It was a cultural voyage to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. Educators and guardians of similar sites across the South Pacific made the trip to learn more about protecting valuable resources.

Breath taking scenes many had never seen until this latest expedition to Papahanaumokuakea.

"We don't have a lot of wildlife in the Marshall Islands. So, to see all the birds and the habitats, and the protection that they're getting," said Don Hess from the College of the Marshall Islands.

"It was critical to have Hawaii practitioners because it was kind of like we were playing host to our south pacific cousins," said Naia Watson from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

"I personally believe that no matter how far we are in the Pacific the ocean always connects us all," said another participant, Margaret Tabunakawai from the Fiji Fisheries Department.

And these distant cousins found out that while their methods may be unique.

"The approaches are different in a way that for us it is a bottom up approach and we saw this one as a top down approach," said Tabunakawai.

Either direction visitors and host alike quickly realized they're dealing with similar problems.

"Very concerned about global climate change, sea level rising. We see the effects of it already with erosion on the shores on the coast, higher storm surges, stronger El Nino events," said Hess.

"It might not be impacting us today like it is for them. But we can't wait, we can't wait until...It should be preventative, and not reactionary measures that we take," said Watson.

It was eleven days at sea with the crew from the Hi'ialakai. And although crew members from the ship have made many voyages to the northwest Hawaiian islands seeing so many newcomers touched their hearts.

"Being able to walk on an island that few people have been able to even reach. It's very special for us and the entire crew. And it makes us feel proud that we can support this kind of mission," said Hiialakai Commander Jon Swallow.

The expedition made stops at Nihoa and Mokumanamana Islands, and French Frigate Shoals.