ReefTeach is an outreach effort that has been underway since 2000 to educate visitors on how to avoid damaging corals at Kahalu'u Bay, and take care of our turtles and reef animals. ReefTeach volunteers of all ages learn to teach snorkelers and swimmers to identify and avoid touching live coral at Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona.
Kahalu'u Bay 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, the Bay experiences over 400,000 users a year – just during peak daylight hours. 40% are from the cruise lines and 60% are from the airlines, and a small number of residents.
Data collected during the program has proven the effectiveness of teaching snorkelers and swimmers to be non-destructive reef visitors. Our data studies show that 80% of those visitors not taught by ReefTeachers will step and stand on coral. Of those who have been taught by ReefTeachers, only 20% will step on coral only because of wave action or trying to keep balance.
Join the effort to save Kahalu'u Bay’s corals and educate visitors on the importance of Hawai'i’s corals...ReefTeaching is effective and fun!
Trained volunteers use picture boards, reference books and examples of coral to teach visitors 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. Interested volunteers are asked to attend two training sessions with a marine scientist- one classroom and one on-site. For more information about volunteering and training click here.
Train the Trainer Program is an effort to educate staff and members of businesses and organizations on the island of Hawai'i on how to avoid damaging corals, and take care of our reef animals. The objective of this program is to provide consistent and accurate information when educating visitors about our coral reef system. Click here for more information on the Train the Trainer Program.
Adopt a Day at Kahalu'u Bay! If you would like to get your company involved, you can also Adopt a Day at Kahalu'u Bay, in which company employees can be ReefTeachers for one day a week, month or year.
Download the ReefTeach brochure.
For more information and to sign up, call or e-mail Cindi Punihaole at (808) 895-1010
