Service and Culture on Kauai, Hawaii
Sierra Club Outings Trip | Service/Volunteer, Hiking
Highlights
- Gather and propagate ʻōhiʻa seeds
- Remove invasive ginger
- Snorkel and hike on non-work day
Includes
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Airport pick up and drop off
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All on-island transportation
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All meals, with the exception of one dinner
Overview
The Trip
Native birds rely on endemic ʻōhiʻa flowers for survival, and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) has been devastating. We will gather and collect ʻōhiʻa seeds for seedbanking purposes to help preserve this keystone species.
We will round out our week with some other volunteer activities with local organizations, depending on availability. During our non-working hours, we will also hike, snorkel, and perhaps kayak
The Trip
Native birds rely on endemic ʻōhiʻa flowers for survival, and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) has been devastating. We will gather and collect ʻōhiʻa seeds for seedbanking purposes to help preserve this keystone species.
We will round out our week with some other volunteer activities with local organizations, depending on availability. During our non-working hours, we will also hike, snorkel, and perhaps kayak.
The Project
Working under the direction of local island experts, we will gather ʻōhiʻa seeds from trailside trees and propagate the seedlings in a greenhouse. We may also have the opportunity to remove invasive plants from Kokeʻe State Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: We'll meet at Līhuʻe Airport on Sunday at 2 p.m. Then we'll drive to Kokeʻe State Park and settle in for the next two nights.
Day 2: The day starts with an introductory talk. Then we'll gather ʻōhiʻa seeds at Kokeʻe State Park (elevation 4,000 feet). Later, we'll take an afternoon hike.
Day 3: After a morning talk, we'll continue our work gathering ʻōhiʻa seeds. Later, we'll enjoy an ocean swim
Day 1: We'll meet at Līhuʻe Airport on Sunday at 2 p.m. Then we'll drive to Kokeʻe State Park and settle in for the next two nights.
Day 2: The day starts with an introductory talk. Then we'll gather ʻōhiʻa seeds at Kokeʻe State Park (elevation 4,000 feet). Later, we'll take an afternoon hike.
Day 3: After a morning talk, we'll continue our work gathering ʻōhiʻa seeds. Later, we'll enjoy an ocean swim.
Day 4: We'll volunteer with a local organization to remove invasive plants in the morning. In the afternoon, we'll pack up and drive to the north end of the island and get settled in our campground for the next three nights. We'll eat dinner out (on your own) in Hanalei.
Day 5: We'll leave camp early to work on another service project this morning. In the afternoon, we'll plant ʻōhiʻa seeds at a local Wailua nursery.
Day 6: We'll finish planting ʻōhiʻa seeds at the nursery. In the afternoon, we'll hike and snorkel.
Day 7: After our final breakfast, we'll break camp. We'll arrive at Līhuʻe Airport by 11 a.m. and say our goodbyes. Please do not schedule your flight out prior to 2 p.m.
Logistics
Getting There
Meet at Līhuʻe Airport, Kauai, at 2 p.m. Because our campsite is several hours from the airport and we can only make one trip, you may want to consider arriving on Kauaʻi on Saturday and staying overnight in a local hotel if you are concerned about flight delays. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
At Kokeʻe State Park we will stay in a bunkhouse with shared spaces. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bags and towels. On the north shore we will be staying at a Hawaiian-owned campground near the beach in shared yurts or similar structures
Getting There
Meet at Līhuʻe Airport, Kauai, at 2 p.m. Because our campsite is several hours from the airport and we can only make one trip, you may want to consider arriving on Kauaʻi on Saturday and staying overnight in a local hotel if you are concerned about flight delays. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
At Kokeʻe State Park we will stay in a bunkhouse with shared spaces. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bags and towels. On the north shore we will be staying at a Hawaiian-owned campground near the beach in shared yurts or similar structures.
All meals except one dinner are included. The trip price includes meals beginning with dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day. The vegetarian-friendly menu will feature local foods and flavors. Participants should come with a sense of adventure and be prepared to experience the eclectic cuisine of a tropical island. In typical Sierra Club fashion, participants will take turns assisting our volunteer cook in meal prep and cleanup. Anyone with special dietary restrictions or allergies must contact the leader and/or cook to see if accommodation is possible.
Trip Difficulty
This is a low difficulty trip. Participants may work to their level of comfort. Participants need to be able to walk on uneven terrain and get in and out of tents.
Equipment and Clothing
You'll need a sleeping bag for 4,000 feet elevation, shorts, long pants, swim suit, rain gear, etc. A complete packing list will be sent to participants.
References
A complete reference list will be sent to participants.
Conservation
Native birds rely on endemic ʻōhiʻa for survival, and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) has been devastating. We will gather and propagate ʻōhiʻa seeds to help preserve this keystone species. Information on ROD such as the following paragraph from https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/species/rapid-ohia-death/ will be shared. We will also reference the website rapidohiodeath.org.
“Two new fungal pathogens, collectively known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratcocystis huliohia) were identified on Hawaii Island in 2014. The fungi attack and can quickly kill ʻōhiʻa trees (Metrosideros spp). ʻŌhiʻa is endemic to Hawaii and comprises approximately 80% of Hawaii’s native forests. Also, as of December, 2018, both species of Ceratocystis fungi which cause Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death have been confirmed to exist on the island of Kauaʻi.”
On this Sierra Club service trip we are propagating seeds so island residents will have seedlings they can plant to ensure that the species continues on Kauaʻi.
Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.
Staff
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners