Volunteer Opportunities By Location (Moku)

All six mokus on this map offer volunteer opportunitiesKauai is a Mokupuni – or island. Moku, or district, is the next level of land division. After the Great Mahele, the islands were divided into districts. Prior to this, land was sacred to all and all who lived on the land, used the land. However, the influence of foreigners changed this system, and land was divided and deeded to landowners. Today, these land designations are still recognized, and signs along the freeway mark their boundaries. Here you will find volunteer opportunities organized by the moku in which they are offered.

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. Upcoming cleanups are posted on their website,  facebook page, or you can call (808) 635-2593.
  • Sierra Club Kauai Chapter (Islandwide) – Sierra Club hosts Kauai group hikes, cleanups, and service projects that allow you to discover the natural treasures of our island. Outings focus on:(C) Conservation/Interpretative, (E) Educational, (F) Family/Fun, and/or (S) service.
  • Village Harvest – Join VH for harvesting (or gleaning) produce from community and farm orchards and delivering to schools, after school programs, and food banks. A great way to explore tropical fruit & give back! (808) 828-0685 x20
  • Zero Waste – The County of Kauai has adopted a Zero Waste Resolution to meet the goal of 70% diversion by 2023. Volunteer at events around the island, or for special projects, to ensure that we recycle as much waste as possible!

Kona (Mānā to Māhāʻulepū)

Click here to learn about Kona.

  • 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
  • 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 service projects. (808)  335-5078
  • 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. Call (808) 762-1417 or email volunteer@ntbg.org

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 (Huleia) – Located on the southeast side of Kauai, this refuge borders 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 plant species, this group hosts regular public clearing and replanting days. (808) 626-5210

Ko‘olau (Anahola to Kalihiwai)

Click here to learn about Ko‘olau.

  • Malama Kauai Community Farm (Kalihiwai) – This 8-acre community agriculture site hosts a community garden, food forest, youth garden, orchards, and more. They host a weekly tree propagation day every Friday from 12 to 4pm. Check out their website, or contact them to get involved. (808) 828-0685 x20
  • 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

Halele‘a (Princeville to Kē‘ē Beach)

Click here to learn about Halele‘a.

  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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. Call (808) 762-1417 or email volunteer@ntbg.org

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

Ni‘ihau (The island plus Ka‘ula and Lehua)

Click here to learn about Ni‘ihau.

You won’t likely find many opportunities on the “Forbidden Island” itself, but you may be able to connect with groups serving Niihauans.