Facilities

Researchers from the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology have year-round access to Kane‘ohe Bay and its tropical marine waters. Protected by an extensive barrier reef system, the bay's estuarine and coral reef ecosystems support a rich and diverse biota. Outside the barrier reef, pelagic species and open ocean waters 1000 meters deep are within 6 km of Coconut Island. An extensive data base concerning Kane‘ohe Bay and Hawaiian reef biota serves as a valuable resource to HIMB researchers.

Detailed information for visiting researchers and students concerning HIMB facilities and life on the island is available in our “Visitor Information” section.

Special facilities at HIMB

Outside view of the main lab, showing two of our research vessels.

Excellent flow-through sea water system
Flumes simulating coral reef flat environments
Reef microcosm tanks
Fish holding facilities
Six controlled tidal ponds with a total of 4,829 sq. meters of area
Labs that support state-of-the-art physiology, cell and molecular biology, pigment analysis, gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry, and histology
Algal and larval culture facilities
Solar simulators
Underwater video recording and data analysis
Photographic darkroom
Terminals to UH mainframe computers
SCUBA equipment room and compressor
Maintenance and engineering shop
Boston Whaler fleet
Honu Kai (14m passenger/cargo vessel)
Marine railway

Accommodations

HIMB is equipped to provide classroom, laboratory and dormitory space for University of Hawai'i and visiting researchers. Please visit our ”Visitor Information“ section for more information on doing research at Coconut Island.