QUEST Application and Information
Apply to QUEST (MARE 264) or Advanced QUEST (MARE 364) by clicking on the application link for the appropriate class below. Users signed into their browser with a UH username will have automatic access to the application form via the link. Other applicants may request access from the QUEST Logistics Coordinator at uhhmop@hawaii.edu.
QUEST (MARE 264)
Important Dates for QUEST 2026
- For Species ID Workshop dates, see the MOP Event Calendar. Workshops are typically held in October and January-February.
- QUEST Application due on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12PM HST
- QUEST (MARE 264 ): Monday, May 18 to Saturday, May 30
- Advanced QUEST (MARE 364 ): Sunday, May 17 to Saturday, May 30
How much does QUEST cost?
The cost of QUEST is a combination of tuition, a lab fee, and a Student Life Center Fee.
Tuition costs change annually. The rates below are for Summer 2026.
- Tuition for Residents
- $312 per credit x 3 credits = $936
- Tuition for WUE / Pacific Islander
- $376.50 per credit x 3 credits = $1129.50
- Tuition for Non-residents
- $441 per credit x 3 credits = $1323
- Lab fee for MARE 264
- $700
- Lab fee for MARE 364
- $200
- Student Life Center Fee
- $49
A tuition deposit is due upon acceptance to the course. This does NOT increase the total cost for the course. Your deposit amount will be deducted from your total amount due for the course. Download the tuition deposit form and follow the instructions for completing and submitting. This form must be submitted in person or by mail, as it requires an original signature in ink.
Diving Eligibility
Eligibility to participate in QUEST is dependent on your status as a diver with the UH Diving Safety Program. Students must be authorized as a Diver-In-Training or Scientific Diver. Please contact the UH Diving Safety Program to learn more about how to become eligible to dive for UH classes.
- UH Hilo Students
- Visit the UH Hilo Diving Safety Program page for information or to contact the UH Hilo Unit Diving Coordinator.
- Other UH Students
- Visit the UH Manoa Diving Safety Program for information or to contact the UH Diving Safety Office.
- Non-UH Students
- Contact the UH Hilo Unit Diving Coordinator at uhhdive@hawaii.edu and inquire about becoming authorized as a Temporary Diver with UH.
Species ID Exam Requirement
Applicants must pass a species ID exam to be eligible for QUEST. MOP offers study workshops on the Hilo and Mānoa campuses each semester to assist students with studying. Visit the Species ID Study Materials page for more details.
Scholarships and Stipends
Scholarship opportunities change on a yearly basis, but there are typically 2-3 scholarships offered every year by various funders via MOP. Applicants may also look for scholarship opportunities outside of MOP or UH for funds that may be applied to UH Hilo Summer Session.
Scholarships available through MOP are announced in the Spring when they officially become available, usually via email to all QUEST applicants. The timing of scholarship applicant selection is typically after the QUEST applications are due and students are notified of acceptance, so it may be difficult to determine your ability to attend based off of scholarship funds alone.