Nā Manu ‘Elele

Kupu participant and two volunteers pose for group photo at trailhead.
Five cheerful Kupu participants at the peak of Polulu Trail, smiling and making shaka gestures, while carrying washed-up rope.
Four volunteers smile and pose for group photo at start of Polulu Trail.
Two Kupu participants and two hikers pose for group photo at start of Polulu Trail.

Nā Manu ʻElele, also known as the Hawaiʻi Land Steward Program, is a collaborative project between Kupu and the State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). 

In traditional Hawaiian context, birds (nā manu) represent messengers, guardians, and beings of a particular place. ʻElele is a Hawaiian term that refers to individuals who act as ambassadors. The primary goal of the Nā Manu ʻElele Land Steward Program is to embody that philosophy and to provide temporary work and training opportunities utilizing local “stewards” to assist in interpreting the historic nature, natural history, safety concerns of sensitive natural areas as well as mitigate unwanted behaviors and ensure safety. This program empowers local communities to manage and mitigate high visitor use in sensitive heritage areas within their sense of place. 

Now accepting final applications for Nā Manu ʻElele Stewards on Maui and Kauaʻi
September 2026 Cohort Only

Apply Here

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  • Applications:

    Final Opportunity to apply for the September 2026 Cohort

    Apply for the September Cohort HERE

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    Kupu is also accepting applications for the 2026-2027 program term. Positions are expected to become available in 2027. Apply early for 2027 positions HERE

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    Application Details:

    We’ve made things easier by combining Kupu’s program applications! Be sure to indicate your interest in joining Na Manu Elele in the designated section.

    View the Nā Manu ʻElele position description HERE

    Locations:

    The program will take place on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Trail stewards may participate on a part-time or full-time basis.

    Benefits:

    • $20/hr wage paid biweekly

    • Paid time off (160 hours for Full Time participants and 60 hours for Part Time participants)

    • Health coverage (eligible if working 20+ hrs/week for 4 consecutive weeks)

    Requirements:

    • Applicants must be over the age of 17

    • Applicants must be a US Citizen, US National, US 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.

  • Throughout the year, positions may be offered across the following trails:

    Hawaiʻi

    • Miloliʻi CBFSA

    • Onomea Trail

    • Pololū Trail

    • Puna Trail

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Kauaʻi

    • Hāʻena CBFSA

    • Haleleʻa FR

    • Hono O Nā Pali NARS

    • Kawaiʻele Mānā Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Kuia NARS

    • Līhuʻe-Kōloa FR

    • Nā Pali-Kona FR

    • Nounou FR

    • Puʻu ka Pele FR

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Oʻahu

    • East Oʻahu Trails

    • Kaʻena Point State Park

    • Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail

    • Kāne’ohe Bay

    • Lulumahu Falls

    • Makiki/Tantalus

    • Mānoa

    • Maunawili Trail

    • Moanalua

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Maui

    • ʻĀhihi-Kinaʻu NAR

    • Kahakapao Recreational Area

    • Keʻanae Arboretum

    • Kīpahulu CBFSA

    • Makawao FR

    • Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Molokaʻi

    • Various Forest Reserves and Hunting Units

  • In 2021, the Pololū Trail Steward program was launched. This program was a collaborative project with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Kupu, Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, and the lineal descendent community of Pololū, Makanikahiō and neighboring ahupuaʻa. Due to the rapid increase of visitors to the Pololū Lookout, Trail, and coastal shoreline, there was a growing need to mitigate the impacts to the community. Often, visitors were simply unaware of the sensitivities, dangers, and environmental requirements of the area. Therefore, the aim of the pilot project was to utilize local “stewards” (four part-time positions) to assist in interpreting the historic nature of the area as well as mitigate unwanted behaviors and ensure safety.

    Following the success of the Pololū program, DLNR recognized the need for stewards across the state.

If you have further questions about this program, please contact info@kupuhawaii.org. 

Nā Manu ʻElele is an initiative resulting from fund made accessible from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Mahalo to our partners for providing the funding to make this program possible.

This program is in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii seal
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