The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a signature education, outreach and community science project that Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts annually. Ocean Count serves to promote public awareness about kohol? (humpback whales), the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. The count is conducted three times per year during peak whale season and provides a snapshot of humpback whale sightings from the shoreline. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals? surface behavior during the survey. The Sanctuary Ocean Count project is highly dependent on and hugely successful due to our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers! Check out oceancount.org to learn more!

The 2026 event dates are the following Saturday's:

• January 31
• February 28
• March 28

The 2026 t-shirt focal design was generously created by Todd Palisi. Todd Palisi, a newbie to the Big Island of Hawai?i is an award-winning Creative Director/Art Director, design extraordinaire, and all-around nice guy. He's the mastermind behind some of the most impressive campaigns for major brands like Bacardi, PBR, Pernod Ricard, Frito Lay and The Home Depot. With over 30 years of experience, Todd has honed his art directing skills in advertising, marketing, and visual design to deliver exceptional design solutions.

Proceeds benefit National Marine Sanctuary Foundation - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Counts!

Mahalo for your support!