Join us today to create a better tomorrow by playing an active role in restoring the beautiful wetlands of Keaukaha. By volunteering with us, you’ll not only support vital conservation efforts but also gain a deeper appreciation for our unique ecosystem. Witness the direct impact of your work as native species thrive and the wetlands come alive once more. Together, we can make a lasting difference!
Every helping hand makes a difference with the ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative. Whether you’re spreading the word about our mission or sharing your photographs from Lokowaka Pond, your contribution matters. It’s not just about volunteering—it’s about fostering a community that cares deeply for the environment and is dedicated to preserving our islands for generations to come.
Volunteers are the backbone of our project, bringing restoration to life. Doners and grantors provide the foundation, making the work possible. The ʻāina is our ultimate Executive Director.
Ready to make a difference while getting your hands dirty? Explore our upcoming volunteer opportunities below! From clearing invasive species to planting native vegetation, there’s always something meaningful happening at the wetlands. Each event offers a chance to learn, contribute, and see the impact of your efforts firsthand. This section is updated regularly, so check back often for new opportunities. We look forward to seeing you at the wetlands!
Dates in bold indicate our monthly community volunteer days, where a light lunch is provided after the work is done. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) are additional volunteer days that were requested or are part of our regular work schedule.
If you’d like to volunteer on a day not listed above, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to coordinate.
Visitors are always welcome!
If you don’t have a car, the Hele-on Bus (Route #101 Intra-Hilo Keaukaha) stops right near our worksite. The bus stops are at The Seaside Restaurant (bus stop ID #118) when you come, and Carlsmith Beach Park (bus stop ID #121) when you leave.
Bikeshare Hawaii Island is available for residents and visitors alike in Hilo. There is a bikeshare station at Carlsmith Beach Park. (HIBIKE)
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
P.O. Box 5596
Hilo, HI 96720
or
via PayPal
Thank you!
We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in making a difference! Here’s how you can contribute to our mission:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities will include hand-removing invasive weeds and possibly replanting native plants, rain or shine.
Clothing:
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended for sun and insect protection).
Closed-toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (there may be broken glass or sharp objects).
Sun Protection: A hat, reef-friendly sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Rainwear: Be prepared for wet weather.
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Plenty of water in your reusable bottle.
Optional: Insect repellents.
Post-Work Essentials:
Showers are available at Kealoha Beach Park.
A change of clothes and footwear.
A bag for wet/muddy items.
A towel.
Swimwear (optional): A beautiful beach park is just a short walk from the parking lot!
Mahalo nui,
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Before my trip I read a book about the Hawaiian culture. One of the things that stuck with me was ‘giving back to the place and people that you visit’.
As a tourist you can enjoy the islands, be in awe of the nature, the people, the food, the traditions and you are taking everything in. How nice is it that you can give a small ‘thank you’ back in the form of volunteering? It feels good and you are respecting the people, the land and the culture.
My way was was to join the ‘Ānia ho’ōla initiative’. ʻĀina Hoʻōla’ means: ‘Land in the process of healing’. How beautiful is that. The very nice and dedicated couple Kumiko and Patrick are clearing the land surrounding the lake of all the weeds with help of volunteers, so that nature and animals can thrive in this area. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend it.
Mahalo,
Linda Oudendijk
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I volunteered when I was visiting from Seattle after quitting my desk job. I was looking to do something that felt meaningful and bigger than myself and I found this opportunity by chance. I’m so happy to see how much progress there’s been and I’m lucky I was able to be part of it and meet the people that lead it. Truly lovely experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Geovana Garcia
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I really want to come back and spend time with you and the volunteers and lovely birds whose home you are so lovingly renovating. I do appreciate all your hard work and it warms my heart to see the fruits of everyone’s labor whenever I am in Keaukaha!
R. West
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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。
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和文化アンバサダー®広島・東京認定講師、詠月流書道「新やまと文字®」講師の藤本 由佳さんのご感想
ロコワカポンド野鳥保護ボランティア活動に参加させて頂きました。この活動を立ち上げたパトリックさんと久美子さん。もともとは Hawaiʻiの自然保護の為のボランティア活動をされていましたが、パンデミックの流れもありヒロで出来る事はないか！？と思っていたところある人のInstagramで、ハワイ島の東側では、Hawaiʻiのクロエリセイタカシギがハワイ島のヒロの少し南にだけ生息しているらしいと知り、え？ロコワカで見たことある！！でも今は生息してない。だったらロコワカポンドに呼び戻そう！！という事で2021年1月から2人で始めた活動です。
活動開始から3ヶ月でハワイ州鳥ハワイガン『ネネ』が現れました。1年後つがいのセイタカシギが現れます。この活動に確信した2人はSNSや色々な媒体で知らせる事にしました。すると段々、ボランティアに参加される人が増えてきて週1又は空いてる日でロコワカポンドの草を取り少しずつ昔のポンドに蘇る兆しが見えてきました。ゆくゆくは先住ハワイアンがフィッシュポンドとして共生していたような池の再生をと願いを込めて活動が続いています。最近ではハワイオオバンが増え渡り鳥にも良い環境になっている様です。
たった二人で始めたこの活動！泥まみれになってコツコツ続け、私達も知ることになりました。ハワイ島に行かれる事がありましたら是非、このボランティアにも参加してもらいたいと思います。森林や湿地が実は失われているという現実！1人1人の力は微力ですが続けることで変わる何かがあります。その一員になれたらハワイ島への愛や見方が変わります！
和文化のメンバーも参加させて頂きました。Jちゃん、Sちゃんは胸迄つかって頑張ってました！凄い作業のあと、みんなでランチが美味し過ぎました。ボランティアでも色々な方と出会い、お話しをさせて頂きました。皆様素敵な方ばかりです！パトリック、久美子ご夫妻を心からリスペクトします。日本からの方も日本語で大丈夫ですのでお気軽に参加してください。