Hanauma Bay Education Program (UH SOEST) - Is seeking volunteers to work as Interpretive Guides to promote stewardship for Hanauma Bay. Duties include information desk help, visitor center theater, brief presentations, etc. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator, Morgan Mamizuka, at (808) 394-1374 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Introduction

The Hanauma Bay Education Program's mission is to enhance appreciation and promote understanding and stewardship of Hanauma Bay and Hawaii's marine environment through public education. We are administered under the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program and also work in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, the Friends of Hanauma Bay, and the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Interpretive Guide

As an Interpretive Guide, you will rotate between three volunteer stations during each volunteer shift. The three stations include an information desk in the visitor center, a small theater where a short orientation film is shown to all visitors, and a beach information kiosk. Your main goal will be to promote stewardship of Hanauma Bay. This is done in large part by helping visitors to understand how to enjoy their visit without harming the reef ecosystem. Most of your time will be spent talking to visitors and answering their questions.

Duties:

• Staff Information Desks (inside and outside)
• Answer visitor questions
• Help snorkelers identify fish and other marine life
• Operate the Visitor Center Theater
• Present brief talks (using a microphone) to visitors in the theater
• Go on “Beach Patrols.” Reach more visitors by leaving the beach kiosk and walking on the beach. If desired, you may also do any of the following: pick up trash, remind visitors of park rules, answer questions.
• Inform park staff of any problems (malfunctioning equipment, unruly visitors, visitor complaints, violations of park rules, etc.) or emergencies
• Optional: Lead short tours on the beach or in the upper park

Minimum Commitment:

• At least six-month commitment.
• One four-hour shift per week.

Training Provided:

• Three 4-hour Shadow Shifts
  • 16-hour Volunteer Training

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with, or interest in Hawaii’s marine environment
• Customer service experience
• Foreign language skills

Supervisor:

• HBEP Volunteer Coordinator Shift Supervisor to be determined upon shift assignment

No experience necessary, as training will be provided. An application, interview and one four-hour shadow shift must be completed prior to training program. Benefits include extensive training and ongoing educational and enrichment activities.