Where Marine Science Connects
From the center of the Pacific, HIMB's dynamic research community is a hub for ocean solutions. Marine biologists from Hawaiʻi and around the globe come to HIMB to learn and lead careers of impact. Our research extends from our living laboratory on Moku o Loʻe to communities here and around the world.
Research Excellence
HIMB advances fundamental research and develops new technologies to address the challenges facing Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and the world’s oceans. Our community of over 200 faculty, staff, and students transform local research into global solutions.
Transformative Education
Surrounded by a living coral reef and diverse marine life, HIMB offers a learning environment like no other. Our education pathways connect students, educators, and community members with our research, sparking curiosity and opening doors to marine science. From grade school to graduate studies, we’re inspiring the next wave of ocean stewards.
Island Stewardship
HIMB forges and fosters partnerships with coastal communities. Our research extends from mauka (ridge) to makai (reef). From shared bodies of knowledge, we find strategies for sustaining our coastal resources, and we are piloting programs to inspire other island communities to do the same.
Grounded in Place
HIMB is an organized research unit of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, located on the island of Moku o Lo‘e and surrounded by a living coral reef in Kāne‘ohe Bay. Boarding our shuttle boat to reach the island is an invitation to connect with and mālama (care for) ‘āina (land, that which feeds). This responsibility is intrinsic to our work in Hawai‘i and study sites worldwide.
One Ocean. Global Solutions.
Nature-Based Solutions
HIMB advances coral and coastal resilience through research on thermal tolerance in corals, effectiveness of reef restoration, and the coastal protection that reefs provide. Our researchers develop innovative technologies like 3D-printed settlement structures and explore nature-based coastal defense. HIMB advances our foundational understanding of corals, coral reefs and their roles in coastal resilience, developing solutions to protect and conserve reefs in the face of climate change and other human impacts.
Happening At HIMB
Go behind the scenes and experience the breakthroughs, stories, and news coming out of our HIMB ‘Ohana.
Science and Storms: Recapping MMRP’s 2026 Maui Field Season
Braving record rainfall and "Kona lows," researchers successfully used drone-integrated tagging technology to capture unprecedented data on humpback whale health and behavior in Maui Nui. This eight-year longitudinal study combines high-tech measurements with dramatic field observations to help scientists predict how these iconic marine mammals will navigate a rapidly changing climate.
Four Prestigious Honors for HIMB Graduate Students
HIMB is proud to celebrate four graduate students whose outstanding research in marine mammal energetics, gray whale ecology, fisheries modeling, and data science has earned them prestigious university and national accolades. These honors highlight the next generation of scientists providing the foundational evidence needed to protect and sustain our changing marine ecosystems.
Fellowships for Seven Fisheries Grad Students Highlights Community Support
The first cohort of the Sustainable Fisheries Graduate Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been selected and includes 14 students, seven of which are supported through fellowships from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and a Hawai’i-based philanthropic organization.
HIMB Researcher Dr. Brian Bowen Ranks #1 Globally in Phylogeography
The Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) is proud to announce a landmark achievement for one of its long-standing researchers, Dr. Brian Bowen. Dr. Bowen has been ranked #1 globally in the field of Phylogeography by ScholarGPS.
3D-Printed Shelters Increase Baby Coral Survival Rates
Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi have developed 3D-printed ceramic "helix recesses" that dramatically boost baby coral survival by providing vital protection from predators and waves. These innovative, low-cost modules increase coral settlement by 80 times compared to flat surfaces, offering a scalable solution for restoring global reef ecosystems.
A Celebration of Science & Community: 2026 HIMB Scholarship Symposium
The 2026 HIMB Scholarship Symposium transformed Earth Day into a dynamic stage for marine innovation, spotlighting the rigorous field studies and AI-driven breakthroughs of 41 emerging scientists. From mapping green turtle foraging grounds to revolutionary reef surveys, the event united rigorous research with community spirit to celebrate the future of ocean stewardship.