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Hawai'i's corals are important to its people. Back in ancient Hawai'i, the Hawai'ians thought of coral polyps as the first creatures to emerge in creation. In fact, corals were often presented as offerings during religious ceremonies.

Hawai'i's coral reefs are very unique. Hawai'i is about 2,000 miles away from the nearest land mass. The isolation has created unique species that can be found nowhere else in the world. Hawai'i was born of volcanic fires and started with no life. The only plants and animals to settle here were very long-distance travelers. Some drifted as larvae, a very few swam, others hitched rides. Stranded in these isolated waters, the offspring of this select group thrived and multiplied in their isolated paradise. Over millions of years many species changed and became uniquely Hawaiian. This is the reason why over 25% of Hawaiian reef animals are endemic (found only in that location) to Hawai'i.

One of the goals of "Venture into Hawai'i's Coral Reefs" is to share with the world why Hawai'i's coral reefs are referred to as the tropical rainforests of the sea with their many unique organisms. Another goal is to send a message to everyone that corals ARE ALIVE and are not just rocks in the reef. Lastly, "Venture into Hawai'i's Reefs" would like to teach everyone about what things are threatening our reefs, so we can help to protect them. We want to make sure that our precious ecosystem will still be as beautiful as it is for all to enjoy in this new millennium.

Begin your journey by visiting the various reef galleries or simply take a stop at our site map, but don't forget to visit our Discovery Room. This room is special because of the many interactive activities that will help you to understand Hawai'i's coral reefs in a FUN way. Your last stop should be our media gallery as it will leave you breathless after viewing the fantastic world of the coral reefs.