Sanctuary Manager Allen Tom presides over the dedication ceremony of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine click image for more...(photo: Jeff Alexander)

During the Sanctuary's dedication ceremony, the entire community was invited to participate in a Native Hawaiian fish gathering activity known as a "hukilau." click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

Spectators watch from the shore as nets were cast for the fishing demonstration. Behind the audience stands the Maui Sanctuary office, click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

Native Hawaiian culture was highlighted during the Sanctuary's Dedication ceremony. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

Colorful informational signs at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary office in Kihei, Maui. The Sanctuary's visitor center is staffed by volunteers who answer questions from residents and visitors about the humpback whale and its marine habitat. (photo: Jeff Alexander)

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Visitors to the Sanctuary office in Maui come from many different islands, states and countries. Visitors can spend their time click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

Sanctuary volunteers, many of whom are retired senior citizens, offer a lifetime of experiences to younger generations. Here, volunteers click image for more... (photo: Carol Carey)

Education and research are the main goals of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. A majority of the Sanctuary's publications are printed in English and Hawaiian. Recently, the State of Hawaii's Department click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

The Sanctuary regularly develops new educational materials for the public. The "Whale of Fortune" game, a popular activity created click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

One of the Sanctuary's latest activities is the giant humpback whale puzzle which teaches kids a little about humpback whale anatomy and a lot about patience! (photo: Kellie Araki)

Interactive craft activities make up a large part of the Hawaii Sanctuary's educational outreach efforts. Projects like this "squid mask" allows kids to work with their hands and learn about the various marine critters found in Hawaii's waters. (photo: Kellie Araki)

Storm drains feed directly into the ocean, contributing to non-point source pollution in Sanctuary waters. Sanctuary click image for more...(photo: Wendy Wiltse)

In celebration of Earth Day, students from Roosevelt High School created a life size model of a humpback whale out of garbage bags. click image for more... (photo: Naomi Macintosh)

The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a tremendously popular annual event on the island of Oahu. For three hours on a designated day in February,click image for more... (photo: Naomi McIntosh)

Borders Books and Music is one of the many sponsors that support the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary click image for more... (photo: Naomi Macintosh)

World-renowned marine artist Robert Lyn Nelson, a strong supporter of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine click image for more... (photo: Jeff Alexander)

On behalf of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, world-renowned marine artist Wyland painted a mural click image for more... (photo: Naomi Macintosh)

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Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer extraordinaire and tireless spokesperson for the National Marine Sanctuary program, receives a special click image for more... (photo: Naomi Macintosh)

The Hokulea, an ancient Polynesian voyaging vessel, is most likely the type of craft that the first Polynesians used to discover the Hawaiian click image for more... . (photo: Susan Scott)