Volunteer

Find volunteer access forms, orientation information, past volunteer lists, and details about participating in KIRC volunteer work access.

How to Volunteer

Review the volunteer information. Read the access details, work expectations, and conditions for volunteering on Kahoʻolawe.
Complete the volunteer form. Fill out the required volunteer form and review any related access materials.
Attend orientation. All participants must complete the required volunteer orientation before access.
Prepare for work access. Be ready for a four-day commitment in a remote environment with rugged conditions and physically demanding work.

Volunteer information:

Volunteer Forms
Orientation
Past Volunteers
Nā HoaʻĀina
Feedback Form

Volunteer Access Forms

Information Download volunteer information packet (PDF)
Form Download 2025 volunteer form (PDF)

KIRC Volunteer Orientation Information

Orientation Download KIRC volunteer orientation (PDF)

Past Volunteers

Nā HoaʻĀina

Mahalo for your desire to volunteer your time with the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KIRC reduced volunteer group sizes and temporarily halted volunteer trips. Once trips resume, KIRC can safely facilitate two volunteer groups per month consisting of approximately 5 to 8 participants. Each trip is a four-day commitment focused on grant deliverables and restoration projects in a remote environment with often rugged conditions.

There is always a possibility that volunteers may need to swim on and off the island from the vessel if surf conditions do not allow for a beach landing. In addition, the channel crossing may take 1 hour on a fair-weather day and 3 to 4 hours in non-favorable conditions. A $200 access fee is required per person and includes transportation to and from Maui. All participants must attend a mandatory one-hour orientation.

Because of the number of inquiries KIRC receives, it is not always possible to accommodate individual requests for physical volunteer access on Kahoʻolawe. KIRC is currently focusing on working with groups affiliated with programs or organizations that have a point of contact or leader who can meet KIRC requirements and assume responsibility for all participants.

There are many other ways to support the restoration and perpetuation of Kanaloa. One of the best ways is to learn about the island’s unique history, current projects, and cultural significance. Explore the resources below:

Kahoʻolawe Exhibit at the Maui Ocean Center
Stay up to date on projects by reviewing the newsletters and visiting the Plans, Policies and Reports page.
Free mobile app available
Living Library archival database
Hawaii News Now: Reclaiming Kahoolawe series by Lacy Deniz

Please note that this is a volunteer work access. Conditions on Kahoʻolawe are often arid and extreme. Work days are long and can be harsh and potentially dangerous, as volunteers work outdoors and are exposed to the elements. Volunteer work may include planting native species, weeding and removing invasive species, erosion mitigation, base camp maintenance, meal preparation, cooking, kitchen duties, and other tasks as determined by KIRC staff.

Feedback Form

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