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Restoring Kauaʻi's Coral Reef Ecosystems For Future Generations
The Kauaʻi Coral Restoration Nursery (KCRN) is a community-driven coral restoration program dedicated to restoring resilient coral reef ecosystems through science, education, stewardship, and mālama ʻāina.
Operating out of Nōmilu, at the base of the Kalāheo Ahupuaʻa in the Kona Moku of Kauaʻi, KCRN serves as both a coral propagation facility and a living classroom where native Hawaiian corals are grown, studied, and prepared for future restoration. Managed as a program of Hoʻomalu Ke Kai and operating under permits issued by the Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), KCRN brings together coral restoration, scientific monitoring, workforce development, community engagement, and emergency reef response to help build healthier and more resilient reefs for future generations.
More than simply growing corals, our mission is to build Kauaʻi's long-term capacity for coral restoration and emergency reef response. Through partnerships with government agencies, researchers, educators, cultural practitioners, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers, we're developing the people, knowledge, infrastructure, and collaborative networks needed to monitor reef health, respond to bleaching events and other emerging threats, restore damaged reef ecosystems, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. By investing in both restoration and community preparedness, we're helping ensure Kauaʻi is equipped to care for its reefs for generations to come.
Today, KCRN is proud to be the first dedicated coral restoration nursery established on Kauaʻi and part of Hawaiʻi's growing network of community-based coral restoration programs.
For Kaua'i, By Kaua'i.
Everything we do is rooted in the belief that lasting conservation begins within the community.
Our goal is not simply to restore corals. Our goal is to empower the people of Kauaʻi to become lifelong stewards of our reefs.
Whether someone participates in a volunteer workday, helps monitor reef health, attends a classroom presentation, cares for corals in the nursery, or becomes a trained coral restoration diver, every individual plays an important role in protecting the place we all call home.
By investing in people alongside restoration, we're building a future where local communities have both the knowledge and the capacity to actively care for their own reef ecosystems.
Why coral restoration on Kauaʻi?
Coral reefs are the foundation of Hawaiʻi's nearshore ecosystems. They protect our coastlines from wave energy, provide habitat for nearly one quarter of all marine life, sustain fisheries and cultural practices, and contribute significantly to the health, economy, and identity of our islands. Across Hawaiʻi and around the world, coral reefs continue to face increasing pressures from marine heatwaves, climate change, land-based pollution, invasive species, disease, and physical damage. While reducing these threats remains essential, restoration provides communities with an opportunity to actively assist reefs that still have the capacity to recover.
Coral restoration is not a replacement for conservation. It is one tool among many that helps preserve resilient corals, restore degraded reef habitat, advance scientific understanding, and strengthen community stewardship. Working together, these efforts help build healthier, more resilient reef ecosystems for future generations.
Rooted at Nōmilu.
Our nursery is based at Nōmilu, an ancient lua pele that today functions as a loko iʻa within Kauaʻi Sea Farm's Restorative Aquaculture Facility. This unique setting provides an ideal environment for coral husbandry while connecting modern restoration science with a place of deep cultural and ecological significance.
Nōmilu has become a place where restoration extends beyond corals alone. Through partnerships with Kauaʻi Sea Farm, cultural practitioners, educators, scientists, volunteers, and community organizations, it serves as a gathering place for native habitat restoration, environmental education, community stewardship, and collaborative conservation.
Just as coral reefs thrive through interconnected relationships, we believe lasting restoration happens when people, culture, science, and place are cared for together.
Join us every second Saturday for a special opportunity to mālama this wahi pana, connect with the community, and experience restoration and stewardship firsthand.
Kauaʻi Coral Restoration ʻOhana.
Our team is a passionate group of marine conservationists, scientists, and community leaders dedicated to restoring and protecting Kauaʻi's coral reefs through innovative restoration techniques and collaborative efforts.
Tim Leichliter
Co-Founder, Project Manager, Boat Captain, Research Diver, Education
Kalalena Lum Won
Culture, Education, Technician
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Capt. Tara Leota
Co-Founder, Boat Captain, Research Diver, Technician, Education
Kenui Topp
Media, Education
Dave Anderson
Co-Founder, Co-Project Manager, Aquaria Systems
Meghan Parker
Science, Data
Michael Raithaus
Co-Founder, Research Diver, Technician
Kristian Matsumoto
Technician
It Takes A Village.
Coral restoration is inherently collaborative. No single organization can restore Hawaiʻi's reefs alone.
KCRN is proud to work alongside government agencies, researchers, cultural practitioners, nonprofit organizations, educators, businesses, community groups, and volunteers who share a common commitment to protecting and restoring Kauaʻi's coral reefs.
By combining diverse expertise, shared resources, and a common purpose, these partnerships strengthen not only our own work but the broader effort to build resilient reef ecosystems throughout Hawaiʻi.
Building Capacity for the Future.
NĀ KIAʻI KOʻA O KAUAʻI DIVE SCHOLARSHIP
Successful coral restoration depends on far more than growing corals. It requires strong partnerships, trained practitioners, long-term monitoring, scientific research, emergency response capabilities, and an engaged community committed to caring for its natural resources.
KCRN was established to help build that capacity on Kauaʻi.
Today our work includes coral propagation, reef monitoring, coral bleaching response, scientific research, restoration planning, community education, volunteer stewardship, and workforce development through the Nā Kiaʻi Koʻa o KauaʻiCoral Restoration Diver Training Program. Each of these efforts contributes to a stronger foundation for protecting and restoring Kauaʻi's reefs both today and into the future.
Get in Touch
Join us in our mission to restore Kauaʻi’s coral reefs. Whether you’re a passionate ocean advocate, a local business, or someone eager to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and discover how you can be part of this vital work.
@kauaicoralrestoration