Restoring Wāwāmalu Beach: Oʻahu Group’s remarkable coastal conservation efforts

by Lisa Furger and Nicole Hiltbrand, Hawaiʻi Chapter Summer Externs | Reading time: 1.5 minutes

Wāwāmalu Beach, located on the south-east coast of Oʻahu next to Sandy Beach Park, is witnessing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the determined efforts of outing leaders, Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada along with dedicated groups of volunteers. In recognition of the ecological importance of Wāwāmalu Beach, Reese and Suzan have been leading ongoing Wāwāmalu Beach Conservation Service Projects on the third Sunday of each month—next one is July 16th. This long-term initiative focuses on addressing the issues caused by trucks and vehicles driving onto the shoreline for off-road experiences. To mitigate this problem, boulders have been strategically placed by the Honolulu City and County’s Parks and Recreation Department to restrict access, ensuring protection of the beach. Moreover, the project is dedicated to the continual restoration of the area by removing invasive species and planting native trees, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the beach's ecological integrity.

As part of this ongoing project, we had the chance to come together with a group of volunteers on two occasions. Our task, as Sierra Club summer externs was to learn about, and then coach, high school volunteers from the Waiwai Summer Fellowship Program from Kōkua Kalihi Valley in the  eradication of the invasive shrub, koa haole, recognized as a significant menace to native ecosystems. We employed pickaxes and Pullerbears to diligently remove the tap-rooted, invasive shrub. After rewarding labor, we had  the opportunity to refresh with cold beverages and snacks. This provided a well-deserved break to relax, chat, and celebrate the collective achievements of the volunteers. The friendly atmosphere further reinforced the commitment to the cause and the power of community-driven efforts.

The experience of participating in this conservation initiative leaves a lasting impact on collective consciousness. The project serves as a testament to the Sierra Club’s power of individual passion and community-supported initiatives toward protecting and and restoring our natural environment. Let this remarkable endeavor at Wāwāmalu Beach inspire us to continue preserving the beauty and natural condition of our planet for future generations.