Group News: Hawaiʻi Island Group, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Hike Leaders Needed!
Do you love exploring the outdoors and sharing its beauty with others? The Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group is looking for passionate individuals to join us as volunteer outings leaders!
Our outings leaders guide hikes and service projects that connect community members to the stunning landscapes of Hawaiʻi Island while fostering a deeper appreciation for mālama ʻāina. Whether you’re experienced in leading groups or simply eager to learn, we’ll provide the training and support you need to succeed.
Why become an outings leader?
Inspire others to cherish and protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.
Enjoy opportunities to explore new trails and sites.
Build community with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Together, we can make a difference—on the trail and for the planet. If you’re ready to step up and lead, we’d love to hear from you!
Email our outings chair, Diane Ware, at volcanogetaway@yahoo.com to learn more.
Let’s explore and protect Hawaiʻi together!
2025 Hawaiʻi Island Group Awards: Hawaiʻi District Science & Engineering Fair
by Debbie Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member
Every year since 1995, the Hawaiʻi Island Group provides monetary awards and certificates to deserving young scientists who focus on an element of Hawaiʻi’s environment. We have dedicated these awards to Sierra Club members whose scientific contributions have made an historic, positive, and sometimes political impact in Hawaiʻi. As we have every year (with the exception of the pandemic years), our members met to evaluate the inspiring presentations.
We extend our mahalo to the organizing committee, and science fair judges Deborah Ward and Linda Larish for their assistance. Members who would like to support our upcoming young scientists are urged to donate to Hawaiʻi Island Group’s Sierra Club Foundation (tax deductible) account!
Congratulations to the following young scientists!
Ms. Mae Mull Award for Senior Research
Sarina Lam
Assessing the Longevity and Efficiency of Fungicides in ʻŌhiʻa trees for Protection Against Ceratocystis lukohia
Dr. Wayne Gagne Award for Senior Research
Ren Aragaki
Nematode Destroyer-1: Using an Entomopathogenic Nematode to Control Queensland Longhorn Beetle
Dr. Ruth Lani Stemmermann Award for Junior Research
Max Takata
Phytoremediation of Saline Soils with Myriophyllum aqauticum
Dr. Don Worsencroft Award for Research in the Field of Physical Science
Lauren Johnson and Adriana Mukai
Asteroid Recovery
Hawaiʻi Island Group Award for Research in the Field of Earth Science
Ella Glass
Hilo Bay Water Quality: An Idea How to Improve It
Joanna Tao
Identifying the Potential Anti-Agiostrongylus cantonensis Properties of Native Hawaiian Products
The Hawaiʻi Island Group is incredibly proud of these next generation scientists, we hope you consider supporting them too.
Maui Group
Kahakaloa area where volunteers can help restore native ʻōhai plants. Photo: Rob Weltman.
Mālama ‘Āina, Maui Style
By Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair
Maui Group is grateful for the many volunteers—both residents and visitors—who lend a hand in caring for our ʻāina.
Kanaio Buddhist Sanctuary service outing helps care for this unique part of Maui. Photo: Rob Weltman.
This month, our terrific Maui Group outings leaders are offering 12 outstanding outdoor experiences, including five service outings. The service days, often in partnership with other local groups and agencies, provide meaningful hands-on opportunities while allowing volunteers to enjoy some of Maui’s most beautiful scenery. Here’s what’s on the service trip menu for March!
Never been to the scenic cliffs and hillsides of Kahukuloa? This is your chance to experience the remote beauty of this legendary area while helping to repopulate the ‘āina with native ‘ōhai plants with our dedicated state forestry crews (March 13). If you are ready for fun in the forest, join the Kahakapao Krew (March 8) to help keep one of Maui’s most loved trails clean and safe—all tools provided.
For a different kind of adventure, March features two very uncommon experiences on private land in the rugged Kanaio area. On March 9, a small group of volunteers will work with an experienced archaeologist to gently uncover and clean a cluster of traditional Hawaiian archaeological sites while taking in the spectacular views of Maui’s southeastern coastline. Tools will be provided, and those interested can also explore other areas of this unique landscape.
On March 15, volunteers can hike into the Kanaio countryside and be welcomed at a hidden Buddhist sanctuary nestled among rolling hills. Participants will have the special opportunity to access Pohaku Nahaha (aka “Prayer Rock”)—a traditional sacred site—and help remove invasive fireweed to protect this culturally significant area.
If you and the family want to experience the wide open spaces of the Hāmākualoa Open Space Preserve, join the Mālama Hāmākua gang on the last Saturday of each month (March 29 this month). Activities vary from planting native seedlings, clearing trash from culturally important gulches, and painting colorful signs. All tools and a yummy free lunch are provided.
Maui Group also extends a huge mahalo to the Sierra Club National Outings volunteers who visited in January. These dedicated members from across the US and Canada spent their “vacation” volunteering on conservation projects including:
Restoring native plants in Honokōwai Valley with Maui Cultural Lands
Helping with efforts at Keālia Pond Wildlife Refuge
Joining local leaders at the Waiohuli wetlands restoration project, led by Cody Nemet Tuivaiti, to protect South Maui’s coastline
Their efforts are a welcome addition to our local mālama efforts. We’re grateful for their hard work and commitment!
Please consider choosing one of these monthly opportunities with the Maui Group to spend time caring for our lands and experiencing Maui’s inspiring natural and cultural treasures. Check out the Maui Group hike schedule to sign up for a service outing today!
Mālama Hāmākua student volunteers planting native trees. Photo: Lucienne de Naie.
Sierra Club National Outings volunteers at Waiohuli. Photo: Lucienne de Naie.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday March 8, 2025
Makawao Forest Trail Maintenance Day (S)
Upcountry, 3 miles
Join us for a rewarding day of trail maintenance in the beautiful Kahakapao Forest Reserve in Makawao! The Kahakapao Krew will be working to preserve and improve the trails that wind through this lush forest, ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. We will be hosted this month by Maui Mountain Bike Coalition! Volunteers will help with tasks such as excavating trail sides, removing excess dirt, and clearing overgrowth to ensure the trail is safe and accessible. Tools like McLeods and Pulaskis will be provided, and volunteers will be trained on how to use them safely. This is a hands-on opportunity to help mālama ‘āina and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural areas. Please bring sturdy, closed-toe boots, water bottle to stay hydrated, protective clothing (long sleeves, hat, bug spray, sunscreen), work gloves if you have them (we'll also provide some). If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Raina at 330-289-1087.
Leader: Alexa Lombardo-Reinsch, raina.myers@sierraclub.org
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Sunday, March 9, 2025
Kanaio Archaeological Service Trip (C/E/S)
Honuaʻula Moku (South Maui), 1 mile
Enjoy a fun morning land an unique opportunity earning about traditional Hawaiian archaeological sites hands on! Participants will help clean and reveal a small cluster of traditional rock shelter sites on a private parcel in the Kanaio area. All tools will be provided- bring your own gloves if you have. Be prepared with sturdy closed footwear, long pants, hiking poles, sun hat, sunscreen, water, snack. Due to very limited parking, group size is limited to 8 participants and the two leaders. Meet at 8am at Ulupalakua Store Parking lot (cars will not stay there.)
Leaders: Archaeologist Jeanne Schaaf and Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com, or 808-214-0147
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Thursday, March 13, 2025
Plant ‘Ōhai in Kahakuloa (C/E/S)
West Maui, 2 miles
We will join the DLNR crew and plant ‘ōhai in an area in Kahakuloa that used to have quite a bit but has been overrun by lantana and lost a lot of ground. We will meet up at 7:45am in the external parking at the DLNR baseyard at https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmjeWzFxjyahLbWw7 near the airport and car pool from there.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday, March 15, 2025
Kanaio Stupa Hike and Service (C/E)
Kanaio, 4 miles
Some steep grades. Hike up the South slope of Haleakalā to a beautiful shrine built in 1982 and view the South coast. We will also help pull invasive fireweed from Prayer Rock Meadow and then go up to Prayer Rock for lunch. Meet 9 am at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store (upper Kula). Bring lunch, water and rain gear. Limit 18.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday, March 16, 2025
ʻĪao Valley Exploration
Wailuku, 3 miles
Explore ʻĪao Valley - there will be steep sections and trees there to hang on to. Wear a swimsuit and be ready to get wet!
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Friday, March 21, 2025
Palauʻea Makai Archaeological Tour (C/E)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 3 miles
The makai portion of the Palauea preserve is rarely visited. Defined by magnificent stone walls, walled habitation sites and other traditional Hawaiian features, our tour will include archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Schaaf and will be a fun discovery process to relocate traditional Hawaiian dwellings, pathways and shrines in the Palau'ea makai preserve area above the modern day Wailea Resort area. Be prepared for hiking on rugged terrain with dense over growth in some sections.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com, co-leader archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Schaaf
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Saturday, March 22, 2025
Hoapili Trail Hike and Anchialine Ponds Exploration (C/E)
La Perouse, 3.5 miles
Hike south from La Perouse Bay on the Kings Highway (Hoapili Trail) to Cape Hanamanioa (Lighthouse Beach), a remote and beautiful area of Maui. Explore anchialine ponds, and learn about these unique ecosystems and their cultural uses. 3.5 mile roundtrip hike. Meet 8am at the La Perouse parking lot. Bring water, snacks/lunch, reef-safe sun protection, hat, and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. There are port-a-potties at the La Perouse parking lot. We will return to the parking lot by about 12 noon. Limit 18.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday, March 22, 2025
Sunset Hiking and Yoga Wailea Coastal Trail (E)
South Maui, 3 miles
Join us for a Sunset Hiking & Yoga practice that includes hiking, mindfulness, and yoga. We will start from Polo Beach and walk along the Wailea Coastal Path. This will be an easy 3 mile walk along a paved path with beautiful views of the ocean. Once we get to our yoga spot, Meeyoung will guide a 30-minute all levels yoga practice to stretch and open up the body...no mat needed. Please wear good shoes for walking and bring plenty of water. A light source, sunscreen and hat are also recommended. There are restrooms at each end of the walk. We will meet at the Polo Beach Parking lot at 4:00pm. Stormy weather cancels the hike.
Leader: Meeyoung Lepore, hikewithaloha@gmail.com
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Saturday, March 29, 2025
Hāmākua Mālama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday, March 30, 2025
Honolua Bay Snorkel, and ʻŌhai Loop and Nakalele Blowhole Hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 3 miles
We will begin our Westside Maui Adventure with a short access trail hike and an hour of snorkeling at Honolua Bay (mile marker 32 on highway 30). We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai (ocean) side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.2-mile ʻŌhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nakalele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Māʻalaea by about 1:00 PM. Bring snorkel gear, bathing suit, rash guard, towel, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, and shoes suitable for short (possibly muddy) hikes. Meet at 7:30 AM at the small parking lot on the southwest corner of North Kīhei Road and Honoapiʻilani Highway near Māʻalaea. We will carpool to the Honolua Bay parking area (very limited). People on the west side are welcome to meet us around 8:30 AM at the Honolua Bay dirt parking lot at mile marker 32 on highway 30. There are porta-potties at the Honolua Bay parking lot. Limit 12.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Sunday, March 30, 2025
Redwood Trail Polipoli State Park Hike (E)
Polipoli, 3.7 miles
We will start at the Redwood Trailhead for a 3.7 mi loop on 3 trails. Bring sunscreen, layers in case it is cold/misty, water, lunch, and snacks. There will be fabulous views. 4WD is required on the dirt road,
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Sunday, April 6, 2025
Upper Waiohuli/Waiakoa Loop Hike (E)
Polipoli, 5.7 miles
We will start where the pavement ends on Waipoli Road for a 5.7 mi loop on several trails. Bring sunscreen, layers in case it is cold/misty, water, lunch, and snacks. There will be fabulous views.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
Welcome Our New 2025 Leadership
The Oʻahu Group is excited to announce our new 2025 leadership:
Chair: Jun Shin
Vice Chair: Camile Cleveland
Secretary: Karen Shishido
Treasurer: Angela Huntemer
Chapter Delegate: Kiara Bacasen
Chapter Delegate Alternate: Honuʻāina Nichols
ExCom Committee Chairs/Designated Representatives:
Litigation: Adele Balderston
Finance and Fundraising: Kiara Bacasen
Conservation: Marti Townsend & Angela Huntemer
Outings: Randy Ching
Nominating: Honuʻāina Nichols
Bylaws Compliance: Marti Townsend
Communications: Karen Shishido
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, March 2
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe
1,000+ trees were planted in this area by the Sierra Club Oʻahu Group and many of its partners to re-establish the native watershed. Help us keep them thriving! We will be watering, weeding, and clearing debris from around these recently planted trees. Meet at 8am at the gate between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. Tools provided. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirt, water, hat, sunscreen, gloves. Reservations required at least 1 day prior to sherrycassetta@gmail.com.
Leader: Sherry Cassetta
Sunday, March 9
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Sherry Cassetta at sherrycassetta@gmail.com.
Sunday, March 16
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project
Help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its native/natural status after years of off-road abuse and inattention. Seed collection and sowing, as well as removal of invasive plants on tap. Personal pickaxes welcome. Bring closed-toe shoes/boots, gardening gloves, sunscreen and water flask (iced refill available, no plastic water available). Meet 9am at the southwest access area just off to the left from the northeast driveway to Sandy Beach. Google Maps calls it ”Sandy Beach Park Fishing”. Limited to 24 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. Please reserve your spot by emailing wliggett@twc.com.
Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada