled to the 50th state to unveil the new Hawaiian name for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. Mrs. Bush announced the new name would be Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which symbolizes the genealogy of the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, she didn’t stick around long enough to see the marine life that calls the waters off the uninhabited chain of small islands home.
The atolls, reefs and submerged banks around the islands are populated with more coral reefs than anywhere else in the nation. However, because of its isolated location there are few people who ever get the chance to venture into the waters to view the unique marine environment. But, don’t despair. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii and want to learn more about the rich marine habitat you can do so—without even getting wet.
Hilo’s Coral Reef Discovery Center located in Hilo, Hawaii (on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii) features a 2,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, which houses the same fish found swimming in the waters off the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The center also boasts interactive exhibits with touch screens and videos that illustrate what transpires under the sea on a daily basis.
One of the most popular exhibits at the center is an interactive display which features a video montage of the creation of the island. It features a Hawaiian creation chant (known as the Kumulipo), which is repeated continuously in Hawaiian so you can get a taste of the native language during your tour (and perhaps pick up a few new words at the same time).
Right outside of the center sits a touch screen kiosk, which you can use to access weather forecasts, surf reports and information about Hawaii’s active volcanoes. The Discovery Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays and the best part—admission is free.
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