Program Information:

• Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, O’ahu

• Entry- to intermediate-level positions for individuals who want to build a career in the green jobs sector

• Program term options

  • Part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week)

  • For a 6-month or 12-month program term

• The peak season to apply is from August 4th through November 14th!

  • The best time to apply is at the start of the program year, when the most opportunities are available. To maximize your chances at selection, we strongly encourage you to submit your application by November 14.

Review our Things to Consider for answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

Benefits:

• Opportunities to receive resume-building certifications and network with potential future employers

• $20 hourly wage

• Medical insurance (for employees working 20+ hours)

• Retention bonus

  • $200 to $800 depending on term selection

• Paid time off

  • 20 to 120 hours depending on term selection

Qualifications

• Most positions require that participants be between the ages of 17 to 38 for the duration of the program term to be eligible for participation.

  • A small selection of positions will not have an upper age limit.

• Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States.

• Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.

• Applicants are not required to have previous experience in the environmental sector, although prior experience may be preferred for some positions.

KAC Host Sites

KAC Participants are selected to serve with a Host Site (partner organization) that is best aligned with their goals and interests. Current KAC Host Site partners include:

• DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife - Forestry Program - Maui

• DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife - Forestry Program - Kaua’i

• DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife - Forestry Program - O’ahu

• DLNR - DOFAW - Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance

• DLNR - Native Ecosystem Protection and Management - West Hawai’i

• DLNR - Native Ecosystem Protection and Management - Maui

• DLNR - DOFAW - Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project

• The Kohala Center

• Onomea Farm Hub

• County of Maui - Department of Planning

• Wai’anae High School Marine Science Learning Center

• Hawai’i Fish Company Inc.

Contact us at kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

Participant application here!

Attend Kupu's Virtual Interview Skills Workshop to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence!

https://calendly.com/anna-garcia-6/kupu-workshop-series

KAC Host Site Applications for the 2025-2026 program year are now open:

Host Site Application

KAC Host Site Information Session: August 22, 12 pm to 1 pm

KAC Info Session Sign Up

Program Timeline

DLNR Host Site priority application deadline: August 8, 2025

General Host Site priority application deadline: August 29, 2025

See More Details Here

Host Sites can be: 

• For-profit organizations 

• Non-profit organizations 

• State and county government agencies 

Host Sites’ focuses may fall under the following categories: 

• Agriculture & Food Systems  

• Aquatic Resource Management  

• Community Outreach & Education  

• Environmental Technologies & Renewable Energy 

• Invasive Species Removal  

• Native Hawaiian Cultural Stewardship  

• Native Plant/Wildlife Conservation  

• Trail Restoration  

• And much, much, more! 

Benefits

• Organizations can increase their capacity at a highly subsidized rate 

• Majority of the employment costs (i.e., wages, benefits, employment taxes, etc.) will be covered by Kupu ʻĀina Corps 

• Increase the capacity of the Hawaiʻi green jobs sector through your organization! 

Host Site Fees:

6-month Program Term

• Part-Time, $20 hourly wage: $6,000.00

• Full-Time, $20 hourly wage: $12,000.00

12-month Program Term

• Part-Time, $20 hourly wage: $12,000.00

• Full-Time, $20 hourly wage: $24,000.00

DLNR Sites, please contact kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information

Host Site's Role:

Host Sites serve as direct supervisors and mentors to the participants. Participants should report to the site’s designated supervisor daily. Site supervisors are expected to provide support and mentorship to all program participants, including but limited to the following: 

• Provide historical and cultural background on site as applicable 

• Act as role models and provide hands-on mentorship, instruction, and guidance 

• Assist in preparing necessary training, tools, equipment, and logistics for projects 

• Be conscientious of participants safety and safety conditions. 

• Provide an educational, healthy, and safe environment for the participants

• Conduct timely and open communication with Kupu Staff

• Provide safe projects that are reasonable to the skill level/comfort level of participants 

• Provide meaningful projects that are assisting Hawaii’s Green Job economy as well as contributing to participant growth 

• Conduct performance evaluations for each participant, approve participant timesheets and offer supervision. 

Kupu’s Role:

Host Sites will be assigned a Kupu Program Coordinator, who will be your point of contact and help you successfully complete your program duration. They will be available as a coach and advisor to both you and participants.

Apply Here

Contact kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

Key Objectives

• Provide paid, career-building employment: Opportunities for individuals who are seeking alternative career opportunities in the green jobs sector.

• Improve credentials: Strengthen participants’ skills and add important credentials to their resumes.

• Make a difference! Kupu ‘Āina Corps aims to help Hawaiʻi’s amazing government, non-profit, and for-profit entities receive essential work and expand the capacity of our green economy.