Kahaluʻu Bay Project

Kahaluʻu Bay in Kona is intensely used as a recreation area, and research has confirmed that overuse and trampling of live corals is degrading the ecosystem. According to a County Lifeguard and UH Sea Grant Program count, Kahaluʻu Bay experiences over 400,000 users a year – just during peak daylight hours.

The Kahaluʻu Bay ReefTeach project is an outreach effort that has been underway since 2000 to educate visitors on how to avoid damaging corals at Kahaluʻu Bay. Trained ReefTeach volunteers of all ages learn to teach snorkelers and swimmers about delicate coral and the organisms that depend upon coral for food and shelter. They also inform visitors of turtle basking behavior and help reduce disturbances to turtles in the bay.

Data collected during the program has proven the effectiveness of teaching snorkelers and swimmers to be non-destructive reef visitors. Our studies show that 80% of visitors not taught by ReefTeachers will step and stand on coral. Of those taught by ReefTeachers, studies show that 20% will step on coral but only because of wave action and trying to keep balanced.

Please see our Reef Guidelines information and learn more about ReefTeach and how to become a volunteer here.

For more information, contact info@kohalacenter.org, or call 808-886-6411.