State launches virtual field trips to remote Hawaii seabird sanctuaries

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state is offering new virtual field trips to some of Hawaii’s most remote seabird sanctuaries as part of the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.”

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife announced the online educational experiences Tuesday, featuring Lehua Island near Kauai and Holaniku, also known as Kure Atoll, in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The virtual tours use 360-degree videos, photos and interviews with biologists and cultural practitioners to give the public access to areas that are normally inaccessible.

Officials said the programs are designed primarily for classrooms, but are available to learners of all ages.

“Our virtual field trips are designed with classrooms in mind,” said DLNR Education Specialist Dr. Josh Atwood. “We want to help people connect with remote natural areas, see the important work done by conservation professionals and be inspired to help protect Hawaii.”

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The Lehua Island tour follows biologists from the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project as they highlight native seabirds, plants and restoration efforts after invasive rats and rabbits were removed from the island.

The Holaniku field trip features conservation work focused on protecting nesting habitats for seabirds, including Laysan and black-footed albatrosses.

DLNR said an in-person guided experience for the Holaniku virtual tour will also be held May 28 at the NOAA Pacific Islands Ocean Education Center at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

The free event will include presentations from field staff and virtual reality headset experiences using footage from the remote atoll.

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Anyone interested can register for this event online here.