PARTICIPATE
Ma ka hana ka ʻike.
In doing, one learns.
Learn. Serve. Work.
Kupu’s programs inspire participants to discover the greatness and importance of natural resource fields in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region. Programs vary from education for youth, to professional development for young adults and rising industry leaders. Financial stipends, education certificates, and college credit are also awarded for various programs to make learning accessible to all.
Overview of Our Programs
While every Kupu program offers a well-rounded experience, each program has a main focus. Programs will guide our members to Learn, Serve, or Work.
Learn: Focus on education and introduction of natural resource fields.
Serve: Focus on hands-on field experience, often at host sites across the Pacific.
Work: Focus on work experience with professional career opportunities.
For more program information, email info@kupuhawaii.org.
Ready to Join Kupu?
Find the program that's right for you and start your journey today!
Complete the common participant application for all eligible programs by selecting the Apply Now button below.
Work
Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu
Most positions require participants be between the Ages of 17-38
Paid, Part-Time or Full-Time for 6-Months or 1-Year
Kupu ʻĀina Corps is a workforce development initiative during which participants gain up to a year of paid work experience in the green jobs field. There are a variety of positions available in sustainability, renewable energy, agriculture, and natural resource management.
Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu
Minimum Age 17
Paid, Part-Time or Full-Time
The Nā Manu ʻElele Program is an environmental initiative that empowers participants to become community leaders. Local “stewards” (Kupu participants) assist in interpreting the area's historic nature, mitigate unwanted behaviors, and ensure safety. The program aims to equip the local community to play a crucial role in managing Hawaiʻi’s heritage sites.
O’ahu and Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
Minimum Age 17
Paid, Full-Time, 8 months
A field-based conservation program focused on maintaining and restoring trails across O'ahu and Kona, Hawai'i Island through hands-on outdoor service that improves public access, protects natural resources, and develops workforce skills.
Serve
Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Guam, CNMI, American Samoa
Minimum age of 17
Seasonal (6-Month) and Year-Long (11-Month) Terms
Full-Time
Individuals interested in entry-level conservation opportunities serve as AmeriCorps members at a single location to gain in-the-field experience and build their professional networks. Unique exposures to the fields of ornithology, botany, natural resource management, aquatic resource management, Hawaiian cultural studies, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and more.
Learn
Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu
Educators and Natural Resource Professionals
Ongoing Initiatives
The NRSP is a collaborative effort between educators and industry to better prepare and inspire Hawaiʻi’s students to meet the current and future demands of natural resource professions in Hawaiʻi. Leaders and educators in the natural resources field convene to take action on priority areas: Building Career Awareness; Connecting Students to ʻĀina and Community; and Investing in College and Career Preparation, Access, and Transitions.
Oʻahu, HI, USA
Participants: Ages 16-24
Year-Long Program, Accepting Year-Round
The Kupu Community Program is designed for under-resourced young adults who are interested in exploring environmental work while earning their high school diplomas. This is a hands-on program where individuals receive support in their learning, real-world job experience, personal development workshops, and the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.