Kupu Opens Applications for Paid Land Steward Positions Across Hawaiʻi

Kupu, Hawaiʻi's largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit, has opened applications for paid steward positions across the islands through its Nā Manu ʻElele Land Steward Program, offering $20 per hour to locals willing to work on hiking trails, forest reserves, and other sensitive cultural and natural areas managed by the state.

The program, a three-way collaboration between Kupu, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, grew directly out of a 2022 pilot at Pololū Valley on Hawaiʻi Island. Stewards there engaged hikers on the history, ecology, and safety conditions of the valley, and the results were measurable: notable reductions in hiking accidents, illegal camping, and parking violations. That track record drove statewide expansion beginning in December 2023, funded through an EDA grant that will support the hiring of more than 20 stewards through 2026.

Positions are currently open on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. An official statement from Kupu CEO John Leong, also cited in a Governor of Hawaiʻi press release, also listed Molokaʻi among islands where positions have been secured. Applications for sites on Maui and Kauaʻi are being prioritized, with other islands accepting candidates on a rolling basis.

"Kupu is excited to partner with DLNR and embark on this journey to engage local communities, protect Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural treasures, and nurture a new generation of environmental stewards," Leong said. "In traditional Hawaiian context, birds, or nā manu, represent messengers, guardians, and beings of a particular place. ʻElele refers to individuals who act as ambassadors. Kupu is honored to secure part-time and full-time Nā Manu ʻElele positions on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi."

Stewards work across DLNR-managed lands including hiking trails, hunting areas, forest reserves, and subsistence fishing areas overseen by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Division of Aquatic Resources. Day-to-day responsibilities include educating visitors about native species, cultural significance, and trail safety, while also discouraging unsafe or illegal behavior at wahi pana, a Hawaiian term the program defines as legendary places, and living, breathing spaces.

Compensation includes the $20 hourly wage paid biweekly, with paid time off of 160 hours for full-time participants and 60 hours for part-time. Health coverage is available to stewards working 20 or more hours per week for four consecutive weeks.

Kupu has simplified the application process by folding Nā Manu ʻElele into its broader Kupu ʻĀina Corps application. Applicants must indicate their specific interest in the Nā Manu ʻElele program within that application. Positions are accepted year-round, and more information is available by contacting Kupu directly at info@kupuhawaii.org.