Kupu Community Program

Five Kupu participants sitting by a stream, engaged in stripping taro plants.

Kupu Community Program is an Oahu based program that prepares under-resourced youth for the workforce by providing life skills training, green job and education opportunities.

Community Program members start by participating in 6 weeks of Mālama ʻĀina with our knowledgeable staff. Once this phase is completed, members then move on to working on obtaining their high school diploma / equivalencies.

Students who qualify can work towards getting their high school diploma through our partnership with the DOE schools in the Honolulu District. Otherwise, in partnership with the McKinley School for Adults, we assist our members with tutoring and HiSET/GED testing.

Community participants also engage Workforce Development through our culinary and events program while enrolled in the program.

Kupu participants gather for a group photo.

"Kupu is very different from your average High school. For example you're out there in the field some days contributing to the restoration of our Aina. Others you’ll be in class with the greatest teachers who take time to understand and help each one of these students. It makes Kupu so much more enjoyable along with the food the kitchen prepares everyday working hard to feed every mouth. " - Imailani Murakoshi (participant)

Four female participants making shaka gestures and displaying mud-painted faces in a group photo.
Kupu participants join hands with a large group in the State of Hawaii Capitol building for a moment of silence.
Kupu participant pounds poi in State of Hawaii Capitol building.
Male participant transporting a substantial bundle of harvested taro plants from a nearby patch.

  • Program Information:

    • Based on Oʻahu

    • Positions are available at the Hoʻokupu Center in Kewalo Basin Harbor, Honolulu

    • Year-long program, with applications accepted year-round

    Benefits:

    • Participate in meaningful work rehabilitating Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and increasing the sustainability of the ʻāina

    • Learn valuable vocational and life skills that will provide an advantage in a competitive job market

    • Serve the community while having fun outdoors and making new friends

    • Obtain a Certificate of High School Equivalency

    • Eligibility for paid on-the-job training placements and/or financial assistance to cover costs of vocational training

    Qualifications:

    • Be between 16-24 years of age

    • Looking to obtain a high school diploma/equivalency

    • Have reliable transportation to the facility in Kewalo Basin

    • Interested in natural resource conservation, renewable energy, or sustainable living

    • Meet the necessary physical and behavioral requirements

      *If accepted into the program, must have a valid I.D. and (if under 18) 4140 form from their most recent school in order to start.

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Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

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