DAR Coral Restoration

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DAR Coral Restoration

Hawai'i State Division of Aquatic Resources coral restoration programs.

03/31/2026

Coral outplanting coming soon! Our first batch of coral modules have been acclimating to match the conditions of their new home and they are ready to go! The Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District will be the first of three new coral restoration sites in the DAR Oʻahu Coral Outplanting Project. Stay tuned for more updates!

01/28/2026

What have we been up to?!

The HCRN has been busy collecting, processing and cutting new corals of opportunity to use for upcoming restoration on the south shore of Oʻahu. We currently have over 150 modules in our fast-growth systems and more than 20 being acclimated for our next group of outplants!

11/14/2025

Meet the team!
Taylor Engle is a coral restoration specialist at the HCRN and has been with the nursery since 2019. He oversees coral husbandry in the coral module grow-out rooms, water quality, and crustose coralline algae cultivation. In his free time Taylor is an avid hiker and volunteers with several local organizations.

10/22/2025

Did you know the HCRN has an ‘ōpae‘ula Arc? We have collected individuals from the known populations across the main Hawaiian Islands and keep them at our facility. These endemic shrimp were recently named the state shrimp of Hawaiʻi and hold strong cultural and environmental roles.

08/21/2025

Mahalo nui loa to all of our amazing summer volunteers and interns!

Our volunteers learn to assist in coral husbandry and participate in coral restoration research around the nursery. We are so appreciative of all of their hard work!

07/29/2025

Meet the team!
Norton Chan is a Senior Coral Specialist at the HCRN and has been with the Nursery since 2015. He oversees coral husbandry in the coral module grow-out rooms, field operations, and facility maintenance. In his free time Norton can be found fishing and diving across Oʻahu.

07/01/2025

Species Spotlight: Finger Coral or Porites compressa.
Finger coral is an endemic species within the Hawaiian Islands and is one of the dominant reef-forming corals. This coral is easily distinguishable by its finger-like branches, giving it the common name finger coral.

06/17/2025

Survey Results Are In! The DAR O’ahu Coral Outplanting Project sites have been selected based on your input!

We're excited to announce the selection of the second restoration site!
After a community survey, the Kewalo and Maunalua Bay (Hawai'i Loa) sites both received approximately 50-50% of the vote. With strong support for both sites, common responses emphasized the importance of the site's accessibility and usage, therefore Kewalo was selected to be the primary site with Maunalua as a secondary site. A smaller group of corals outplanted at Maunalua will help inform future efforts.

Why Kewalo?
✅ Higher accessibility and visibility
✅ Greater education opportunities
✅ Need for restoration for 2024 anchor damage
✅ High coral survival potential

Why Maunalua Bay (Hawai'i Loa site)?
✅ Ongoing community and restoration support
✅ Broad ahupua'a connections
✅ High coral survival potential

Coral reefs are critical to Hawaiʻi’s ocean health, they provide essential habitat for fish and invertebrates, reduce wave energy that protects our shorelines, support recreation for snorkelers and divers, and are deeply tied to cultural heritage and conservation values.
Mahalo to everyone who shared their voice in the survey! Your input helps guide meaningful restoration efforts for a more resilient reef and connected community.

06/01/2025

Happy world reef day! 🪸
We are so proud to help restore these incredible ecosystems across Hawaiʻi.

05/22/2025

Survey Results Are In! The DAR O’ahu Coral Outplanting Project sites have been selected based on your input!

We’re excited to announce the first chosen site, the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)!

After a community survey, Waikīkī MLCD received 62% of the vote, while Turtle Canyon received 38%. Waikīkī MLCD was selected for its status as a protected area, with strong community support and emphasis on education and accessibility.

Why Waikīkī MLCD?
✅Protected area status
✅ Lower tour boat pressure
✅ Enhanced education opportunities
✅ Higher accessibility
✅ Rich cultural and historical significance
Coral reefs are critical to Hawaiʻi’s ocean health, they provide essential habitat for fish and invertebrates, reduce wave energy that protects our shorelines, support recreation for snorkelers and divers, and are deeply tied to cultural heritage and conservation values.
Mahalo to everyone who shared their voice in the survey! Your input helps guide meaningful restoration efforts for a more resilient reef and connected community.

05/01/2025

Time is Running Out!
The DAR O‘ahu Coral Outplanting Project Survey closes tonight, April 30th, at 11:59 PM.
Share your input on which two sites should be selected for restoration:
Waikīkī: Turtle Canyon or Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)
O‘ahu South Shore: Maunalua Bay or Kewalo

Take the Survey Before It’s Too Late: bit.ly/dar-coral-survey

04/29/2025

Hawai‘i’s Native Corals Need Your Help!
Corals like Rose/Cauliflower Coral, Antler Coral, and Lobe Coral provide vital habitat for nearshore fisheries, protect our coasts from waves and storms, and support tourism and fishing industries worth billions.
As they protect and provide for us, it’s our turn to restore them.

Take the survey today to help us choose coral outplant sites: bit.ly/dar-coral-survey

Address

Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center
Honolulu, HI
96819

Website

http://Linktr.ee/darcoralrestoration

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