Hawaii Preparatory Academy is advancing the cause of sea turtle conservation

The HPA Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program offers you the opportunity to join scientific efforts focused on the recovery of endangered sea turtles. Since 1987, HPA students and faculty have captured, studied, and satellite-tagged over 3,900 turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands and at international research sites in Japan, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, American Samoa, Taiwan, and the Republic of Vanuatu.

Students in grade seven and higher are eligible to participate in the program. Typical research trips involve capturing turtles in shallow coastal waters; taking biometrics and completing health assessments; and, if turtles are not already tagged, inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags into each hind flipper. 

Turtles are safely released back into the ocean—a fun and unforgettable moment! Over time, the data we collect produces a deeper understanding of feeding activities, home range, growth rates, and other critical conservation data. More than 40 scientific papers have used data collected through HPA’s program.

We also operate a sea turtle rescue hotline for the island’s leeward coast. HPA faculty directors Marc Rice and Laura Jim and student volunteers respond to reports from the public of sick, injured, or dead sea turtles whenever a call is received. Sick or injured turtles are often sent to O‘ahu for evaluation and treatment, while dead turtles are collected for necropsies that will determine, where possible, the cause of death.

Boarding Tuition for 2024 - 2025: US$ 79,900 International (grades 9-12)

For more information, also on the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Summer Session and the Hawaii Preparatory Academy, and Equestrian Program, check out the Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, Hawaii page on this web site, or write to StudyUnitedStates EU <- click for e-mail

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