Applications open for environmental, cultural stewards across Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi’s largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit is accepting applications for individuals to work as stewards in sensitive natural and cultural areas across the islands.

Kupu is seeking applicants for the Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program, which employs individuals responsible for educating visitors, enforcing safety measures, and maintaining trails.

Kupu is a nonprofit that provides hands-on training and national service programs to educate and mentor youth to become stewards of culture and the environment. Kupu has trained more than 6,000 youth and adults in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education.

The program has seen significant success by increasing visitors’ awareness of hiking conditions and the valley’s history and cultural significance. There has also been a decrease in hiking accidents, illegal camping, and parking infractions since the program’s inception in 2023.

Nā Manu ʻElele positions are opening on the Big Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. Sites include trails, hunting areas, forest reserves, community-based subsistence fishing areas, and other recreational lands overseen by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Division of Aquatic Resources. Stewards will receive hourly pay and health coverage for those working more than 20 hours a week.

Lana L.F. stewarded various trails on the Big Island last year, including ʻŌnomea, Puʻu Huluhulu, Puʻu ʻŌʻō, Kaulana Manu, and Kaūmana Trail.

“What was already a big love for this island has grown exponentially since starting trail stewarding. It brought me closer to people, and because of sharing the same space and appreciation for it, seeing how impactful the beauty is for people,” Lana said. “I really appreciate all the positive interactions with visitors. People on these trails are mostly curious, kind, adventurous, or just happy to be there. And most people are interested in the history of the trail, learning what a kīpuka is, and geological information too.”

One of the most unexpected experiences Lana had was seeing and hearing the endemic honeycreepers regularly.

“That has inspired me to volunteer to help all the ongoing efforts of tree planting in higher elevations. This past summer, with my Kupu team, we got to plant māmane in Kaʻū as part of the effort to provide more food for the birds,” she said.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27. The start date for the program is Monday, May 18. More information and the application can be found on the Kupu website.

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