ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative

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join us today for a better tomorrow

Become a Volunteer

Join our ‘ohana at the ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative and take a hands-on role in restoring the beautiful wetlands of Keaukaha. By volunteering with us, you’ll not only contribute to conservation efforts but also gain a deep understanding of our unique ecosystem. You’ll see the direct impact of your work as you help native species flourish and watch our wetlands come back to life.  

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference.

ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.
No task is too big when done together by all.

Every helping hand makes a difference at ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative. Whether you are spreading the word about our work, sharing your photographs from Lokowaka Pond, your contribution matters. It’s not just about the physical volunteer work — it’s about building a community that cares for the environment and is committed to preserving our islands for future generations.

Laulima
cooperation, joint action; group of people working together
(literal meaning: many hands)

Please send tax-deductible donations to:
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
P.O. Box 5596
Hilo, HI 96720
or
via PayPal

Thank you!

Join Us in the Field: Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Ready to get your hands dirty for a good cause? Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities below. Whether it’s a day of clearing invasive species or planting native plants, there’s always something happening at the wetlands. Each event is a chance to learn, contribute, and make a tangible difference. We update this section regularly, so keep an eye out for new opportunities. We can’t wait to see you at the wetlands!

VOLUNTEER DAYS

November 16 (Saturday), 9 am – 12 pm
* November 18 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
* November 25 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
* December 2 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
* December 5 (Thursday), 9 am – 12 pm
December 7 (Saturday), 9 am – 12 pm
* December 16 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
* December 23 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
* January 6 (Monday), 9 am – 12 pm
January 18 (Saturday), 9 am – 12 pm
February 15 (Saturday), 9 am – 12 pm
March 15 (Saturday), 9 am – 12 pm
 

Dates written in bold are monthly community volunteer days. On those volunteer days, light lunch is served after the work is finished.  

If you are interested in volunteering on a day that is not listed above, please contact us and we will try to coordinate.  The dates with an asterisk (*) are such bonus volunteer days that were requested and/or regular workdays.

Visitors are always very welcome! 

If you don’t have a car, Hele-on Bus (Route #101 Intra-Hilo Keaukaha) comes right by our work site. The bus stop is at The Seaside Restaurant/Carlsmith Beach Park.

Sign up to volunteer here!

What to wear and bring on a volunteer day:

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet/muddy/uneven terrain. We will be hand removing invasive weeds and may be replanting the area with native plants, rain or shine. Squatting, kneeling, and sitting are great weeding positions. The nearest restrooms are across the street at Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are also available at the park.

  • Lightweight quick-drying long sleeved shirt and lightweight quick-drying long pants that you don’t mind getting dirty. (Long sleeved shirt and long pants are recommended for sun, insect protection, and other reasons.  There may be ants, mosquitoes, and centipedes. There may be some bending, lifting, and stretching as well. Some plants have sharp, microscopic bristles all over them to help discourage bugs from eating them. When these tiny bristles rub against your skin, a rash may result from the irritation. Children are particularly likely to get rashes from grass because they have more sensitive skin. This rarely happens but it is possible.)
  • Closed toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. (There may be broken pieces of glass and other sharp objects.)
  • Sun protection (A hat or cap, reef-friendly sunscreen, sun glasses, etc.)
  • Rainwear
  • Gloves and tools (hand weeders and serrated sickles) are provided but please bring your own if you have them.
  • Plenty of water in your own reusable bottle
  • Insect repellents (optional)
  • Change of clothes and footwear
  • A bag for wet/muddy clothes and footwear
  • A towel
  • Swimwear (optional) There is a beautiful beach park within a short walking distance. It is a great place to swim and see honu (green sea turtles) after the work is done.

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL

Thank you so much for organizing a wonderful volunteer day. From our first email connection, to our friendly welcome, to the opening chant, to your supportive and enthusiastic guidance, to our final farewell, you made us feel welcomed, appreciated and part of something special for the community and the ecology of Hilo. The three of us each learned a lot and had fun connecting with others and doing something so tangibly productive.
 
We understand how much work goes into coordinating these types of events – especially when participants are brand new to the area and the work – not to mention all the effort it takes to create, promote and fundraise for a new non-profit. If we lived on the island, we would most definitely be supporting on a regular basis.
 
It was such a privilege and a pleasure to be involved. Congratulations and thank you.
 

Mahalo nui,

Laura T., Matty G. and Finn T.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

絵本作家の工藤ノリコさんからのメッセージ
 
わずかな時間のお手伝いしかできず恐縮でしたが、貴重な体験をさせていただき感謝しております。
 
久美子さんのchantを聴いて久美子さんのこの地を癒そうという心と強さがストレートに伝わってきて、厳かな気持ちになりました。
 
久美子さんとパトリックさんのご活動は、環境保護というだけではなく、大地に祈りを捧げる行動なのだと感じました。だから久美子さんのchantに感動したのだなと思いました。
 
本当にすばらしいところです。
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
映像作家の工藤利幸さんからのメッセージ
 
貴重な体験をさせていただき、ありがとうございました。

農作業には慣れているので、草刈り、苗植えは得意技です。

そしてオオバンに会えたのが本当に嬉しかったです。

There are many ways to volunteer and be part of our team:


Please let us know if you can help with:

Accounting・Events・Educational Programs・Fundraising・Grant Writing・Leader of Service Project・Marketing・Newsletter・Plant Propagation・Publicity・T-shirts Designing/Sales・Tools and Supplies・Mongoose Traps and Bait・Website Design/Maintenance

If you are a photographer,
please share your photos from our ponds with us.

ainahoola@gmail.com