Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

The 4th annual Ocean Day Hawaii Malama Kanaloa Festival was held on Saturday. A large crowd gathered for the live music, food booths and hand-on games and activities sprawled across the UH-Hilo Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Keaukaha.

The event included demonstrations of underwater remote operated vehicles, fishing games, touch tank exploration, face painting, crafts, and educational resources for the entire family to enjoy.

University officials say the free public event is focused on increasing awareness of coastal and ocean issues such as conservation, resource management and aquatic safety. The goal is to raise public awareness of the impact people have on the environment, promote conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and coastal resources in a culturally sensitive way, and share current ocean and coastal research, management and education efforts here in Hawaii.