Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to cultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.
The new Kupu ʻĀina Corps job training program has launched!
Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.” This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of internships and service-learning opportunities which blend vocational training and green leadership development to support more than 100 partner sites across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
Kupu & Kōkua Hawaii Foundation are excited to announce the launch of the
2020-2021 Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC)!
HYSC is a program that empowers Hawaiʻi youth to create solutions to sustainability and conservation challenges facing their schools and communities. The solutions to the challenges—either identified by the students themselves or by community partners—must be student-driven. Selected students must be in grades 9-12 and will receive funding, mentorship, and training to support their innovative and grassroots environmental initiatives. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2020.
The Kupu ʻĀina Corps program is a new initiative that provides temporary employment for those who are interested in exploring environmental and sustainability related work.
News & Events
Launch of Kupu Pathways for Conservation Leaders
We’re excited to announce the launch of Kupu Pathways, a new partnership with Arizona State University that offers our Year Long Conservation Leaders a clear track into higher education! Designed for participants that are considering college courses or have a passion for continued learning, no matter their financial status or past academic performances. Learn while you earn, and give back to the environment and community at the same time. Click to learn more.
#ObamaFellows Helping Their Communities
Hear from our CEO, John Leong (a 2019 Obama Foundation Fellow), about our Kupu Food Hub and how we worked to deliver thousands of meals to those in need in Hawai‘i during the COVID-19 crisis.
Donate to Kupu
Help us reach our goal of $50,000 to continue Kupu’s mission.
No gift is too small to make an impact. Every $1 donated to Kupu equals $3 in economic benefits for the State of Hawai‘i.
Conservation Leadership Program Applications Open!
Interested in serving at an environmental organization in Hawai‘i?
We are looking for passionate individuals who are dedicated to improving and preserving Hawai‘i’s natural resources and cultural landscape.
Gain valuable career experience while making a difference!
Join the Facebook “Kupu Alumni & Friends of Kupu” Group
Connect with other former members and learn about external job opportunities.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
"I have gained field skills like how to work a GPS, how to use a weed-whacker, how to identify native plants and so much more. I have also gained confidence, a bit of independence, and leadership skills that will help me in the future."
"The Sustainability Initiatives program introduced me to a powerful network of sustainability and cultural leaders in Hawai’i, and ultimately helped me secure my first full-time job with a food systems advocacy nonprofit. Since 2017, I have worked for nonprofit organization The Kohala Center on Hawai’i Island as rural economic development supervisor, where everyday I get to use the skills I gained through Sustainability Initiatives to pay it forward and help farmers and rural businesses thrive."
"Kupu has been absolutely fundamental to who I am and what my career is today. I learned so much about myself and my homeland, and gained valuable lab and field experience that led me to the permanent, full-time conservation job offer I recently recieved!"
"Getting to experience Kupu as a 17-year-old in high school opened up my world to the true cultural and ecological diversity of Hawaiʻi. The community of people that Kupu attracts is the reason I kept going back, first as a junior and then twice as a leader, and the experiences I had have shaped the human I am today: one who cares deeply about both environmental and social justice in Hawaiʻi (and one who has friends on every island who share those values). I think every young person in Hawaiʻi should do at least one of Kupu's programs both for their own personal growth and also to learn how to be a valuable steward of the land."
"Kupu is the gateway to a whole realm of opportunities for growth, networking and expansion of knowledge. This program provides the privilege to learn more about both the scientific and Hawaiian cultural side of conservation which to me is what makes this a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else. After all the hard work and efforts put into restoring our ʻāina, watching native plants that you worked to raise from seed to out planting back into the wild is what makes this career field well worth it!"
"Working with Kupu this summer helped me to gain so much knowledge about the conservation field in Hawaiʻi"
"Although our time at each site was brief, I believe that this summer was the greatest I've ever had."
"The one thing I discovered and rediscovered throughout my summer was truly living mālama honua through and through."
"My experience of hard work that makes an impact in our state is a reward all on its own."