Learn & Explore/Education & Outreach/Education Resources
Education Resources
DAR offers posters, games, videos, and programs to teach about Hawaiʻi’s aquatic environments and promote responsible stewardship.
Who are you exploring for?
For Kids
Hands-on ocean learning: games, masks, and stories about Hawaiʻi’s underwater world.
Let’s Get Creative
Make a finger puppet or mask, or print out some protected species postcards. Just click on the image to get started.
Fishing Education
The Fishing Education Program helps children and adults learn about freshwater and nearshore marine environments.
It focuses on pono fishing practices, including catch-and-release fishing.
Topics include:
- Fishing gear and methods
- Fish biology and habitat
- Fishing safety
- Conservation and fisheries management
For Teachers
Teaching resources designed to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Teacher Resources & Support
DAR education specialists are available to conduct or assist with various teacher workshops, and for classroom presentations and field experiences on topics related to fisheries management and conservation. Teachers can obtain instructional materials, including posters and identification cards, at no cost from Division offices.
Videos for Teachers
We’ve gone back into our archives and pulled out three videos from the 1990’s that we hope teachers will find useful, as their content is timeless.
Hawaiian Waters: House of the Shark provides information on shark biology, safety, and cultural significance.
Hawaiian Waters: The Mauka-Makai Lifeline covers stream ecosystems and native stream species.
Nick and Miki’s Semi-Incredible Fishing Adventure features the late Mike Sakamoto teaching a couple of youngsters the basics of shoreline and boat fishing.
Outreach
Hands-on ocean learning: games, masks, and stories about Hawaiʻi’s underwater world.
Outreach
Education specialists offer talks on aquatic resource topics for:
- Community groups
- Fishing clubs
- Schools and other interested organizations
We also participate in public events like:
- Fairs
- Earth Day celebrations
- Boat shows
These events often include displays and giveaways. Contact your island’s education specialist for details.
Media Outreach
The program also produces 30-second conservation messages for TV.
Watch them on:
Education Staff
If you would like to speak with an Education Specialist, please contact the appropriate Division district office at the information provided below.
| Island | Education Specialist | District Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kauaʻi | Vacant | 3060 ‘Eiwa Street, Room 306 Līhu‘e, HI 96766-1875 |
(808) 274-3344 | |
| Oʻahu | Charles Lee | 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330 Honolulu, HI 96813-3088 |
(808) 953-8719 | charles.m.lee@hawaii.gov |
| Maui County | Adam Wong | 130 Mahalani Street Wailuku, HI 96793 |
(808) 243-5294 | adam.k.wong@hawaii.gov |
| Big Island | John Kahiapo | 75 Aupuni Street, Room 204 Hilo, HI 96720-4245 74-380B Kealakehe Parkway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2721 |
(808) 961-9530 | john.n.kahiapo@hawaii.gov |
The Division of Aquatic Resources’ Education Program is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program, which provides funding to states for a large number of aquatic resource education activities.
Educational Books
The Fishing Education program is designed to enhance interest in and concern for freshwater and nearshore marine environments by introducing children and adults to fishing. Emphasis is on pono fishing practices, to help foster responsible attitudes and a sense of stewardship toward Hawai‘i’s aquatic resources. Topics include fishing gear and methods, fish biology and habitat, fishing safety, conservation, and fisheries management. The Division of Aquatic Resources’ education specialists work with schools, community groups, and others, to provide instructional materials, fishing gear, and technical expertise that promote safe and ethical aquatic resource-based recreation.
To offer a number of opportunities* to explore our aquatic resources, including:
- Fishing Lessons
- Stream/Estuary Ecology Lessons
- Tidepool Exploration
- Anchialine Pool Studies
- Coral Ecology Snorkel
- Classroom Presentations
*Specific activities may vary from island to island. Please contact your island’s Education Specialist for more details and availability.
Download a copy of “The Keiki Angler” (25 pages, pdf, 1.9 MB) or “Why is Hawai‘i’s Ocean Important? A Keiki Activity Book” (25 pages, pdf, 2.8 MB).
How We Teach
DAR education specialists work with schools, scouts, and community groups.
They provide:
- Instructional materials
- Fishing gear
- Technical expertise
Resources available:
- The Keiki Angler
- Fishing in Hawai‘i: A Student Manual
Posters and Reference Materials
Click on the thumbnail images below to download letter-size pdf versions of the posters (335-700 KB), Tidepool and Shallow Reef field identification guide (1 MB), or Native Stream Animals fact sheet (4.6 MB).
Full sized posters are available for teachers free of charge for educational purposes, or are available to the public at a nominal fee ($5) for pickup at DAR Offices only. Sorry we cannot honor mail order requests.
