Visiting a coral reef is always a special experience, but helping to ensure the future of one takes things to a whole new level. This special and exceptionally thoughtful wish takes us to Hawai’i, where our Wish Kid visited the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology’s Coral Resilience Lab to meet a coral scientist. As stated on their website, the Coral Resilience Lab’s mission is, “To understand coral resilience in the face of changing climate.” They do this via scientific research projects that include selective breeding, restoration, coral husbandry, and more. But during our Wish Kid’s adventure to visit the Lab, they did something extra special.

First, the Lab created a concrete slab with our Wish Kid’s name on it. From there, the family was able to graft their own coral segments to the slab. Once the coral has grown to the point where it can live on its own, the slab will be planted in Kaneohe Bay, in the same waters that the family snorkeled in earlier in their visit. It’s living proof that one small wish can help make a big difference over time.

And that wasn’t all our Wish Kid got to do when out in Hawai’i. Aside from snorkeling with his favorite fish, the yellow tang, and learning about the vast variety of corals in the waters of the Hawaiian Islands, he got to drive the boat with the captain and even did a few donuts on the water—an experience we’re sure he won’t soon forget.

But just as budding marine biologist are always in search of their next adventure, our Wish Kid took his Hawai’i experience even deeper with a voyage aboard a real submarine! Setting out from the beaches of Waikiki, he and his family dove 100 feet below the waves to explore the marine life below. From the portholes of the submersible, these undersea explorers got an up-close view of green sea turtles, sharks, yellow tangs, eels, and many other species of underwater marine life in their natural surroundings.

Our Wish Kid’s wish started with a desire to make a difference in nature. His adventure took him and his family to Hawai’i for an unforgettable experience. And with luck and time, the coral on his personal concrete slab will thrive in Kaneohe Bay for generations to come. 

We want to thank the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology’s Coral Resilience Lab, Make-A-Wish Hawai’i, and all our donors and supporters for helping make this special wish come true.