‘The Ocean Around Us’ Opens at Kukui Grove this Weekend

Come to Kukui Grove Center today to celebrate, explore and learn about the vast ocean surrounding our home, the Hawaiian Islands. There will be free ocean training, film showings, guest speakers and keiki activities.

UH Mānoa Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, Pacific Missile Range Facility Natural Resources Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kukui Grove Center have partnered to design and create an educational innovation space and programs highlighting “The Ocean Around Us.”

Events are free and open to the public and include visiting speakers, panel discussions, informational displays, documentary screenings, keiki and ʻohana activities and a poster contest to promote awareness, exploration and understanding of the diverse aspects of Kauaʻi’s ocean environment. The program has just started and will run every weekend until Feb. 17. Look at the full schedule at the image at the bottom of this article. Or attend the event today and  bring home a hard copy of the full schedule.

The opening was last night at Kukui Grove, with a blessing at 6 p.m., followed by informational displays, a schedule of events, hospitality and a special appearance by Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha students featuring their projects on marine mammals and turtles.

Today, Saturday, Jan. 20, the public will be able to join Jean Souza, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary for a 10 a.m.–12 p.m. free Training and Humpback Whale Lecture for new volunteers wishing to participate in the Sanctuary Ocean Count on Kauai on Jan. 27. This is the first shore-based monitoring count of the season of humpback whales and other marine creatures.

Also, today at 1 p.m., there will be a public showing of Award winning movie Humpback Whales by documentary filmmakers MacGillivray Freeman Films. Humpback Whales incorporates impossible photography, entertaining music, and an instructional narrative that creates a positive visceral experience. Footage filmed in Hawaii, Tonga and Alaska. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. The film is appropriate for members of the public of all ages.

Still photo from the movie ‘Humpback Whales,’ playing today at Kukui Grove Center.

Following the film, keiki of all ages are invited to participate in a “Make and Take” Whale and Fish craft activity at 3 p.m. Ask about the Kinolau O Kanaloa Poster Contest for students K-12.

All activities are held in suite E10, directly behind the Exhibition area (between Kauai Film Academy and Deja Vu Surf). A hard copy of the full schedule of the month’s activities will be distributed at the center. You can also look at the image below with the full schedule of activities until Feb. 17.

Visit kukuigrovecenter.com or call 977-8677 for more information.