This volunteer opportunity has been archived and is only visible for historical reference.
Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low-elevation wetlands due to infill and development, with much of the remaining wetland habitat degraded by invasive, non-native plants. The greatest loss has occurred in Hilo. To combat this, we are working to restore critical habitats for threatened and endangered native birds, as well as migratory species, at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo.
With the help of dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive vegetation that has overtaken much of the marsh and reintroducing native plant species to restore this vital ecosystem.
The Lokowaka Pond complex is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland habitats. According to the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranks as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is the top priority on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the plan here. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
We invite you to take part in this meaningful conservation effort and help restore the wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering, you’ll not only contribute to the protection of our native wildlife but also gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems. Witness firsthand the impact of your efforts as the wetlands begin to flourish again.
Facebook: @aina.hoola.initiative
Instagram: @aina_hoola_initiative
For the current list of upcoming volunteer days, please visit https://ainahoola.org/volunteer/
We look forward to working with you to protect Hawaiʻi’s wetlands and wildlife. Together, we can restore Lokowaka Pond to its natural beauty and ecological significance!
Volunteer DetailsTime & Arrival:
Start Time: 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM)
Parking: Please park at the Kealoha Beach Park (aka 4 mile) parking lot on Keaukaha Road. If you’re coming from town on Kalanianaʻole Street, take a sharp left turn onto Keaukaha Road. Keaukaha Road is a one-way street starting from Kalanianaʻole Street, just before The Seaside Restaurant and Carlsmith Beach Park. https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2wXvuzUBv2PY3VQ8
Meeting Point: Lokowaka Pond across Kalanianaole Road from Kealoha Beach Park. Please make sure to use the restrooms at Kealoha Beach Park before crossing the road to join us.
When you arrive, you’ll likely find us below the road near the edge of the pond. If the work has already started, we may have moved to another area that’s not visible from the road. If you’re running late, please call me at (808) 895-2350 so we can guide you.
What to Wear & Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities include hand-pulling invasive weeds and planting native vegetation, 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 (sharp objects or broken glass may be present)
Sun Protection: Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses
Rainwear: Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
Reusable water bottle (bring plenty of water)
Optional: Insect repellent
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear
A bag for wet/muddy items
Towel
Optional: Swimwear for a refreshing visit to the nearby Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are available there if you’d like to clean up after the work session.
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
Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low-elevation wetlands due to infill and development, with much of the remaining wetland habitat degraded by invasive, non-native plants. The greatest loss has occurred in Hilo. To combat this, we are working to restore critical habitats for threatened and endangered native birds, as well as migratory species, at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo.
With the help of dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive vegetation that has overtaken much of the marsh and reintroducing native plant species to restore this vital ecosystem.
The Lokowaka Pond complex is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland habitats. According to the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranks as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is the top priority on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the plan here. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
We invite you to take part in this meaningful conservation effort and help restore the wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering, you’ll not only contribute to the protection of our native wildlife but also gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems. Witness firsthand the impact of your efforts as the wetlands begin to flourish again.
Facebook: @aina.hoola.initiative
Instagram: @aina_hoola_initiative
For the current list of upcoming volunteer days, please visit https://ainahoola.org/volunteer/
We look forward to working with you to protect Hawaiʻi’s wetlands and wildlife. Together, we can restore Lokowaka Pond to its natural beauty and ecological significance!
Volunteer DetailsTime & Arrival:
Start Time: 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM)
Parking: Please park at the Kealoha Beach Park (aka 4 mile) parking lot on Keaukaha Road. If you’re coming from town on Kalanianaʻole Street, take a sharp left turn onto Keaukaha Road. Keaukaha Road is a one-way street starting from Kalanianaʻole Street, just before The Seaside Restaurant and Carlsmith Beach Park. https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2wXvuzUBv2PY3VQ8
Meeting Point: Lokowaka Pond across Kalanianaole Road from Kealoha Beach Park. Please make sure to use the restrooms at Kealoha Beach Park before crossing the road to join us.
When you arrive, you’ll likely find us below the road near the edge of the pond. If the work has already started, we may have moved to another area that’s not visible from the road. If you’re running late, please call me at (808) 895-2350 so we can guide you.
What to Wear & Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities include hand-pulling invasive weeds and planting native vegetation, 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 (sharp objects or broken glass may be present)
Sun Protection: Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses
Rainwear: Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
Reusable water bottle (bring plenty of water)
Optional: Insect repellent
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear
A bag for wet/muddy items
Towel
Optional: Swimwear for a refreshing visit to the nearby Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are available there if you’d like to clean up after the work session.
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.
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This volunteer opportunity has been archived and is not accepting new volunteers.