Nā Manu ‘Elele

Kupu participant and two volunteers pose for group photo at trailhead.

Nā Manu ʻElele, also known as the Hawaiʻi Land Steward Program, is a collaborative project between Kupu and the State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). 

In traditional Hawaiian context, birds (nā manu) represent messengers, guardians, and beings of a particular place. ʻElele is a Hawaiian term that refers to individuals who act as ambassadors. The primary goal of the Nā Manu ʻElele Land Steward Program is to embody that philosophy and to provide temporary work and training opportunities utilizing local “stewards” to assist in interpreting the historic nature, natural history, safety concerns of sensitive natural areas as well as mitigate unwanted behaviors and ensure safety. This program empowers local communities to manage and mitigate high visitor use in sensitive heritage areas within their sense of place. 

Currently seeking applicants for Nā Manu ʻElele positions in…

Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island

For positions on other islands, please reach out to stewards@kupuhawaii.org for more information!

Five cheerful Kupu participants at the peak of Polulu Trail, smiling and making shaka gestures, while carrying washed-up rope.

“A lot of people come to us and ask for information. And after I explain, a lot of them are glad. They’re like, ‘Thank you so much for letting us know that; I didn’t know that before.” —Keoni Lorenzo, Trail Steward

Four volunteers smile and pose for group photo at start of Polulu Trail.
Two Kupu participants and two hikers pose for group photo at start of Polulu Trail.

  • The program will take place on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. A total of twenty-four stewards will be placed across these sites in part-time or full-time positions.

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted year-round

    Position Description: Na Manu Elele Position Description

    Benefits:

    • $18/hr wage paid biweekly

    • Paid time off

    • Health coverage (eligible if working 20+ hrs/week for 4 consecutive weeks)

    Requirements:

    • Applicants must be over the age of 17

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

    • Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.

    Apply Here

  • View Nā Manu ʻElele Sites

    Hawaiʻi

    • Miloliʻi CBFSA

    • Onomea Trail

    • Pololū Trail

    • Puna Trail

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Kauaʻi

    • Hāʻena CBFSA

    • Haleleʻa FR

    • Hono O Nā Pali NARS

    • Kawaiʻele Mānā Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Kuia NARS

    • Līhuʻe-Kōloa FR

    • Nā Pali-Kona FR

    • Nounou FR

    • Puʻu ka Pele FR

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Oʻahu

    • East Oʻahu Trails

    • Kaʻena Point State Park

    • Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail

    • Kāne’ohe Bay

    • Lulumahu Falls

    • Makiki/Tantalus

    • Mānoa

    • Maunawili Trail

    • Moanalua

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Maui

    • ʻĀhihi-Kinaʻu NAR

    • Kahakapao Recreational Area

    • Keʻanae Arboretum

    • Kīpahulu CBFSA

    • Makawao FR

    • Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

    • Various Nā Ala Hele Trails

    Molokaʻi

    • Various Forest Reserves and Hunting Units

  • In 2021, the Pololū Trail Steward program was launched. This program was a collaborative project with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Kupu, Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, and the lineal descendent community of Pololū, Makanikahiō and neighboring ahupuaʻa. Due to the rapid increase of visitors to the Pololū Lookout, Trail, and coastal shoreline, there was a growing need to mitigate the impacts to the community. Often, visitors were simply unaware of the sensitivities, dangers, and environmental requirements of the area. Therefore, the aim of the pilot project was to utilize local “stewards” (four part-time positions) to assist in interpreting the historic nature of the area as well as mitigate unwanted behaviors and ensure safety.

    Following the success of the Pololū program, DLNR recognized the need for stewards across the state.

If you have further questions about this program, please contact stewards@kupuhawaii.org. 

Nā Manu ʻElele is an initiative resulting from fund made accessible from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Mahalo to our partners for providing the funding to make this program possible.

This program is in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii seal
Email Sign up Form