Faculty & Staff Highlights - February 2026

John (right) and Kainoa with Kaiola at the NorthRiver boat facility in Roseburg, OR.

John Burns, Chair of Marine Science, and Kainoa Hauanio, Captain of the Boating Safety Program, recently traveled to Roseburg, OR to complete the final inspection of the new UH Hilo Marine Science research vessel, Kaiola. The 43-foot aluminum NorthRiver vessel was purpose-built to support marine science and applied education.

Kaiola will significantly expand hands-on learning opportunities for students enrolled in boat-based laboratory courses, allowing continued training in field sampling, oceanographic operations, and marine technology. The vessel will also support ongoing faculty research, including projects involving oceanographic buoys, diving operations, and nearshore monitoring efforts. This new addition strengthens UH Hilo Marine Science capacity for experiential education and research across Hawaiʻi Island waters.

While the vessel is a major step forward for the program, it must clear a few final hurdles before its official launch. “We can’t utilize it until all the registration for the boat and the trailer are completed,” notes Associate Professor Burns, highlighting the administrative steps required before the Kaiola can begin its mission in the field.