Kihei Facility Project - Sanctuary Learning Center

Sanctuary Learning Center, Kihei, Maui HIHWNMS

The new multipurpose building for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is now complete. The grand opening celebration for the center was held on April 13, 2009. The new building provides expanded facilities for research and education programs that enhance humpback whale protection in Hawai‘i. The new facility also offers additional opportunities for education on the marine environment and provides a venue for programs and meetings. The building complements the existing “landmark” blue office building and mural painted education center.

Future Developments - A Campus Approach

Long-term plans for renovation at the Kihei site include developing a campus that will integrate all three buildings through an open outdoor plaza at the west end of the current parking lot. The blue office building will eventually be renovated to repair the aging facility as well as to reconfigure the floor plan to maximize its use and turn the first floor into the visitor center which has been a iconic attraction. New exhibits with more interactive and visitor friendly educational tools will be developed while still maintaining the spectacular view of sanctuary waters. There are also plans to remodel the current education center, the masonry building into the main office space for staff.

View the Kihei site - use your cursor to move around the property to view the buildings.


Project Management

The new facility was constructed for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary which is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Hawaii through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The first phase of the building construction of the project was managed for NOAA by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) which is based in Honolulu. Construction of the facility was contracted to Oceanic Companies, Inc. by NAVFAC.


More Information

Please continue to visit this website for other information. Continued feedback from Kihei residents, businesses and visitors is encouraged by emailing hihumpbackwhale(at)noaa.gov.

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Project Location

Since 1994, when the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary first established its presence in Kihei, it has taken a role in protecting the endangered humpback whale and its habitat in Hawaii. The familiar blue buildings have become a landmark on Kihei's coast representing the special significance of Maui's protected waters as the center piece for a marine sanctuary dedicated to the humpback whale.

Through its public programs and special educational offerings for school children the sanctuary has informed locals and visitors alike about the ecological and cultural significance of the marine environment. In addition, the sanctuary sponsors research and resource management programs from this office. Due to the success of the sanctuary's program and its continued growth to insure protection for Hawaii's humpback whales, the sanctuary is renovating existing facilities, building a new multi-purpose building on site and removing the existing storage sheds. This new building will house additional office space for staff, storage facilities and have a large space for public programs.

To learn more about this exciting new venture happening at the sanctuary's Kihei office please click on the following links to pdf documents:

Kihei Facilities Project Environmental Assessment (3.1 MB)
This final document includes information on the purpose and need, the environmental consequences and mitigation measures, and findings.

Kihei Facilities Project Summary
This summary report includes site drawings, photos, background information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions provide a quick summary of the Purpose and Need and Background of the project.

Purpose and Need contains the planning process, proposed action, alternatives, and assessment of the environmental impacts.

Background includes facility location and history, sanctuary mission, project need, and brief description of sanctuary activities.

Comments from various agencies and the general public received during the Draft Environmental Assessment process are addressed.

Photos include preliminary drawings, photos of the site, and the presentation used at the public meetings that were held to inform the community about the project.

For more information email the Kihei Facilities Project Team at hihumpbackwhale(at)noaa.gov

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