The Coastal Observational Program is focusing on Kane'ohe Bay and the open ocean inmediatly adjacent to the bay. The bay is a complex natural system that has been heavily impacted by coastal development. Kane'ohe Bay is therefore, an ideal location to assess anthropogenic impact on subtropical coastal environment.

Our research and education program is comprised of monthly surveys of the bay using our research vessel and oceanographic monitoring equipment. Water samples are collected on each survey cruise to assess chemical conditions in the water column to calibrate in situ sensors deployed on CTD casts. The data collected in each of the cruises are quality controled by HPU students under the supervision of HPU faculty and OI staff scientists.