Stories from the ʻĀina

Follow the ongoing story of Lokowaka—its restoration, wildlife, people, and the lessons we learn along the way. Here we share updates, stories, and moments from the ʻāina as it continues to heal.

September 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

2026 is the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana in Hawaiʻi—and the year isn’t over yet. 🌿

At Lokowaka, coastal kuleana is at the heart of the work we do.

Our wetlands, freshwater, fishpond, estuary, and ocean are not separate systems. They are connected—and we are part of that connection, too.

Each time we remove invasive vegetation, restore the movement of water, protect habitat for native wildlife, or take the time to observe and understand how this place is changing, we are learning what it means to mālama this coastal ecosystem.
Coastal kuleana is not just about protecting the shoreline. It is about caring for the relationships that connect ʻāina, wai, kai, wildlife, and people.

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September 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

2026 is the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana in Hawaiʻi—and the year isn’t over yet. 🌿

At Lokowaka, coastal kuleana is at the heart of the work we do.

Our wetlands, freshwater, fishpond, estuary, and ocean are not separate systems. They are connected—and we are part of that connection, too.

Each time we remove invasive vegetation, restore the movement of water, protect habitat for native wildlife, or take the time to observe and understand how this place is changing, we are learning what it means to mālama this coastal ecosystem.
Coastal kuleana is not just about protecting the shoreline. It is about caring for the relationships that connect ʻāina, wai, kai, wildlife, and people.

Read More »

August 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

Through 6 1/2 years of dedicated restoration, the landscape here has transformed. We still have much work ahead, but we’ve come a long way—and the difference is truly phenomenal.
Every area we restore helps improve habitat for native plants, aquatic life, and waterbirds, bringing this wetland one step closer to becoming a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. Mahalo to everyone who has been part of this journey. 💚🌿

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June 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

We are now in the middle of our sixth year caring for this special place. Mahalo nui loa to all the volunteers and supporters from near and far who have been part of this journey. We couldn’t do it without you.

私たちは今、この特別な場所を守り育む活動の6年目の半ばを迎えています。近くからも遠くからも応援してくださるすべてのボランティアの皆さま、サポーターの皆さまに心より感謝します。

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May 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

Lokowaka brings together people from different places, backgrounds, and generations through shared work and care for the land. We appreciate our volunteers so much. From tedious hand weeding to clearing dense overgrowth with a sickle, every effort helps restore Lokowaka.

この土地をともに守り育む活動を通して、ロコワカは、さまざまな場所から集まる人々や、異なる世代の人たちを結びつけてくれます ボランティアの皆さんに心から感謝しています。地道な手作業の草取りから、鎌を使った生い茂る草の除去まで、そのひとつひとつの作業がロコワカの再生につながっています。

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April 2026 Volunteer Day Highlights

APRIL is GLOBAL VOLUNTEER MONTH —
A time to honor and celebrate volunteers around the world—and to inspire each of us to give back to our communities.

毎年4月に行われる「グローバル・ボランティ ア月間」は、世界中のボランティアの活動に感謝し、その貢献を称えるとともに、私たち一人ひとりが地域社会に貢献するきっかけとなるよう働きかけることを目的としています。

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March 2026 Highlights

Lokowaka Pond’s water source is a unique blend of high-elevation water from the slopes of Mauna Loa and lower-elevation rainfall that percolates through and recharges the unconfined basalt aquifer, shaping the pond’s dynamic hydrology.

Lokowaka Pond の水源は、マウナロアの高地からの水と、山腹で降った雨水が玄武岩の帯水層へと浸透したものです。

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