Hawaii is one of the most isolated places on Earth. Our ecosystems are as diverse as they are fragile. Of the species listed as endangered or threatened in the United States, nearly a third are in Hawaii (FWS). Nonprofits on the Big Island work to protect, preserve and educate about the plants, animals and ecosystems that make the Big Island special. Consider supporting some of the following Hawai’i Island nature nonprofits, this Earth Day and beyond.
Hawaii Wildlife Center
The Hawaii Wildlife Center is dedicated to protecting native Hawaiian wildlife, providing state of the art care and rehabilitation for native animals, as well as comprehensive wildlife rescue training and public education and outreach programs. HWC provides a critical resource to help our native bird and bat populations survive and help people and wildlife coexist, serving major and minor Hawaiian Islands extending to Midway and Kure Atoll. Volunteers for patient transport are needed! Donations can be made on their website.
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The Kohala Center
The Kohala Center is an independent research, education, and land stewardship non-profit for healthier ecosystems on Hawaii Island. Their Kohala watershed partnership works to preserve and maintain a healthy watershed in the Kohala district. The Reef Teach educators at the Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center inform visitors to Kahalu’u Beach Park of how to visit the bay while keeping the coral reef safe. The Ōhāhā High School AgriCULTURE and Ke Kumu ‘Āina programs provide environmentally and culturally based educational curriculum and materials to K-12 students and educators. For a complete list of ongoing programs and resources, visit their website.
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Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative was formed to protect, promote, and restore the native Hawaiian dry forest ecosystems in Waikoloa. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle, the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve was established to protect many of the remaining native trees in the region. The Future Foresters after school program teaches science based curriculum to help students connect with the environment and their community. Donate to Adopt a Wiliwili tree or an acre of dry forest, or participate in a tree planting day. They also operate the Dusty Donkey Emporium thrift shop at Waikoloa Stables, 68-1936 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm.
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Hawaii Pacific Parks
Hawaii Pacific Parks is the partner non-profit with the National Park Service that funds and supports educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities within four parks on the Big Island: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park, Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau, and Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Some notable native species protected by their efforts include the Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose, Uaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel), Honuʻea (Hawksbill Sea Turtle) and ‘Ōpe’ape’a (Hawaiian Hoary Bat). Hawaii Pacific Parks operates gift shops in all of the parks, with profits benefitting their projects.
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Malama O Puna
Malama O Puna is a Hawai‘i non-profit corporation and volunteer service organization focusing on the environment. Their mission is to assure critical habitat for native species and open space for future generations, with programs including environmental education, hands-on projects, advocacy, watch-dogging and land trusting.
Outdoor Circle – Kona, Waikoloa Village and Waimea Chapters
The Outdoor Circle works to protect Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and open spaces for future generations through community improvement projects, public education, and advocacy. This Hawai’i Island nature nonprofit operates in three communities with their own chapter in each. The Waikoloa Village chapter works with partner organizations to support ecosystem conservation and public green spaces. The Kona Outdoor Circle is currently looking for new members and volunteers. The Waimea chapter maintains Ulu La’au (Waimea Nature Park), an expansive public park. Donate and learn more on their sites:
Waimea Outdoor Circle | Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle | Kona Outdoor Circle
Ways that you can support Hawai’i Island Nature Nonprofits
Make a donation
Nonprofits by nature do not turn a profit at the end of their financial year, making donations integral to keep them running. In many cases, your dollar goes further for a registered 501c3 than making a retail purchase of supplies. No donation is too small. You can also support nonprofits by attending their fundraising events.
Volunteer
Not everyone has the ability to donate cash, and nonprofits need volunteers as much as they need funds. Volunteers serve in many capacities, from collecting donations to community outreach. Reach out to your favorite organization and see if they are accepting volunteers.
Organize a Fundraising Campaign
Volunteer virtually by organizing a fundraising campaign. Many organizations have pre-set guidelines, tools, and forms on their websites to help you get started. A campaign may be as simple as creating a flyer and sharing a charities donation link online. Is your birthday coming up? Consider asking for donations to your favorite nonprofit.
Get Social and Spread the Word
If you can’t donate, consider spreading the word on social media to raise awareness of Hawai’i Island nature nonprofits. The next person to read your post, or the next reshare, may raise the support that nonprofit needs. Use hashtags and keywords to help platform users find campaigns quicker. Photos get the most attention, so grab one or share one of your own to get the most attention for your post. Engage with nonprofit social media such and share their posts!
Featured photo via Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Facebook
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