Whaling
History of Whaling in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
The whaling industry transformed the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century. Vessels stopped in Honolulu ports for provisions and to recruit new whalers. At one time, Native Hawaiians comprised nearly one-fifth of the sailors in the Pacific-based American whaling fleet.
Whaling Shipwrecks in Papahānaumokuākea
At least ten whaling vessels were reported lost in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. To date, five of these whaling ships have been located and investigated by NOAA maritime archaeologists:
Artifact Conservation: New Life for Old Artifacts
Maritime archaeologists do not remove artifacts from a wreck site until the entire site has been properly surveyed and documented. Even still, recovery of artifacts is rare, and costly when done properly. Artifacts may be recovered if there is a chance that it may be subject to looting, or damage. Also, artifact recovery may be important for further research, education and outreach, and identification of a site. Shipwreck sites in Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary are remote and few people will ever get to visit them. Creating exhibits such as the "Lost on a Reef" exhibit at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo helps visitors to get a chance to understand these sites and connect with pieces of this history. The artifacts are a window into the broader story of maritime heritage in the sanctuary.
