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 and create a positive impact.
Every helping hand makes a difference at ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative. Whether you’re helping clear invasive species, planting native plants, or spreading the word about our work, your contribution matters. It’s not just about the physical work — it’s about building a community that cares for the environment and is committed to preserving our islands for future generations.
There are many ways to volunteer and be part of our team:
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 bird photographer,please share your photos from our ponds with us.
The more volunteers that we have,
the more we can achieve in the restoration.
Please send donations to:
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
P.O. Box 5596
Hilo, HI 96720
LAULIMA
(literal meaning: many hands)
cooperation, joint action; group of people working together
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
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.
No task is too big when done together by all.
Please email us at ainahoola@gmail.com to sign up.
Dates written in bold are monthly community volunteer days. On those volunteer days, light lunch is served.
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 rent-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.
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VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL
Mahalo nui,
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 we may be replanting the area with native plants, rain or shine. Squatting, kneeling, and sitting are great weeding positions. There may be some bending, lifting, and stretching as well. Some types of grass 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.
Under 18 years must have signed permission from a parent or legal guardian.
The nearest restrooms are across the street at Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are also available there.
- Clothes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Long sleeved shirt and long pants are recommended for sun and insect protection (There may be broken pieces of glass, ants, mosquitoes, and centipedes. )
- 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, ants, mosquitoes, and centipedes. )
- Sun protection (A hat or cap, reef-friendly sunscreen, sun glasses, etc.)
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Rainwear
- Change of clothes, a towel, and a bag for muddy clothes
- Gardening gloves if you have your own.
- Water in your reusable bottle
- Insect repellents (optional)
- Change of clothes and foootwear
- A bag for wet/muddy clothes and footwear
- A towel
- Swimwear (optional) There is a beautiful beach park in short walking distance. It is a great place to swim and see honu (green sea turtles) after the work is done.