Opportunities From: HandsOn Maui

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PWF and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) are partnering to support ridge to reef restoration efforts on Maui. DOFAWʻs mission is to protect, manage, and restore natural and cultural resources in collaboration with the people of Hawaiʻi. They envision a future with thriving native ecosystems and opportunities for the people of Hawaiʻi to engage with nature.

Volunteer efforts on state owned properties, which span the area from Māʻalaea to Olowalu, include land restoration which will reduce recurrent wildfire risks, enhance public access to hiking trails, protect cultural and scenic resources, and reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.

Participants will engage with various stages of restoration include removing invasive weeds and brush, cleaning up trash, out planting native species and more.

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MNBG is dedicated to the protection of Maui Nui's native plants and cultural heritage. They collect, cultivate and distribute native and Polynesian-introduced plants, creating a space to understand the important relationship these plants have to our economic, social and cultural livelihoods. Participants will meet in their garden to help it thrive through weeding and propagation.

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Located in Waiehu, Kaʻehu offers enriching opportunities focused on environmental restoration and cultural preservation. Participants can engage in activities such as native tree planting, invasive plant species removal, and coastal debris removal. These efforts help restore natural habitats and support sustainable ecosystems, while also preserving the cultural heritage of the area.

Sign up using THIS LINK.

PWF and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) are partnering to support ridge to reef restoration efforts on Maui. DOFAWʻs mission is to protect, manage, and restore natural and cultural resources in collaboration with the people of Hawaiʻi. They envision a future with thriving native ecosystems and opportunities for the people of Hawaiʻi to engage with nature.

Volunteer efforts on state owned properties, which span the area from Māʻalaea to Olowalu, include land restoration which will reduce recurrent wildfire risks, enhance public access to hiking trails, protect cultural and scenic resources, and reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.

Participants will engage with various stages of restoration include removing invasive weeds and brush, cleaning up trash, out planting native species and more.

Sign up using THIS LINK.

Grow Some Good cultivates a healthy community by strengthening local agriculture and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. They envision a food-secure community where everyone grows, shares and prepares healthy local food. We will be helping out in their community garden located at the YMCA in Kahului.

As an Ocean Ambassador, you are at the forefront of our outreach efforts, engaging with the public on a weekly basis. Through meaningful interactions, you will have the opportunity to increase awareness and cultivate a deeper understanding of the vital work being done to protect marine ecosystems.

Ocean Ambassador volunteers stay informed about and share the latest PWF conservation initiatives, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to make a difference. Help spread awareness about critical marine conservation issues like marine plastic pollution, vessel collisions with animals, unsustainable tourism, bycatch, and climate change.

The Ocean Ambassador spends their time actively engaging with the public, including visitors, residents and students in the Ocean Store and on PacWhale Eco-Adventures tours. This volunteer position is a three-hour consistent commitment per week for at least three months. Three times per month the Ocean Ambassador engages with visitors at the PacWhale Ocean Store and joins an eco-tour once per month. Additionally, they speak on the microphone and provide a one-minute overview of PWF in the PacWhale Ocean Store.

All volunteers receive comprehensive training on PWF programs and volunteer responsibilities. While previous volunteer experience is not required, a strong desire to learn and contribute to marine conservation efforts is essential. High school students (with parental consent) and older are welcome to apply.

https://pacificwhale.org/ocean-ambassador-volunteer/

Offered daily

Participate in Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine debris citizen science research. Select a beach of your choosing to clean up and fill out a data sheet recording what debris items are present. This data allows our researchers to expand their data set and analyze the trends and patterns of debris on Maui’s beaches and shores. The information is used to develop educational campaigns and for policy development.

Pick up your supplies (gloves, recycled bag, datasheet) at Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Stores, or at participating partners, including Maui Brewing Company Kihei, Mahalo Ale Works, Whole Foods, IHOP. Learn more about the Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program. 

If you don't need a cleanup kit you can simply fill out the form online. 

Volunteer with the Pacific Whale Foundation Education team for a variety of our programs. We are looking for volunteers for our outreach events, Ocean Camp field trips and more. These events can vary from sharing about our programs at a community events, to chaperoning a school field trip to assisting with our Ocean Camp program. We would love to have you join us in our mission to teach the keiki of Maui about the amazing wonders of the ocean and the natural environment. 

Please email education@pacificwhale.org if you are interested or would like to learn more. We would love to hear about your passions in educating our youth. 

Please be prepared to complete a background check and keiki safety trainings in advance of volunteering.

Sign up with THIS LINK.

Participate Monthly

The Adopt A Beach program from PWF is an opportunity for residents of Maui County to help cleanup a beach of their choosing and contribute valuable data to the Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program Database. 

Volunteers choose any beach in Maui County and are provided a reusable beach cleanup kit including a large vinyl bag, reusable, washable gloves, laminated data sheet and a sharpie marker. Every month volunteers cleanup their beach and submit a picture of their data sheet to the Conservation program at PWF. 

Incentives include discounts at the PWF Ocean Store and after one year of monthly cleanups a free PacWhale Ecotour. 

Find out more and signup to participate here: https://www.pacificwhale.org/adopt-a-beach/