Kupu Trail Crews

The Kupu Trail Crews provide hands-on restoration service focused on sustaining safe public access to trail systems while supporting the health of Hawaiʻi’s forests. This year, the program will focus on O’ahu and the Kona side of Hawai’i Island; Crews will maintain and improve trail access, protect and reforest areas with native plants, and manage invasive species that block trail pathways and threaten surrounding ecosystems.

As a vital part of a Kupu Trail Crew, Members will gain experience in fieldwork, teamwork, and place-based stewardship. 

Applications for the 2026 Trail Crews roles are now closed.

Sign up here for updates about the next Trail Crews cohort!

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Participant Information

  • Visit the Participant Position Description for further program details.

    • Service Locations: There will be two Kupu Trail Crews this program year; their work will focus on trails across Oʻahu and the Kona side of Hawaiʻi Island.  

    • Position Duration: Full-time (40 hours per week) for an 8-month program term. 

    Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed. Sign up here to be notified when future cohort applications open: Fill out form

    Position Responsibliites:

    Day-to-day service will include maintaining, clearing, and rebuilding trails to support safe and sustainable access for hikers, stewards, and conservation partners. Crew members may remove vegetation and debris from trail corridors, repair trail tread and drainage features, assist with erosion control, support native plant protection and reforestation efforts, and help manage invasive species in and around priority trail areas. Members should be prepared for physically demanding outdoor work in varied terrain and weather conditions, while following direction from Kupu staff and applicable safety protocols.

    • Age – Applicants must be above the age of 17 

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

    • Housing/Transportation - Applicants must provide their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.  

    • Experience – Preference for applicants with at least three months experience in previous conservation-related internships or positions. 

    • Physical & Behavioral Requirements - Due to the nature of Kupu’s programs, the physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position. Click here for further details.

    • Hourly wage: $20 per hour 

    • Paid Time Off: 80 hours  

    • Retention Bonus: $800  

    • Health coverage is available  

    • Training: Upon successful hiring, Crew Members will receive relevant training for the position such as Sustainable Trail Maintenance, Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Chainsaw, Native Plant Identification, and OSHA 30-Hour training. 

    • Networking: Participation in service projects and networking opportunities with conservation professionals and partner organizations. 

    • Career Development: Members are supported throughout their service term with professional development opportunities, including résumé and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and job search support to aid their transition into future educational and career pathways. 

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