Each June, the world takes a collective deep breath and turns its attention to one of the planet’s greatest wonders—our oceans. Officially designated as World Ocean Month, this 30-day celebration traces back to a single date: June 8th, World Oceans Day, a global observance first proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Since then, the month of June has evolved into an entire season of reflection, education, and action to protect and honor the oceans that sustain us. For those of us living in Hawaiʻi, ka moana nui—the vast Pacific Ocean—is not just a source of beauty, but a giver of life, culture, and connection.

The Pacific: A Source of Awe and Aloha

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering over 63 million square miles—about one-third of the planet’s surface. It’s so vast that all the continents of Europe could fit inside it multiple times. And at its heart lies Hawaiʻi, a string of volcanic islands surrounded by warm, nutrient-rich waters that make this region one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world.

Some fun facts to spark your next talk-story session:

🌊 The Pacific Ocean was named by explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500s, who called it Mar Pacífico, meaning “peaceful sea.”

🌏 The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific, is the deepest natural point on Earth—nearly 36,000 feet below the surface.

🏝️ The Hawaiian Archipelago is home to more than 7,000 marine species, a quarter of which are endemic, meaning they’re found nowhere else in the world.

🪸 Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs are the foundation of our marine ecosystem and also serve as natural barriers that protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy are actively working to preserve these critical ecosystems.

In Hawaiʻi, we don’t just live near the ocean—we live with it. The rhythms of the tides, the abundance of fish (iʻa), and the legends passed down through generations all reflect our intimate relationship with the sea.

Protecting a Precious Native: The Hawaiian Monk Seal

One of the rarest marine mammals on Earth, the Hawaiian monk seal (ʻīlioholoikauaua) is a treasured yet critically endangered species that depends entirely on the Pacific Ocean for survival. With an estimated population of just 1,600 individuals, the monk seal is a true native of Hawaiʻi—endemic to these islands and a living link to our natural heritage.

Monk seals spend most of their time at sea, foraging for fish, octopus (heʻe), and crustaceans, and only come ashore to rest or give birth. They are graceful swimmers but slow-moving on land, which makes them vulnerable to human interference, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss. Fortunately, increased awareness and community conservation efforts led by agencies like NOAA's Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Program have resulted in gradual recovery in recent years.

Seeing a monk seal basking on a quiet beach is a humbling experience—one that reminds us how interwoven life in Hawaiʻi is with the health of the ocean. When we protect the Pacific, we protect these beloved animals and the legacy they represent.

A Sip of Wellness, Inspired by the Islands

At greenteaHAWAII, our love for the ocean runs deep. Our functional, instant green tea beverage was created with the spirit of these islands in mind—made to energize, nourish, and support your body with ingredients sourced from the Pacific region and beyond.

Each serving of greenteaHAWAII contains:

• 60 mg of clean caffeine for gentle, focused energy,

• L-theanine, an amino acid that helps promote calm clarity (learn more about its effects from Healthline),

• Polynesian noni fruit extract, traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties (PubMed research),

• and more EGCG than a regular cup of green tea, giving you powerful antioxidant support in every sip.

Whether you’re hiking along coastal cliffs, paddling out before dawn, or simply watching the waves roll in, greenteaHAWAII is designed to help you live with more vitality and intention.

And now is the perfect time to stock up—we’ve just launched FREE SHIPPING storewide on all products! As a small, locally owned business based in Hawaiʻi, we’re thrilled to make it even easier for our ʻohana across the islands and the mainland to enjoy our tea. Plus, stay tuned: next month marks our 15th anniversary, and we’ll be celebrating with one of our biggest sales ever.

This Ocean’s Month, take a moment to honor the water that surrounds us, nourishes us, and connects us. From the playful spinner dolphins to the elusive monk seal, the Pacific is alive with stories waiting to be told—and protected.

E mālama i ke kai. Care for the ocean, and it will care for you.