June 2021 Update
The IPMEN 2021 conference has been cancelled as a face-to-face meeting so, regrettably, the following field trips will now no longer be available. However, we thought it was worth retaining details of the five field trip options that would have been offered to IPMEN 2021 delegates.
- Honolulu Fish Auction at Pier 38 Fishing Village [30 persons max]
- Anuenue Fisheries Research Center and Polynesian Voyaging Society [20 persons max]
- Waikalua Fishpond [50 persons max]
- Freeman Seabird Preserve and Waikiki Aquarium [20 persons max]
- Hanauma Bay [50 persons max]
Field Trip Option #1: Honolulu Fish Auction at Pier 38 Fishing Village
This field trip begins early on Friday morning with a visit to the only fresh fish auction in the United States. The port of Honolulu is one of the top 10 fishing ports in the nation for value of seafood landed ($118 million in 2017) due largely to the sashimi-quality, iced (not frozen) bigeye tuna that is landed. 
The tour begins with viewing the fishing vessels dockside and a discussion of how the fish are harvested and handled to preserve quality and safety. The daily life on a fishing vessel is described. The tour then traces the fish from the vessels into the fish auction facility. On the auction floor, you will learn about how the fish are inspected to insure seafood safety and how a fish auction works. You have the opportunity to see the variety of fish landed and learn something about fish quality, seafood and health and seafood safety. In summary, you will find out what is done to manage Hawaii’s fisheries and what makes Hawaii Seafood the “best in class” in terms of quality, safety and sustainability.
Important Information
- Maximum number of participants: 30.
- Closed-toe shoes required; warm clothing (jacket/sweater and pants) recommended.
Field Trip Option #2: Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center and Polynesian Voyaging Society
This field trip includes two stops on Sand Island. 
The first stop is a visit to the Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center. This is a facility of the State of Hawai’i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. Situated on a 4.25-acre parcel on Sand Island, it serves as a base yard, hatchery, and culture center and is involved in all aspects of the Division’s fisheries and aquaculture programs. Participants will be provided tours of the coral and sea urchin projects.
The second stop is at Honolulu Community College’s Marine Education and Training Center where the Polynesian Voyaging Society offers activities, such as non-instrument navigation and knot tying, integral to the traditional art of canoe sailing. This stop will also include viewing of a short film about the round-the-world voyage of the Hokule‘a and potentially a visit o
f that canoe and her sister canoe, Hikianalia, as well as the reintroduction of oysters to clean the waters of Honolulu Harbour.
Important Information
- Maximum number of participants: 20.
- Waivers for Anuenue to be signed. For this stop, avoid loose and flowing clothes and prepare for a minor outdoor adventure; bring water container (water to be provided). Rustic facilities available. If allergic to bee stings, have epipen with you.
Field Trip Option #3: Waikalua Loko Fishpond
Waikalua Loko Fishpond is managed by the Pacific American Foundation. Its mission is to provide educational and stewardship opportunities for students, parents, educators, community, business and civic organizations that reflect and integrate core Hawaiian values. 
The fishpond was constructed around the year 1650. It is a shallow-water pond enclosed by a rock wall that is located at the fringes of Kāneʻohe Bay. Several mākaha (sluice grates) allow water circulation from the tides. The shallow depth (two to three feet) of Hawaiian fishponds provides the optimal light conditions for plankton and limu (algae) growth. A variety of endemic, native and exotic species inhabit this area, including kākū (great barracuda), moi (threadfin), āholehole (Hawaiian flagtail) and ʻamaʻama (striped mullet), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot), ʻaukuʻu (black-crowned night heron), kūhonu (white crab), aloalo (white mantis shrimp), ʻopaeʻoehaʻa (freshwater prawn), and plants such as niu, hinahina, milo, and ʻākuliakuli kai. One of the main problematic invasive species is the red mangrove, which has to be physically removed or it takes over the pond. Virtual tour of Waikalua Loko.
Important Information:
- Maximum number of participants: 50.
- We will be doing shoreline restoration. If you choose to observe, there is no need to be concerned with the following information. For those who want to actively participate, there is a possibility of getting muddy. You may want to bring an extra set of clothing and old sneakers with laces. Several old sneakers to wear are available if you decide to go in the mud.
- Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. A porta potty (portable toilet) is available
Field Trip #4: Freeman Seabird Preserve at Blackpoint and Waikiki Aquarium
Blackpoint is an Audubon Society sanctuary located near Diamond Head. It is home to the ‘uau kani or wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus), a ground nesting seabird. This protected species is impacted by predatory rats and cats. Researchers from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and ceramic instructors from Windward Community College have developed ceramic nesting modules in hopes to deter predators. As a visitor to this site you will learn about indigenous birds, hear about the restoration efforts, and assist in marine debris cleanup along the shore. The tour will be guided by HPU professor David Hyrenbach. Tour video.
Following the visit to the preserve, participants will be shuttled to the Waikiki Aquarium. Founded in 1904, the aquarium is the second-oldest still-operating public aquarium in the United States, after the New York Aquarium, and has been an institution of the University of Hawaii at Manoa since 1919. Built next to a living coral reef on the Waikiki shoreline, the Waikiki Aquarium is home to more than 3,500 organisms of 490 species of marine plants and animals. Up to 12 participants can enjoy a guided tour, and others can enjoy a self-tour.
Important Information:
- Maximum participants: 20
- For the Preserve: Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and shoes. The terrain is not paved and a little rocky. Moderate hiking to the beach.
- Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest in the ground, under rocks, ceramic modules, and bushes. Watch wear you step to avoid parents and chicks. Portable potty available.
Field Trip Option #5: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling and Exploring the Ecosystem
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is home to some of the most colorful, unique marine life in the world. Because of its declaration as the first Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaiʻi (1967), it is one of the premier snorkeling locations in the main Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma Bay has lifeguards and is also a great place to see a diversity of Hawaiian marine life close to shore. Participants on this field trip will start the morning learning about the geology, history, Hawaiian culture, conservation, and education programs at Hanauma Bay. We will then go down to the shoreline explore the ecosystem, learning more about the fish, corals, and other invertebrates that we will see as we snorkel.
This trip consists of physical activity, beginning with a hike down to the beach. However, there is a tram that will transport people both ways for $2.50 round trip. Also, snorkeling is a strenuous activity. Most of the snorkeling is in shallow water, so know your physical limits. We will be arriving at the beginning of high tide. It is possible for experienced snorkelers to reach deeper water, but it depends on the wave conditions. Sometimes monk seals take naps on the beach. Do not disturb or approach the animal. Also, sea turtles may be swimming in the shallows. Please keep your distance and avoid contact. Additionally, avoid stepping on coral and touching animals. All this information will be in an educational video (15 minutes) provided by the Hanauma Bay Education Center. There are showers at the beach for rinsing, a bathroom, kiosk information center. Up top are a gift store, bathrooms, and burger joint.
Important Information:
- Maximum number of participants: 40
- Snorkel gear available for rent on site or bring your own
- Tide info: Sunday, July 12, 2020; 10 am high tide (neap tide)
- Recommended equipment: Sun protection clothing, hat, sunglasses, towel, change of clothes, underwater camera.
- Mandatory education video (free): 15 minutes
- Sunscreen banned by the State (July 2020): Please bring sunscreen that does not have oxybenzone (the most common compound), octinoxate (which is more toxic), and octocrylene, which can kill coral and damage coral reefs.
Optional expenses:
- Small Locker – $10.00; Large Locker – $12.00
- Tram ride (down) – $1.25; Tram ride (up) – $1.25
- Standard Snorkel Set – $20.00; Premium Snorkel Set – $40.00
Additional costs if traveling independently
- Parking lot fee – $1.00
- Park Entry Fee – $7.50 (Free with ID for local resident, military, or under 12 years)