Volunteer

What is Kokua Koke’e?!

Kokua Koke’e! Your ohana, your halau, your school or club, your union – couples even! – are invited to come up mauka (to the mountains in Hawaiian) to participate in the Hui o Laka’s growing park stewardship program, Kokua (it means Help or Support in Hawaiian) Koke’e!

 

 

Kokua Koke’e is remarkable among forest conservation programs in two ways: first, it focuses on intensively removing all weeds from much loved trails and lookouts, and second, it is designed expressly to engage all generations, from 3-year olds to grandparents and everyone in between. The approach used is “forest gardening,” using low-impact gardening methods mostly with hand tools. It has been developed with the support and guidance of Hawaii State Parks Division, operating in support of the Division’s underfunded mission of park stewardship. Another significant partner is Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Natural Resources Program which has provided support since 2003.

Guided by Hui o Laka staff, you’ll beautify and weed trails, overlooking the precious places of Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks while learning even more about these precious upland forests. Tools and training are provided. You can come up for just a day, or spend the night at the historic CCC Camp, which Hui o Laka has been renovating since 1990. Or if you like, we can design a special educational/cultural experience for you while you’re at the CCC Camp. To see your options and schedule your own Kokua Koke’e Workday, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Individuals and couples are also welcome to volunteer. In addition to forest weeding and trail work, there are significant opportunities to assist with the renovation and preservation of the CCC Camp.

The benefits of serving in the mountain

Many on Kauai are concerned about the future of Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks. Hui o Laka is confident that the best way to “save Koke’e” is to kokua (help) now. In this stressful world, parks are incredibly important places where we refresh and renew ourselves. Young people are often more comfortable in malls than in nature. Families get too busy to do things together. A day in our mountain parks is some of nature’s “best” medicine. You’re sure to learn a lot, and make fond memories!