Visit a scenic pond in Hilo & Benefit native birds

Lokowaka Pond, located next two Beach Parks in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i, is one of the only places that endangered water fowl known as ‘Alae Ke’oke’o (or Hawaiian Coot) lives.  Our cute feathered friends, endemic to Hawaii, rely on native vegetation to survive.

Embrace the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina and contribute to the revitalization of our precious wetlands. By volunteering with the ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative, you’ll be immersing yourself in a meaningful journey of conservation and community engagement. You’ll get hands-on experience with restoring native habitats for endemic water birds, learn about our unique ecosystem, and make a tangible impact on our environment.

Afterwards, relax and enjoy the parks, which features picnic areas and lagoons for swimming, snorkeling & sea turtle-watching.  Together, our efforts will have lasting benefits for generations to come.

Highlights

• Volunteer at a scenic and historic Hawaiian fishpond home to endangered native water birds located right in Hilo
• Enjoy nearby beach parks afterward with opportunities to swim, picnic, snorkel, and sea turtle-watching
• The Seaside Restaurant (the oldest restaurant in Hawaiʻi) near the worksite offers a free dessert with a purchase of an entree for volunteers
• Ola Brew offers a discount on any one drink for volunteers

Know before you join

• Ability to perform gardening tasks such as squatting, bending, kneeling, lifting, and stretching
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions, wet/muddy/uneven terrain, and insects
• You will be hand removing invasive grass, rain or shine
• Japanese speaker available onsite
• The nearest restrooms and showers are across the street
• Must Sign-Up using the Calendar Link above, please, no drop-ins