Coastal Wetland and Estuary Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Volunteer with ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative 🌿
Hawaiʻi Island has lost about 75% of its lowland wetlands, especially in Hilo, where the loss has deeply impacted native waterbirds and aquatic life. At the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex—which includes four interconnected traditional loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishponds)—we are restoring one of the island’s most important remaining wetland systems.
🌱 What you’ll do:
With the help of local and visiting volunteers, we remove invasive vegetation, replant native species, and help revive the natural flow of freshwater from mauka to makai. This hands-on work restores critical habitat for endangered native waterbirds, migratory species, and other aquatic life—while also honoring the cultural and ecological integrity of this ancestral place.
💚 Why it matters:
According to the 2024 Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan, Lokowaka Pond is the #1 wetland restoration priority on Hawaiʻi Island and the 11th most important statewide. By volunteering, you’re not only protecting Hawaiʻi’s species—you’re also building a deeper connection to ʻāina.
👣 What to expect:
-
Work rain or shine in wet, muddy, uneven terrain
-
Activities include weeding (by hand or sickle), hauling vegetation, planting natives, and sometimes working in water/mud
-
All experience levels welcome — just bring your enthusiasm!
👕 What to wear:
-
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (for sun + insect protection)
-
Closed-toe shoes / reef shoes / tabis / dive boots (they will get wet + muddy)
-
Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses
-
Waterproof jacket or poncho
🧴 What to bring:
-
Plenty of water in a reusable bottle
-
Optional: insect repellent
-
Change of clothes, footwear, towel, bag for muddy items
-
Tools + gloves provided
-
Showers available after work
Come ready to get muddy, learn, and be part of healing the ʻāina. 🌿✨
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative is dedicated to restoring and stewarding Hawai’i’s wetlands and loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). At Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo, we work alongside the community to revive native ecosystems, protect endangered and threatened species like the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and reconnect people to the ʻāina (land). Through hands-on conservation, education, and community engagement, we are breathing life back into this vital place.
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Exercise, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
Coastal Wetland and Estuary Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Volunteer with ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative 🌿
Hawaiʻi Island has lost about 75% of its lowland wetlands, especially in Hilo, where the loss has deeply impacted native waterbirds and aquatic life. At the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex—which includes four interconnected traditional loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishponds)—we are restoring one of the island’s most important remaining wetland systems.
🌱 What you’ll do:
With the help of local and visiting volunteers, we remove invasive vegetation, replant native species, and help revive the natural flow of freshwater from mauka to makai. This hands-on work restores critical habitat for endangered native waterbirds, migratory species, and other aquatic life—while also honoring the cultural and ecological integrity of this ancestral place.
💚 Why it matters:
According to the 2024 Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan, Lokowaka Pond is the #1 wetland restoration priority on Hawaiʻi Island and the 11th most important statewide. By volunteering, you’re not only protecting Hawaiʻi’s species—you’re also building a deeper connection to ʻāina.
👣 What to expect:
-
Work rain or shine in wet, muddy, uneven terrain
-
Activities include weeding (by hand or sickle), hauling vegetation, planting natives, and sometimes working in water/mud
-
All experience levels welcome — just bring your enthusiasm!
👕 What to wear:
-
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (for sun + insect protection)
-
Closed-toe shoes / reef shoes / tabis / dive boots (they will get wet + muddy)
-
Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses
-
Waterproof jacket or poncho
🧴 What to bring:
-
Plenty of water in a reusable bottle
-
Optional: insect repellent
-
Change of clothes, footwear, towel, bag for muddy items
-
Tools + gloves provided
-
Showers available after work
Come ready to get muddy, learn, and be part of healing the ʻāina. 🌿✨
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Exercise, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative is dedicated to restoring and stewarding Hawai’i’s wetlands and loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). At Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo, we work alongside the community to revive native ecosystems, protect endangered and threatened species like the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and reconnect people to the ʻāina (land). Through hands-on conservation, education, and community engagement, we are breathing life back into this vital place.