Nicholas School Students Visit Hawaii's Marine National Monument

Jan. 18 - 30, 2009

Join us as we spend 9 fascinating days studying marine conservation in the remote, restricted Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 3 days learning about environmental issues on Oahu. Through our students’ blogs, photos and videos, we’ll bring this remarkable, rarely visited corner of the world to you.

See what we've been up to ...

Midway (Fri. 1/30/09) - Last Day — by Andy Read

Reflections of our trip from Tom McMurray      comments (2)

Midway (Thurs., 1/29/09): Endangered species day — by Jennifer Weaver

Our last full day features three endangered species found in the reserve...     

Midway (Wed., 1/28/09):The Jacks of Midway: A Jack-of-all-Trades and an Ulua w/ videos — by Wendy Goyert

Our adventures on Midway continued with story-time about amazing conservation successes and another incredible snorkel trip on the Atoll's pristine reefs.     

Midway (Tues., 1/27/09): Spinners & the Natural and Human History Clash — by Mike Press

The day moved right on past stunningly beautiful into some extreme dolphin action, the confused history of Midway, and a hundred other things you know you want to read about.      comments (1)

Midway (Mon., 1/26/09): Battles, Birds and Fire Trucks - w/video — by Michelle Fabie

We got a history lesson and awesome birdwatching opportunities on Midway Atoll's other island before helping Fish & Wildlife in the field. The day ended with sirens and lights...      comments (3)

Midway (Sun., 1/25/09): So You Think You Can Dance...Like an Albatross? - w/video — by Kate McClellan

We finally devote an entire day to looking at the life and death of our hosts on Midway, the Albatross.      comments (2)

Midway (Sat., 1/24/2009): Dirty Jobs, Aloha Style - w/video — by Corrie Curtice

Today we experienced how Midway, a remote Pacific island, handles recyclables and beach debris.      comments (4)

Midway in the Sun (Fri., 1/23/09): Snorkeling and Gardening w/video — by Anna-Marie Laura

The clearest day on Midway in weeks and we spent it snorkeling the reef and gardening with Albatross.      comments (6)

Midway (Thurs., 1/22/09): Where Wildlife Has the Right of Way - w/video — by Annabelle Ng

Even the erratic weather couldn’t stop us from getting our hands dirty on our first day on this amazing and unique island.      comments (6)

Oahu (Mon., 1/19/09): Albatross, Monk Seals, and Whales at Ka'ena Point- video — by Wendy Goyert

Today we spent the day hiking out to Ka'ena Point in the Northwestern corner of Oahu. While we helped band Laysan Albatross, Humpback Whales breached offshore and an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal crawled onto the rocks to sunbathe. Not a bad day in paradise!      comments (2)

Oahu (Wed., 1/21/09): We're going to Midway! - video — by Wendy Goyert

Off we go on our private charter flight from Honolulu to Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (1,200 miles!) . Watch as we get ready for our exciting plane ride. Take a look at the maps on the right to see where we're going.     

To Midway We Go (Wed., 1/21/09) w/video — by Lindsay Aylesworth

The day to head to Midway has finally arrived, but first a stop to the NOAA Protected Resources Office before our private plane awaits.     

Oahu (Tues., 1/20/09): Honolulu Fish Auction - video — by Wendy Goyert

We arose very early on Inauguration Day to witness Hawaii's fresh catch of the day being auctioned off to wholesalers, markets, and restaurants.      comments (2)

Oahu (Tues., 1/20/09): Hawaiian Longline Fishing and the Papahānaumokuākea National Monument - w/video — by Wendy Goyert

After our exciting trip to the fish market we chatted with Sean Martin, a fisherman and boat owner in the Hawaiian longline tuna and swordfish fishery. We then visited NOAA's office to learn all about the Papahānaumokuākea National Monument, where we'll be heading tomorrow to visit Midway Atoll!      comments (2)

Oahu (Tues., 1/20/09): Spending Inauguration Day with Tuna and Monk Seals — by Lindsey Feldman

Our day began at 5:30 am and by 5:00 pm our brains were overflowing with information on marine management in the Hawaiian archipelago-but never enough information that we stopped asking questions.      comments (2)

Oahu (Mon., 1/19/09): Chicks Raising Chicks at Ka’ena Point — by Andy Read

Today we hiked out to Ka’ena Point, at the western tip of the island of Oahu, to visit the Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve.      comments (2)