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Papahānaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary is a unique seascape, a region of deep cosmological and traditional significance to the living Native Hawaiian culture, and one of the world's greatest natural laboratories for research. Because these islands and waters are so remote, Papahānaumokuākea has become a unique place allowing life to evolve on its own. Many plants and animals here have evolved in isolation and are found nowhere else on Earth (known as endemism).
Papahānaumokuākea is recognized as a sacred region in Native Hawaiian cosmology, intimately connected with the Kumulipo creation chant and many cultural and historic traditions. It symbolizes ancestral pathways, spiritual renewal, and the boundary between darkness (pō) and light (ao).
Papahānaumokuākea can be explored through a variety of interactive experiences. We offer a wide array of engaging educational experiences for all ages including exhibits, field trips, distance learning, lesson plans, posters, and more. Learn about your national marine sanctuary by navigating through the links below.
Educational Resources
Our education efforts invest in the future of our nation's marine and coastal areas by sharing the value of the National Marine Sanctuary System, addressing ecosystem threats that affect coastal communities and economies, and engaging the public in ocean stewardship. All educational activities promote the safe and sustainable use of our nation's underwater resources.
Lessons and Curriculum
The following lessons and curricula pertaining to Papahānaumokuākea are free to download and use in your classroom or through online learning. Looking for more? To access curriculum and lesson plans on other topics throughout America's National Marine Sanctuary System, visit the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Education Page.
Books and Movies
Books
A Perfect Day for an Albatross
by Caren Loebel-Fried (Oct 2017)
Archipelago: Portraits of Life in the World's Most Remote Island Sanctuary
by David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton (Oct 4, 2005)
Isles of Refuge: Wildlife and History of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
by Mark J. Rauzon (Jan 2001)
Midway: A Guide to the Atoll and Its Inhabitants
by Connie Toops and Phyllis Greenberg (2012)
The Last Atoll: Exploring Hawaiʻi's Endangered Ecosystems
by Pamela Frierson (Jun 5, 2012)
The Shark and the Albatross: Travels with a Camera to the Ends of the Earth
by John Aitchison (2015)
Wrecked on the Reef: Maritime Archaeology of American Whaleships in the Pacific Ocean
By Jason T. Raupp (2026)
Movies
America's Wild Spaces: Hidden Hawaiʻi, National Geographic (2013)
BBC Survival (2014)
He Waʻa He Moku He Moku He Waʻa (The Canoe is an Island and the Island is a Canoe)
Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures Voyage to Kure, PBS (2006)
Midway: Edge of Tomorrow (2017)
Safe Haven (2006)
United by the Ocean (2019)
Voices of Papahānaumokuākea (2021)
Voyage: Into the Depths of Kanaloa by Ruben Carrillo (2015)
Wild Hawaiʻi: Destination America, Animal Planet (2012)
Educational Activities Offered
Because access to Papahānaumokuākea is restricted, these educational activities offer meaningful ways for students, teachers, and community groups to experience and learn about the sanctuary from their classrooms and communities.
- Field trips to our visitor centers
- Mokupāpapa Discovery Center Experience
- Hands-on activities for kids in the classroom and outdoors
- Classroom presentations by Papahānaumokuākea scientists
- Ship-to-classroom 'ask a scientist' opportunities during research expeditions
- Outreach booths at events