Walk on Water & Restore Coral Reefs by Removing Invasive Seaweed
by Mālama Maunalua
Disclaimer: This site is following COVID-19 protocols which are updated with the Hawaii State Department of Health and may restrict certain activities.
Maunalua Bay’s, is located on the south-east shore of Oahu in Hawaii Kai, and is one of the 5 largest bays in the state. The shallow shoreline is currently clogged with invasive seaweed (dubbed mud weed) that needs to be removed. Please join us for a volunteer workday while having fun too as we appear to walk on water. Volunteers will help restore the marine environment by removing invasive algae from the nearshore waters, as part of an effort to continue the work of the Great Huki that took place from 2009-2011 in which a team of dedicated volunteers and staff removed over 3 million pounds of invasive algae from Maunalua Bay. Huki, meaning to “pull” in Hawaiian refers to the physically pulling or removing the algae from our intertidal reef here in Maunalua bay.
To date we’ve removed over 3 million pounds of algae and recycled it into rich soil for local farms. Together with your help, we will continue the needed clearing of over 1000 more plots we’ve identified to achieve our mission.
Highlights
- Family-friendly event, all welcome, Keiki (children) through kupuna (seniors)
- Engage in fun meaningful work to give back to Hawaii’s local communities and environment
- Learn about ‘āina (land) connections from mauka (ridge) to makai (reef)
- Join a community Huki (Pull) to help remove mud weed clogging the shores.
- Enjoy picturesque views of Mauanalua Bay with famous Koko Head Crater and Hanauma bay the background.
- Continue the legacy of 10,000 volunteers, clearing 28 acres of bay, of 3.5 million pounds of invasive algae.
- Learn about ‘āina (landʻs) connection to Makai (ocean)
Know Before You Join
- Ability to perform ocean-gardening tasks while bending, kneeling, lifting, and stretching
- Able to stay on your feet for the entire 3-hour duration of the activity
- Walk for over a mile in beach sand and shallow water
- Work as a team in ankle to knee deep ocean water
