2026 volunteer registration

Register for an Ocean Count Saturday

Volunteer registration runs on a rolling basis — one month at a time, starting the first Monday of the month before each count date.

January 31, 2026

Closed

Opens: January 5 · 12:00 noon HST
Closes: January 19 · 12:00 noon HST

February 28, 2026

Closed

Opens: February 2 · 12:00 noon HST
Closes: February 16 · 12:00 noon HST

March 28, 2026

Open now

Opens: March 2 · 12:00 noon HST
Closes: March 16 · 12:00 noon HST

Currently open: March 28, 2026

Sign up for the March count

Registration for the March 28 count is open through March 16 at noon HST. Pick your preferred shore site, confirm your details, and you'll get a confirmation email with site directions and what to bring.

Open registration form

Form provided by FormSite — opens in a new tab.

What we ask of volunteers

Ocean Count runs on observers who can commit to a four-hour morning at a coastal site. Here's the short list before you register:

1
Be willing to attend the full event, which runs from 8 am to 12 noon
2
Check out the resources page for the volunteer data-sheet prep documents
3
Note this will require arriving at your site prior to 8 am for initial instructions
4
Register for each Ocean Count event date that you wish to volunteer
5
Register for each person — one form only accounts for one person (this is to ensure volunteer numbers are accurate and within the limits, including children)
6
Have an accurate contact email (preferred) and/or number for your registration to receive any important event updates

Questions?

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary coordinates registration directly. For specifics on a site, a group registration, or scheduling conflicts, get in touch.