Volunteer at Maunawila Heiau Oahu on July 18, 2025

Would you like to learn something new about our rich island culture? Perhaps you are already familiar with the Maunawila Heiau and would like to share with others the importance of caring for our aina.

You have a wonderful opportunity to join Hawaii Life on July 18, 2025 at 9:30, to volunteer at Maunawila Heiau for a morning of learning, conservation, smiles, and hard work! If you are not up for the “hard work” – please join us for the learning, conservation and smiles portion (Search “Maunawila Heiau” in Google Maps).

The Maunawila Heiau is guarded by Hawai’i Land Trust (HILT), actively programmatic within ʻĀina Protection, Stewardship, and Connection. A short site orientation video is linked here! The purpose of this volunteer day is to introduce our Hawaiʻi Life team, friends, and family to the work that HILT does, as well as our Hawaii Life Conservation and Legacy Lands practice.

This month’s work space will be in the ahupuaʻa of Hau’ula, a 9.08-acre piece of land culturally preserved for habitat restoration, archaeological preservation, and cultural education. The Heiau is a significant sacred space, needing protection by clearing rubbish & invasive species, installing educational signage, and assistance with planting medicinal plants along the gardens.

The Maunawila Heiau complex was – and still is – a dedicated healing space. Where kupuna would practice healing and medicine.

Everyone is welcome to collaborate, especially encouraging kamaʻāina to engage with protecting these sacred spaces.

HILT’s work surrounds the essence of growing healthy food, preserving mauna forests, and in doing so: bringing the ideologies and wisdom of Kupuna teachings to our present value systems on protecting the land.

How To Prepare for All Natural Elements and the Day:

• Long pants and closed-toe shoes required
• Hats recommended (you may be working in the sun or rain)

• Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent (lots of mosquitoes!)
• Gloves for gardening if you have them
• They do carry extra gloves and bug spray on site.

• There are no restroom on site. Please use the facilities at Hauʻula District Park across from Hauʻula Elementary School before arriving.

• Limited on-site parking.
• Alternative parking available at Hauʻula District Park. The walk to the heiau from there is about 5 minutes.

Participants are asked to fill out our waiver form prior to arrival to help ensure a smooth and safe day. (Linked here)

“Working with Maunawila Heiau has allowed me to pause, reflect and confirm my relationship with this place where I live. When I am at the Heiau I am able to release and open to the blessings it has to offer. I step back into my community transformed into a better person for having passed through.” — Krista Nielsen, Community Member

I hope to see you there!