Kilo Kai

Explore Hawaiʻi. Earn free college credit.

Changing the course of at-risk youth.

Kilo Kai is a free, extra-curricular marine science club for high school students of Windward Oʻahu.

Education

Learn how to assess while conducting research projects

Grades 9-12

The program is open to all Oʻahu students with preference given to Windward public and charter school students.

Biocultural Restoration

A powerful blend of science, culture, and the outdoors

Our mission is simple: improve ecosystem health through education, observation, and biocultural restoration. Students learn how to assess stream, soil, and reef health while conducting their own research projects.

Along the way, they’ll build skills that connect both culture and science.

Here’s what they’ll do:

  • Snorkeling and reef surveys

  • Stream and soil monitoring

  • Water safety techniques

  • Drone and ROV piloting

  • 3D mapping, microscopy, and genetics

  • Field trips to loʻi kalo, loko iʻa, streams, reefs, and coastal areas across Kāneʻohe and Kailua

Why join?

  • Cost: $0. Participation is free.

  • Earn credit. Students may earn University of Hawaiʻi college credits at no cost.

  • Build skills that matter. Learn teamwork, research techniques, and ecological stewardship from real marine science professionals.

When? Where?

Kilo Kai meets on Sundays, 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM, with regular sessions on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island) and field trips around Windward Oʻahu.

Who can apply?

The program is open to all Oʻahu students grades 9–12, with preference given to Windward public and charter school students. Community college freshmen may also apply.

 

Spring 2026 Applications Now Open