Festivals and workshops, print publications for adults and children, and other diverse education efforts are all created to enhance the public's knowledge of the sanctuary's goals and regulations and improve public awareness and understanding of the humpback whale and its diverse habitat. The sanctuary also strives to manage responsible human uses within the sanctuary and encourage public participation. It is especially active in providing information exchange between the various environmental educators and interpreters, scientists, agencies, and the general public. Over the years, the sanctuary has educated the public at county fairs, and supported special days like Whale Fest and Whale Regatta and Earth Day. Each event allows the sanctuary staff to promote the importance of a safe haven for breeding humpback whales.
Volunteers play a vital role in the sanctuary.
In one year alone, volunteers on the islands of Kauai, Oahu and Maul logged more than 3,000 hours. I'A O Maui or Fishpond Association of Maui. This group was formed to protect, educate, and refurbish the Ko'ie'ie Fishpond. Another, the Nonu Ea', a Hawaii Wildlife Fund project, monitors and patrols Maui's beaches for hawksbill turtle nesting areas. Sanctuary volunteers, many of whom are retired citizens, offer a lifetime of experiences to younger generations.