Sign Up Now: HONOLULU Family Volunteer Day 2023 presented by Mid-Pacific Institute

Our sixth annual Volunteer Day sign up is open now! Here is a look at the five locations hosting parent-child teams in 2023.

February 13, 2023

HONOLULU Advertising Staff,

Photo: Courtesy of Gregory Yamamoto.

In 2016 we held our first HONOLULU Family Volunteer Day and asked families to sign up to help out across O‘ahu. Since then, more than 800 parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and keiki have dug in to clean up, clear out and do more at sites across the island. The focus of our sixth annual Volunteer Day is the same as it was that first year—to ensure a fun and fulfilling introduction to service for both adults and kids.

Our sixth HONOLULU Family Volunteer Day, presented by Mid-Pacific Institute, will be Saturday, April 1, 2023. This year, we will have five different volunteer opportunities for teams of adults and young children. Do note, if you have volunteered at one location at prior Volunteer Days, we may assign you to a different place so other families can have the experience.

Here are a few details about signing up:

We have opportunities for kids 3 years and older. Please note the age requirements for each location.
Please select three opportunities in order of your preference. Do not select the same location more than once. Assignments are first-come, first-served.
Space is limited for each volunteer opportunity.
There must be one adult paired with every child 6 years and younger. Kids 7 years and older can work in a team of two kids (both 7 or older) to one adult.
Participants must sign a HONOLULU Family waiver form prior to the work day. We will also send families a photo release form, which allows HONOLULU Family to use images of you and your children for articles and promotion of future Volunteer Days. The waiver form is required. The photo release form is optional.
You must check in by the time noted. Most activities do require some orientation.
Volunteers will be notified of their assignment and sent waiver forms via email.
HONOLULU Family and Mid-Pacific Institute will provide T-shirts and snacks, but please bring water in a reusable container.

Sign up now

Photo: Courtesy of Cathy Cruz George

Honolulu Theatre for Youth

Work alongside the actors and crew to clean up the theater for the upcoming season. Wear covered shoes and comfortable clothes and don’t be surprised if the actors take you on a behind-the-scenes tour once the work is done.

Location: Tenney Theatre, 229 Queen Emma Square
Ages: 6 years and older
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Maximum Teams: 15 parent-child teams
Learn more about the organization at htyweb.org

Photo: Courtesy of Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation

Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation – Full

Bring your ‘ohana to the Kōkua Learning Farm in the heart of Hale‘iwa to work alongside community volunteers for a morning of farm care. We may be mulching, weeding, planting or harvesting. Afterwards, donʻt forget to visit the The Kōkua General Store, the low-waste, refill and vintage goods store!

Location: 66-71 Achiu Lane, Hale‘iwa
Ages: All ages, however, younger kids will need close adult supervision
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Maximum Teams: 15 parent-child teams
Learn more about the organization at kokuahawaiifoundation.org

Photo: Courtesy of David Croxford

Children’s Discovery Forest — FULL

Parents and kids will plant, harvest and weed in this garden of native Hawaiian plants within the Honolulu Zoo. The Hawai‘i Forest Institute maintains the forest to demonstrate culturally significant species that once grew near the O‘ahu shoreline. Tools will be provided but bring garden gloves if you want them and a water bottle. FYI: if you’re late, you’ll miss the opportunity to enter the side gate free of charge. And though there are no in and out privileges, you’re welcome to enjoy the zoo after the event!

Location: Honolulu Zoo. Families will meet at Gate 6 on the side of the zoo to enter
Ages: All ages
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Maximum teams: 25 parent-child teams
Learn more about the organization at hawaiiforestinstitute.org

Photo: Courtesy of Gregory Yamamoto

Mālama Maunalua

Keiki and parents will wade into the water of Maunalua Bay to pull out invasive algae. It starts with an introduction to the history of the bay and a lesson about the algae, then a short walk down to the beach to spot sea creatures and clear the algae. Families should bring sunscreen, clothes that can get wet, towels, hats, a change of clothes and water in a reusable container. Bring water shoes if necessary and please be on time, as you will be escorted to the beach!

Location: Meet at Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park at 100 Bay St.
Ages: 4 years and older
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Maximum Teams: 50 parent-child teams
Learn more about the organization at malamamaunalua.org

Photo: Courtesy of Karen DB Photography

Waimea Valley

Families will help to clear invasive weeds from the botanical gardens and care for the Hawaiian cultural sites in the morning. The springtime weather can be unpredictable, so it is a good idea to pack sunscreen and a hat, as well as a raincoat and insect repellent. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle. We recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants to protect you while you work, gloves will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own too. Closed toed shoes are required to participate. Volunteers earn free valley admission good for the rest of the day, so plan for some exploring after the work and pack a swimsuit for a dip in the lifeguard-watched pool at the base of the waterfall (if it is open that day).