Surfrider Kaua‘i Schedules Anahola Beach Cleanup for MLK Day

Surfrider Kaua‘i is asking local residents to join its annual Martin Luther King Day of Service beach cleanup Sunday, Jan. 18, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Anahola Beach Park. The volunteer effort will target Anahola Beach and the rocky coastline south of Anahola Bay, continuing a community tradition of shoreline stewardship that links service to conservation.

The event is positioned as both a commemorative service and a practical response to litter and marine debris that affect recreation, shoreline access, and nearshore ecosystems. Organizers require volunteers to complete a beach cleanup waiver online before the event and to sign in at Anahola Beach Park on the day of the cleanup. Participants should arrive on time to receive safety and logistics briefings at the start of the session.

Surfrider Kaua‘i will lead the operation with volunteers from across the island. The cleanup provides hands-on opportunities for residents to contribute directly to coastal health, reduce hazards for swimmers and surfers, and help maintain the scenic and cultural value of the Anahola shoreline. Local businesses and households that rely on clean beaches for recreation and tourism stand to benefit when debris is removed and prevented from entering the ocean.

Beyond immediate trash removal, community cleanups like this one play a role in shaping local policy and civic engagement. Data and observations gathered by volunteers often inform county conversations about waste collection, enforcement against illegal dumping, and targeted outreach on single-use plastics and proper disposal. Regular volunteer turnout also signals sustained public interest to elected officials and agency staff, which can influence funding and program priorities at the county level.

Volunteering at the cleanup is a direct way for residents to participate in civic life without attending meetings or public hearings. It offers a practical avenue for community members to meet neighbors, learn more about coastal issues, and translate concern into action. Organizers encourage people of all ages to take part, while noting that safety and appropriate footwear are important on rocky stretches of coast.

Residents who want to help should complete the online waiver before Jan. 18 and plan to sign in at Anahola Beach Park at the start of the event. For additional information, contact Surfrider Kaua‘i. This cleanup is one of several opportunities this year for Kaua‘i residents to engage in shoreline protection; continued participation will shape how the county and community address coastal debris in 2026 and beyond.