Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experiences

06/23/2026

⏰ Just 1 Day Left to Bid ⏰

Our SMMILE Silent Auction closes tomorrow, and we're only 86% of the way to our $1,000 goal. Help us cross the finish line while picking up some incredible experiences and local treasures along the way.

A few items haven't received any bids yet, including:
• Two Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology - HIMB swag bags (tote, hats, mugs, magnet)
• Private Ko'olau Distillery Tour for up to 20 people

Several other popular items have only been bid on once or twice so far, including:
• Whale Watch for two with Hawaiian Adventures (Kona)
• Dolphin Encounter for two with Dolphin Quest
• Big Island Scuba Diving Experience with Liquid Aloha
• Waikiki Aquarium Family Plus Membership
• Whale & Dolphin Excursion with Wild Side Specialty Tours (Oahu)

Many auction items are still well below their retail value, making this a great opportunity to support marine mammal education and get a great deal at the same time!

Every bid helps support SMMILE's educational programs and lifelong learning opportunities in our community.

🔗 https://smmile.betterworld.org/auctions/smmile-silent-auction

Mahalo to our donors, bidders, and supporters for helping make this auction a success.

SMMILE Silent Auction Summer 2026

06/18/2026

🎉 Our Silent Auction is Now Live! 🎉

Get ready to bid on an incredible collection of ocean-inspired experiences, artwork, jewelry, apparel, and unique local treasures—all while supporting SMMILE's educational programs.

Featured items include whale and dolphin watching adventures, a Big Island scuba diving experience, exclusive Waikīkī Aquarium and HIMB memberships and swag, handmade artwork, designer apparel, ocean-inspired jewelry, and much more!

Every bid helps support meaningful marine mammal education and lifelong learning opportunities in our community.

Browse, bid, and share with your friends—the more bidders, the more impact we can make together!

🔗 https://smmile.betterworld.org/auctions/smmile-silent-auction

Mahalo to our generous donors and supporters for making this auction possible.

05/04/2026

On Sunday, May 17th, postdoc .burslem, is taking on the 2026 Honolulu Olympic-Distance Triathlon (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run) to raise funds for SMMILE! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

All proceeds will directly support our Marine Bioacoustics Summer Course in San Diego this July—a free, weeklong program where high school students explore how scientists use sound to study marine life. Through hands-on activities, interactive lessons with researchers, and field experiences, students gain real-world exposure to bioacoustics research and the tools we use to study marine life and the impacts of manmade sound.

Programs like this don’t just teach science—they open doors. They spark curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways into marine science for students who might not otherwise see themselves in this field. That kind of impact only happens with community support.

If you’re able, please consider donating, sharing, or coming out on the 17th to cheer Alec on!

Huge mahalo to Alec for leading this fundraising effort and pushing himself outside his comfort zone to support SMMILE. And in Alec’s own words, he’s “looking forward to absolutely dying for a good cause”… so the least you can do is make it worth it 😅

Donate here: https://smmile.betterworld.org/campaigns/miles-smmile-start-line-sound-sc

04/02/2026

For years, we’ve heard the same question: “Do you offer this program for adults?”

We do now!

Introducing SMMILE for Seniors—a three-week program designed for adults (55+) to explore marine mammal science through expert-led lectures and curated field experiences across Oʻahu.

And yes, we’re launching it today, on April 1st, but this is not a joke!

Join us for an immersive look into the lives of Hawaiʻi’s marine mammals—alongside the scientists and organizations working to protect them. 🦭🐋🐬

Space is limited to 25 participants. Early registration is encouraged (and there is an early bird discount!).

Visit smmile.betterworld.org to register today.

For more information, visit our website: smmiles.org