The Hawaiian Islands form an archipelago consisting of 8 main islands as well as many atolls, small islets, and numerous seamounts.  Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, over 3,000 miles from the nearest continent, and the most isolated island chain on earth, the Hawaiian Islands consist of many unique and fragile ecosystems and are home to many endemic species which developed in complete isolation over 70 million years.  The Hawaiian Island chain was colonized several hundred years ago and has since undergone huge environmental impacts including the introduction of many invasive species which have had detrimental impacts upon the native species populations as well altering the coastal environment.  NOAA has focused its efforts on the maintenance and management of the Hawaiian Island’s unique coastline ecosystems.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its efforts in Environmental Literacy at the Pacific Services Center (PSC), looks to inform the public as to NOAA’s efforts in environmental resources management through the development and implementation of an educational program in Hawai'i.