Ecosystems & Conservation

Here is a list of volunteer opportunities in the area of ecosystems and conservation on Kauai, from north to west:

Mokupuni (Islandwide/Multi-Location)

  • Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui (various locations) – Help to protect and recover Hawaiian monk seals. Volunteers respond to haul-out reports around the island and are trained to photograph and identify the seals, educate the public, establish protection zones around the seals, and occasionally respond to injured animals. Visitors must commit to 2 weeks.
  • Surfrider Kauai (Islandwide) – Join Surfrider for beach cleanups and net patrols happening every week across the island! They also have opportunities to get involved with water quality testing. (808) 635-2593
  • Sierra Club Kauai (Islandwide) – Sierra Club hosts Kauai group hikes, cleanups, and service projects that allow you to discover the natural treasures of our island.

Nāpali (Kē‘ē Beach to Polihale)

Click here to learn about Nāpali.

  • Friends of the Kalalau Trail  – A group of volunteers who help to maintain the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail.  They meet at the trailhead (by Ke`e Beach) at 7:30am on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.  If you are interested in helping, contact Mark Hubbard at mhubb46@gmail.com or 808-639-4746 and he will keep you notified of each workday.
  • Kōkeʻe Resource Conservation Program (KRCP)– A volunteer based invasive weed management program that involves the public in protecting native ecosystem resources in the Kōkeʻe State Park and Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve. Service projects for individuals and groups are available upon request. All ages welcome. (808) 335-0045 Email: kokeeresource@gmail.com

Halele‘a (Princeville to Kē‘ē Beach)

Click here to learn about Halele‘a.

  • Limahuli Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (Haena) – Built on the footprint of our Hawaiian ancestors, located in one of the most biodiverse valleys in Hawaii, and home to dozens of endangered plants and birds, Limahuli highlights native and culturally-significant species in an authentic Hawaiian landscape. (808) 826-1053
  • Hanalei Watershed Hui (Hanalei) – Modeled after the successful Neighborhood Watch program, Makai Watch provides local communities concerned with the health of our nearshore marine resources the opportunity to become directly involved in their protection. Best fit for long-stays and repeat visitors. (808) 826-1985
  • Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge (Hanalei) – Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on the north shore of Kauai. Work with others to protect wildlife and their habitat for future generations. (808) 828-1413 x2229
  • Waipa (Hanalei) – Caring for the 1,600 acre Waipa ahupua’a, they welcome volunteers monthly for a workday in one of the three ahupua’a sections (mauka, kula or kai) and includes work like controlling invasive weeds and planting native trees or other useful /edible plants. The work is always different, depending on what is most in need of extra malama.

Ko‘olau (Anahola to Kalihiwai)

Click here to learn about Ko‘olau.

  • Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (Kilauea) – The refuge is located 2 miles north of historic Kīlauea town and is the only refuge open to the public. Work with others to protect wildlife and their habitat for future generations. (808) 828-1413 x2229
  • Kahili Beach Preserve (Kilauea) – This beautiful marine shoreline with public beach access is known for its native bird habitat and estuarine wetlands. Join Hawaiian Islands Land Trust for guided hikes and beach cleanups. (808) 755-5707

Puna (Ha‘ikū to Keālia)

Click here to learn about Puna.

  • The Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park (Kapaa) – This dedicated group of volunteers stewards the East-side’s most popular beach. Meet at the lifeguard tower and join them Saturdays from 8:30-10:30am to help with beach cleanup and park beautification. (808) 639-1018
  • Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge (Hulē‘ia) – Located on the southeast side of Kauai, this refuge lies adjacent to the famous Menehune Fish Pond, a registered National Historic Landmark. Work with others to protect wildlife and their habitat for future generations. (808) 828-1413 x2229
  • Malama Huleia (Nawiliwili) – Dedicated to improving key parts of the Nawiliwili Bay Watershed on Kauai by eliminating alien and highly invasive mangrove, this group hosts regular public clearing and replanting days. (808) 626-5210

Kona (Mānā to Māhā‘ulepū)

Click here to learn about Kona.

  • McBryde Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens (Poipu / Kalaheo) – A not-for-profit, dedicated to discovering, saving, and studying the world’s tropical plants and sharing what is learned. Volunteers help conservation, restoration, research and educational efforts and are hosted daily M-F. (808) 332-7324 x232
  • Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project (Hanapepe) – Promotes knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of Kaua’i’s native forest birds, with the goal of facilitating recovery of their populations in the wild. They have office and field based volunteer opportunities. (808) 335-5078

 

Should you be interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, feel free to reach out to them directly! If you have a group of 5 or more coming to Kauai and looking for a customized volunteer service project package, please Contact Us.