HONOLULU -- A new NOAA marine exhibit opened Saturday at Mokupapa Discovery Center on the Big Island.

The exhibit "Lost on a Reef" focuses on shipwreck sites discovered over the last decade in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

According to National Marine Experts, there are over 60 known ship losses and over 67 aircraft crashes in the area.

NOAA said the exhibit will give visitors an opportunity to experience these fascinating maritime sites in an up close and personal way.

"This is also a great example of what marine sanctuaries are all about. We do so much more than just protect the special places in the ocean we do that very well, but more important, we really work to connect these special places to communities," said Dr. Randy Kosaki.

Among the most prized artifacts at the exhibit are two ship bells from sites at Kure Atoll.