Sam continues her mālama adventures on the Island of Oahu...

The Island of Oahu is one of the most popular destinations for visitors travelling to Hawaii. Home to the state capital Honolulu, the world-famous Wakiki Beach and Pearl Harbour, almost 6 million visitors flock to the island each year.
 
It is fantastic that so many people from across the globe have the opportunity to experience all that this special place has to offer, but such a large volume of visitors means we must all take care to travel responsibly and make a positive contribution – to have a mālama mindset – so that the native people of Hawaii and their culture are given the proper respect, and ensure the wonders of Oahu, and all of Hawaii, can be enjoyed for generations to come.

 

Swim with sharks to support conservation and education.

• For many beachgoers, the fear of sharks runs high. And the popular depictions of these apex predators through films such as Jaws haven’t helped their reputation as a lurking threat to innocent swimmers.
• But the team at One Ocean Diving is determined to fight this perception and help the public understand that sharks are not only misunderstood, but crucial to the health of our oceans.
• A shark diving experience with the One Ocean team is completely different to what you might expect. There are no cages, no luring the creatures in by baiting the water, and it is more serene than scary.
• Setting out from Haleiwa Harbor in the quiet of the morning, the One Ocean team are extensively trained professionals working full-time as marine animal researchers and guides. They not only put you right at ease, allaying any fears, but during the short boat ride they provide guests with practical and helpful information about sharks and marine animals that ensures you'll be better equipped to respond appropriately if you ever come across large marine animals when you're on your own.
• Safety of their guests is the top priority, and One Ocean’s safety record is spotless.
• Arriving at the dive spot, you are kitted out with protective gear, swim fins and snorkels before you slip into the water.
• Holding on to a safety line attached to the boat, its time to peer beneath the ocean surface and there they are – an array of sharks, swimming peacefully. With the guide’s safety instructions in mind, you can observe these creatures from a distance without disturbing them and the experience is incredible. You become acutely aware that all the sharks are interested in is minding their own business; snacking on you is the last thing on their mind.
• You will also experience the incredible diversity of species inhabiting our oceans, helping to gain a new understanding and appreciation for Hawaii’s sea life.
• They also guarantee that you will see a shark and will issue a full refund if you don’t!
• The team’s hope is that guests will be inspired to help spread the word about ocean conservation efforts. They are dedicated to using their platform to advocate for marine conservation across the globe, and locally through their education and outreach[TK2]  efforts with local schools.
• As part of their conservation efforts, they also host monthly reef and beach clean-ups on the island of Oahu that visitors can join, helping to make a meaningful impact towards protecting our oceans and integrating the spirit of mālama into their lives and they provide various opportunities for those who wish to volunteer  and offer their support.