Current research activities include a natural resources inventory. HIMB is a major marine biology lab, complete with permanent research and shop facilities, boats, and experimental ponds. It is one of the University's research institutes and provides many ways to collaborate on research projects. It is located on Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay. There is some limited van service to the Coconut Isl and pier.
Parking is limited at the pier.
The HIMB library has a valuable collection of reports, many of which are not found in other libraries in the State. In the past, a number of students and faculty have conducted research on the Coconut Island reef flats. These areas are in a marine reserve offering some protection not found on other reefs in the bay. There are very active discussions being held about the possibility of creating a new field station near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Nature Conservancy is trying to establish a network of field stations on all the major islands.