Visiting HIMB
Whether you are a researcher looking to collaborate, a teacher seeking a hands-on field trip, a senior contemplating a career in marine biology, or a neighbor who loves our backyard reef, we’d love to connect with you. All visits must be coordinated in advance and require sponsorship by a faculty or staff member.
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Are you permitted to visit HIMB?
The Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology is located on Moku o Lo’e, a small island in Kāne‘ohe Bay off the eastern coast of O‘ahu. We offer an array of public tours, school programs, intensive learning opportunities, an annual community Open House, and we frequently host visiting researchers. As a working marine laboratory, Moku o Lo‘e is not open to the public. Once a visit is authorized and waivers are processed, HIMB is only accessible by boat. Our 6-passenger shuttle boat departs daily from Lilipuna Pier, and our 50-passenger educational research vessel makes scheduled departures from He‘eia Harbor.
Rules & Waivers
All non-employees on HIMB property must complete and submit an electronic HIMB Waiver prior to arrival. Non-employees include: visitors, interns, volunteers, visiting researchers, non-employed University of Hawai‘i undergraduates, graduate students, & postdoctoral researchers. All visitors must abide by the HIMB rules.
HIMB Rules
- HIMB is not open to the public, trespassing is prohibited.
- Sponsored visitors are not permitted in any research building unless escorted by HIMB sponsor or personnel.
- Children under 13 years of age are required by law to wear a life jacket while in or on the water. The HIMB shuttle boat carries a limited number of juvenile life jackets, but if possible please provide your own. HIMB does not have any infant life jackets; please supply your own. Compliance with this law is mandatory.
- When touring the facilities, please do not touch or remove anything.
- Please keep our facility clean and throw garbage in the dumpsters.
- ALWAYS use a dive flag when swimming or snorkeling. Do not touch or remove anything.
- Do not collect any aquatic life or use unauthorized fishing gear, unless you have a collecting permit. More information about collecting permits is available from the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Licenses and Permits page.
- No smoking of any kind is allowed at HIMB, including electronic cigarettes.
Waivers
Everyone must fill out the first section:
1) Consent, Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement.
If staying overnight, fill out the:
2) Medical Consent Form,
3) Emergency Contact Information.
Email completed forms to: [email protected] with the subject line: WAIVER. Completed forms are stored in a secure filing system.
Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)
46-007 Lilipuna Road
Kaneohe, HI 96744
All shuttle boats leave from Lilipuna Pier
Shuttle Boat Service
Our complimentary shuttle boat service transports up to 6 passengers at a time, operating continuously Monday-Friday.
Before You Visit
We look forward to having you join us at HIMB! Before you arrive, ensure you have a sponsor and that your waiver has been processed. Bring any food you may require, as none is available for purchase on the island. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bring a reusable water bottle and a raincoat, as weather conditions can shift.