About The Sanctuary

Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 582,570 square miles of vibrant marine habitats. This sanctuary includes a mosaic of interconnected ecosystems, from coral islands bordered by shallow reefs and lush mesophotic reefs filled with algae out to vast open ocean waters, deep-sea plains reaching 16,400 feet below the surface, and unique deep reef areas with seamounts, banks, and shoals. Explore the links below to discover more about this remarkable sanctuary.

Painting by Solomon Enos representing the namesake of Papahanaumokuea. Papahānaumoku is a mother figure represented by land and Wākea is a father figure represented as the sky.

The Name

The name Papahānaumokuākea comes from an ancient Hawaiian belief concerning the genealogy and formation of the Hawaiian Islands, and a deep honoring of the dualisms of life.

The rocky outcropping of Mokumanamana rising from a deep blue ocean. Photo: Ka’aleleo Wong

History

There is a long history of considering this area for national marine sanctuary designation dating back over two decades.

Manu ‘ā, also known as Masked Boobies, sit atop the manamana on a heiau at Hā‘ena Moe, Mokumanamana. Photo: Ka’aleleo Wong

Defining Values

Papahānaumokuākea is where nature and culture are one — a vast, sacred seascape protecting one of the last pristine ocean ecosystems on Earth and a place of deep ancestral significance to Native Hawaiians.

Ghostly white dumbo octopus in deep dark water amongst a seamount. Photo: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA

News & Events

From groundbreaking discoveries to community voyages. there's always something unfolding across Papahānaumokuākea. Explore the latest news, stories, and events from the sanctuary. NEW: In the "History" box, change the text in that box to read: Sanctuary designation was decades in the making-the culmination of a community's enduring commitment to protect this sacred place.