Kupu ‘Āina Corps (KAC)
Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is a paid workforce development program that places young adults in hands-on conservation, agriculture, environmental technology, and community resilience roles throughout Hawaiʻi. Participants gain job experience, professional skills, and career support while serving ʻāina and communities across Hawaiʻi. KAC is a jumpstart on a career path but also a pathway to expand Hawaiʻi’s green jobs sector. It is an ideal program for organizations that want to grow and are eager to train emerging professionals as KAC Host Sites.
KAC Program Opportunities
Final Opportunity to apply for the September 2026 Cohort
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 KAC Program Term. The first opportunities are expected to begin in November 2026, with additional positions opening throughout the program year. Applications will remain open into 2027.
NOW OPEN! 2026-2027 Program Term
Participant Information
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Visit the Participant Position Description for further program details.
Positions offered on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and 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
Review our Things to Consider for answers to Frequently Asked Questions!
Applications for the 2026-2027 program term are now open! Apply Here
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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.
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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
Host Site Information
The 2026-2027 Kupu Host Site Application is now open!
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The Kupu ʻĀina Corps is seeking partners across Hawaiʻi to serve as Host Sites. By hosting a KAC participant, your organization can build capacity while strengthening Hawaiʻiʻs green workforce. Participants can develop and strengthen projects, bring fresh energy and new ideas, and provide hands-on service in the field.
Thank you for your interest in hosting with the KAC!
Apply Here: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/350
Visit the Information Sheet for more further details.
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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.
Contact info@kupuhawaii.org for more information.
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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
Wildfire Prevention and Recovery
Outplanting of fire-resistant plant species
Removal of fire-prone invasive plants to reduce future fire risks
Assisting with cultural and historic preservation elements of wildfire recovery
Assisting ranchers, farmers, or other businesses impacted by wildfires
Receiving fire response training experiences to increase wildfire response capacity
Restoration of land and communities impacted by wildfires
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Organizations can increase their capacity at a 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!
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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.
The Kupu ‘Āina Corps is an initiative resulting from funds made accessible from the State Legislation HB1176 – Green Jobs Youth Corps. Mahalo to our partners for approving funding to make this program possible.
