Waimea Valley Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities at Waimea Valley
Our volunteer program follows the well-known ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) “ma ka hana, ka ‘ike” (with the work, we learn). These opportunities are set up to inspire closer connections to the 'āina (land), and traditional Hawaiian cultural practices that we honor and perpetuate. We share knowledge and provide training to all volunteers, giving them a chance to learn, grow and build pilina (relationship) with Waimea Valley.
Interested in being a volunteer? Sign up for one of our community volunteer days or a long-term volunteer commitment to help us mālama Waimea.
Community Volunteer Days
These events are open for members of the public to experience Waimea Valley’s Volunteer program. Check out the volunteer calendar below for specific dates and reserve your spot.
Volunteers will be required to sign waiver forms that are provided on the morning of their event.
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‘Ohana Volunteer Days are volunteer workdays where the project and location are appropriate for participants of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. An RSVP is required as space is limited.
Check out the volunteer calendar above for specific dates and reserve your spot.
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Mālama means to care for and māla means garden.
Come help us tend to the 53 gardens of Waimea Valley. Each Mālama Māla morning will focus on a specific garden. The workday will include a brief introduction about some features of the garden or the region.
The workdays are from 9am - 11:30pm. Potential tasks include removing unwanted plants and invasive species, general gardening and maintenance.
Check out the volunteer calendar above for specific dates, and to reserve your spot! RSVP required.
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Join us for an adventure and help us restore the native forest on the ridge above Waimea Valley. Hānai ‘āina workdays are from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. and include a moderate 45-minute hike up to Kalahe’e Ridge. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers must be able to stay for the entire event. An RSVP is required.
Check out the volunteer calendar above for specific dates and reserve your spot.
Annual Events
Join us for Lā Honua Earth Day and Make a Difference Day at Waimea Valley! Both events include various volunteer projects, and the opportunity to connect with other local organizations.
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4th Saturday of April
Join us for Lā Honua Earth Day at Waimea Valley! We have several volunteer service projects and fun activities in the Valley. More details will be coming soon.
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Date: TBD
Every year we bring volunteers together for an engaging day of volunteering and fun in the Valley.
Individual Long-Term Volunteer Commitment
Long-term volunteer opportunities are best for people who are interested in making an investment in Waimea Valley and have the time to commit to at least one or two days a week. You would be a regular part of Valley operations and have a set schedule.
Please fill out the volunteer application form and register with the volunteer coordinator (volunteers@waimeavalley.net). Long-term volunteers are given a choice of different departments and projects to get involved with. These opportunities include hospitality ambassadors/greeters, botanical assistants, facilities maintenance, special events support, and conservation team members. We provide training and the opportunity to learn from and connect with our incredible staff. This program is meant for adults, but minors may join our team if a parent or legal guardian accompanies them.
Please review the list below to determine your area of interest.
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Ambassadors play a vital role at Waimea Valley. As the first and last people to welcome our guests at the main entrance, Ambassadors give guests a great first impression and leave a fond, lasting memory of Waimea Valley. As an Ambassador, volunteers are provided with opportunities to continually deepen their knowledge of the cultural and environmental significance of the Valley, while simultaneously strengthening their outreach and public speaking skills.
Desired skills and abilities:
Be able to express aloha
Outgoing and comfortable talking to strangers
Familiar with botanical, cultural, and ecological highlights of Waimea Valley (helpful)
Understand and represent the mission of Hi'ipaka/Waimea Valley
Available on a long-term, weekly basis. -
Home to over 5,000 species of plants from throughout the globe, Waimea Valley’s botanical garden collections are legendary. The work involved in maintaining our world-class botanical gardens requires attention and care from both dedicated staff and volunteers. Responsibilities include watering, potting, preparing soils, weeding, pruning, mulching, and general plant maintenance.
Desired skills and abilities:
Comfortable kneeling and bending
Comfortable lifting light to moderate objects and tools (i.e. shovel and potted plants)
Moderate physical fitness
General knowledge of gardening and botany is very helpful. -
Help us maintain Waimea’s grounds and facilities through projects such as painting railings, benches, picnic tables, and more.
Desired skills and abilities:
Comfortable kneeling and bending
Comfortable lifting light to moderate objects and tools (i.e. shovel and potted plants)
Moderate physical fitness. -
Nearly all of our special events throughout the year require the assistance and expertise of volunteers in order for the events to be successful. Because most of our events take place in the evening or on weekends, special events offer flexibility in scheduling. Volunteer duties vary by event but may include greeting guests, assisting staff and traffic control/parking.
Desired skills and abilities:
Interpersonal skills
Works well independently and as part of a team. -
Our conservation program is focused on restoring native forest land and maintaining the habitats of the endangered plants and animals that we protect. Join our Waimea Valley team and be part of the ongoing effort to improve the ecology of the Valley. Volunteer activities include clearing out invasive weeds, planting natives, and native seed collection.
Desired skills and abilities:
Moderate physical fitness
Comfortable hiking uphill along the mountain ridge.
Exclusive Group Projects
Groups are welcome to sign up for our community volunteer days and annual volunteer events; however, it is particularly fun to sign up for an exclusive group event designed specifically for your organization. Exclusive group projects are open to private businesses, schools, civic clubs, teams, non-profits, and any other organizations that are looking for service opportunities. We work with volunteer groups of all ages, interests, and abilities.
Projects can be arranged with the volunteer coordinator and are typically scheduled 1-2 months in advance. Not only will groups get the satisfaction of making a lasting impact, but they earn free admission on their day of service.
We have many groups that return regularly, some visit yearly and some return as often as twice a month.
If you are interested in an exclusive group project, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@waimeavalley.net, or phone at (808) 638-5855.
Adopt a Garden Program
We have a new, special program where organizations can adopt and care for their very own garden in Waimea Valley. If you adopt a garden, your organization will have its name posted at the garden and will be recognized in Waimea Valley’s external communications. This is an excellent way for your business or organization to earn recognition by demonstrating a commitment to the community.
If you are interested in adopting a garden, please contact Executive Director Richard Pezzulo by phone (808) 638-5851 or email RPezzulo@WaimeaValley.net