Leeward Community College overlooks the historic Lochs of Pearl Harbor and marine science has constituted an important part of the course offerings for the Math and Science Division.

1971 saw the start of a Marine Technician Training Program at LCC. This ambitious program combined training in diving & seamanship with the use of marine instruments as scientific technicians. In support of this vocational program, the M/S Div. offered courses in marine biology, ocean instrumentation, and marine ecology, all involving student field work.

Although the Marine Technician Program was phased out in 1985, marine study has continued with the marine biology course and the introduction of an introductory oceanography lab and an ocean resources course, primarily to serve students of the University of Hawaii's Marine Option Program. This certificate program allows undergraduates to obtain a marine skill by taking courses and doing a project under the guidance of a faculty member.