2025 Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month
Guided by those who mālama ʻāina, we’ll explore the people, places, and species most at risk — and what we can do to protect them.
What’s at risk?
From the health of our watersheds and marine ecosystems to our cultural practices and food security, invasive species threaten the foundation of Hawaiʻi’s well-being. Join us to explore and celebrate the unique places, people, and biodiversity throughout our paeʻāina (Hawaiian archipelago) and Moananuiākea (the vast Pacific Ocean), and learn how we can restore balance and build resilience for generations to come.
HISAM is an annual event dedicated to educating and mobilizing the residents of Hawaiʻi to protect our islands from the threats posed by invasive species. Join us throughout the month for educational webinars, local volunteer opportunities and events, and HISAM community awards.
2025 is also Hawaiʻi’s Year of the Community Forest, a celebration of the vital role trees and forests play in sustaining our communities, culture, and climate resilience. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to these forests — and to the people who care for them.
This year, HISAM joins statewide efforts to uplift forest stewards and highlight the community-led work happening mauka to makai to protect and restore native landscapes. 🔗 Learn more about the Year of the Community Forest
- HISAM Awards : Celebrate the champions safeguarding our islands.
- Webinar Schedule: Learn from experts at our educational sessions.
- Local Volunteer Opportunities and Events: Join us at one of many statewide events and volunteer opportunities and make a difference.
2025 HISAM AWARDEES
Throughout the month of May, we honor the individuals, organizations, and community leaders who go above and beyond in protecting Hawaiʻi from invasive species. Read more about the awardees
- Outstanding Business Leader– Aloha Termite and Pest Control
- Community Hero– Haleakalā Ranch
- Greatest Hit– Trenton Yasui (HDOA)
- Island MVPs– Recognizing top contributors from each county.
- Hawaiʻi Island MVP – Kiane Prietto (teacher at Kanu o ka ʻĀina)
- Maui Nui MVP – Mike Opgenorth (Director, Kahanu Garden and Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden)
- Oʻahu MVP – Thomas Griego (Lanikai community LFA volunteer)
- Kauaʻi MVP – Work It Out Kauaʻi (Jenny and Jasmine Kaohelauliʻi)
Presentations & Webinars
Join us for a series of free webinars throughout May featuring the people, places, plants, and animals we love — and the efforts to protect them from invasive species.
Visit the HISC YouTube HISAM 2025 Playlist
Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Webinar for Residents 🗓️ May 6, 5:30–6:30 PM HST🎙️ Hosted by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO)
Learn about Home Ignition Zones, evacuation planning, go bags, and how to prepare to leave early in case of wildfire. While not focused on invasive species, this webinar is timely as unmanaged invasive grasses and other non-native vegetation continue to increase wildfire risk across Hawaiʻi. 🔗 Ready, Set, Go page
Safeguarding Hawaiian Niu 🗓️ May 13, 11:30–12:15🎙️ Kehau Kahele-Madali, Community Coconut Program Assistant
Join us for an insightful webinar dedicated to the protection and preservation of Hawaiian niu (coconut). Discover the vital role niu plays in Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and culture, and the threats they face today.
Hosted by the CRB Response 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Community Perceptions of Invasive Species and Environmental Management in a U.S. Island Territory 🗓️ May 14, 1:00–2:15 PM HST 🎙️ Ann Marie Gawel, Eleanor J. Sterling Conservation Fellow. Dr. Gawel shares insights from community discussions on invasive species and environmental issues in Guåhan (Guam), highlighting themes of agency, trust, and engagement in the context of the island’s colonial and ecological history.
Hosted via Pacific RISCC 🔗 Information and registration link here
Native Species Love: ʻElala 🗓️ May 15, 10:00 AM HST 🎙️ Dr. Natalie Graham (University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo) & Dr. Camiel Doorenweerd (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)
Most people in Hawaiʻi are familiar with cockroaches, ants, and fruit flies — but what about the native insects that quietly inhabit our forests and landscapes? In this webinar, explore the beautiful and cryptic diversity of Hawaiʻi’s native ʻelala (insects,) including the unique carnivorous caterpillars & hidden world of native spiders, with two leading researchers. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: What’s at Risk and What We Can Do to Save It 🗓️ May 16, 12:00–12:30 PM HST🎙️ J.B. Friday, Extension Forester, Komohana Research and Extension Center (CTAHR)
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues to threaten Hawai‘i’s forests, but efforts are underway to protect what remains. Learn how fencing out ungulates and research into disease-resistant ʻōhiʻa are helping forest managers and communities protect this keystone species. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Impacts of Aquarium Releases in Kāneʻohe Bay 🗓️ May 19, 1:00–1:30 PM HST🎙️ Kate Gonzalez & Lev Gerstle, Division of Aquatic Resources, Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center
This webinar explores the presence and spread of the invasive anemone Anemonia manjano in Kāneʻohe Bay and how aquarium releases can harm native coral reef ecosystems. The session will also connect this issue to the statewide Don’t Let It Loose campaign, which encourages responsible pet and aquarium species stewardship to protect Hawaiʻi’s marine environments. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Native Species Love: Kāhuli 🗓️ May 20, 9:30 AM HST🎙️ Aimee Sato & Kiane Prietto
Ke kāhuli leo leʻa o ka nahele – the sweet-voiced treesnail of the forest. This ʻōlelo noʻeau compares a beautiful human voice to the soft, melodic tones once heard throughout Hawaiʻi’s forests when kāhuli were abundant. In this webinar, Aimee Sato shares the cultural importance of kāhuli, and Kiane Prietto highlights how haumāna on Hawaiʻi Island are taking action to support these native treasures. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Maui Community Coqui Control – Ask Us Anything! 🗓️ May 20, 3:00–3:45 PM HST. 🎙️ Terry Tolman, Haʻikū Community Coqui Control Leader; 🎙️Rebecca Creighton, Coqui Field Coordinator, Maui Invasive Species Committee.
Join Terry and Rebecca as they answer your questions about how Maui residents are partnering with MISC to share the kuleana and keep their nights quiet in neighborhoods where coqui are spreading. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Beyond Buckthorn: Innovative Strategies for Invasive Control and Habitat Restoration 🗓️ May 21, 8:00–9:30 AM HST (1:00–2:30 PM CST)🎙️ Dr. Mike Schuster, Dr. Dan Larkin & Ryan Franke
While only California buckthorn (Frangula californica) has been documented in Hawaiʻi so far, other invasive buckthorn species have the potential to threaten high-elevation ecosystems in the islands. This webinar explores cutting-edge control strategies including native plant competition (Cover It Up), targeted goat grazing, and fungal biocontrol. The restoration tools and insights shared are valuable for anyone managing invasive plants or restoring native habitats in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Hosted via NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association) 🔗 Information and registration link here
Community Forests and Invasive Species 🗓️ May 21, 1:30–2:30 PM HST. 🎙️ Tara Morisato and and Eli Livezey, Aloha Tree Alliance
Join Tara and Eli to learn how invasive species threaten the health of Hawaiʻi’s community forests, and how community-led efforts are working to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Native Species Love: Lāʻau 🗓️ May 21, 3:00 PM HST 🎙️ Avalon Paradea & Kekai Naone
Many native plants in our lowland communities are treasured for their role in hana noʻeau — skillful, artistic cultural practices. In this webinar, Avalon Paradea shares her journey as a haumāna of kapa and plant-based dyes, while Kekai Naone speaks about ulana lau hala (lau hala weaving) and his path as a kumu hula. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Fire Plays No Favorites: Managing Wildland Fuels, Restoration, and Land Stewardship in a Changing Climate 🗓️ May 23, 12-12:30 pm HST.🎙️ Jordan Jokiel, Vice President of Stewardship and Forestry, Haleakalā Ranch.
In July 2024, wildfire burned 600 acres of subalpine native forest at Haleakalā Ranch’s Puʻu Pahu Reserve, impacting decades of watershed protection and forest restoration work. Join Jordan as he reflects on the fire’s impacts and shares how the experience is shaping the Ranch’s land management strategies moving forward. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Protecting Seabirds in a World of Biological Invasions 🗓️ May 23, 1:30–2:30 PM HST🎙️ Dilek Sahin, Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project
Invasive species like rats, cats, and non-native plants pose major threats to seabirds, especially on islands. This webinar explores some of Hawai’i’s unique seabirds and how these threats affect nesting colonies and habitat, and highlights successful conservation strategies, such as predator control, habitat restoration, and biosecurity, that offer hope for seabird recovery. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Update: Big Island 🗓️ May 23, 4:30–5:30 PM HST 🎙️ CRB Response Team & Big Island Invasive Species Committee
CRB has recently been detected in new locations on Hawaiʻi Island, particularly in Kona and Waikoloa Village. This webinar will provide important updates on the current status of the beetle, how it spreads, alternative host plants, damage it causes, and management strategies for individuals and communities. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Loulu Conservation on Oʻahu 🗓️ May 27, 1:00–1:30 PM HST 🎙️ Tim Chambers, Oʻahu Army Natural Resource Program
Hawaiʻi’s native palms, the loulu (Pritchardia spp.), once thrived across the islands. Today, many species are threatened — especially on Oʻahu. Join us to learn about efforts to conserve these rare and culturally significant trees.
Hosted by the CRB Response 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
Return of ʻEkūpū (Laysan Finch) to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) 🗓️ May 28, 12:00 PM HST. 🎙️Sheldon Plentovich (USFWS)
Kicking off Midway Day, this webinar shares the hopeful story of the planned translocation of the critically endangered ʻEkūpū (Laysan Finch) to Kuaihelani. Learn how this long-held conservation goal is becoming a reality and how invasive species management is central to seabird recovery efforts. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
From Weeds to Wildlife: Managing Invasive and Native Plants on Midway Atoll NWR 🗓️ May 28, 2:00 PM HST🎙️ Rachel Santulli & Amanda Adams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This webinar shares the story of Midway Atoll’s long-term effort to eradicate Verbesina encelioides and control other incipient weeds. Learn how these habitat restoration efforts are helping improve nesting conditions for seabird populations and promote the return of native plant communities. 🔗 Missed the live presentation? Watch webinar HERE
EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Take action in your community – or get connected to a new one – by joining one of these local volunteer efforts.
Please review all safety guidelines and requirements before participating.
| Event | Date & Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coqui Family Friendly Night | May 1 · Oʻahu | Learn about coqui and do a night capture with DOFAW.🔗 Register here |
| Kahanaiki Workday | May 2 · Oʻahu | Clear weeds and invasives from a walking trail with DOFAW. 🔗 Register here |
| Pālamanui Volunteer Workday | May 10 · Hawaiʻi Island (Kona) | Trail clearing, invasive plant removal, and restoration planting. 📍 Meet 8–10am, between Elama & Limuwai Buildings, Hawaiʻi CC – Pālamanui Campus 📧 RSVP: [email protected] |
| Coqui Night | May 15 · Oʻahu | Night-time coqui survey and capture effort with OISC. 🔗 More info here |
| Puʻuanahulu Firebreak Clearing Day | May 17 · Hawaiʻi Island (North Kona) |
Help load debris and remove invasive grasses to expand a fuel break. |
| Menehune Mayhem: Kids Surfing Competition | May 17 · Maui (Hoʻokipa Beach) | Learn how invasive species impact our reefs, play invasive species Jenga, and make a magnet with MISC during this keiki surf event. 📍 10:30 AM–1:00 PM 🔗 Event website |
| Mālama Maunakea Community Weed Pull | May 17 · Hawaiʻi Island (Maunakea) | Join the Mālama Maunakea team for an invasive species weed pull at the Visitor Information Station. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers should bring water, sun protection, warm layers, sturdy shoes, long pants, and clean gloves. 🔗 Sign up by May 11 |
| Moanalua Workday | May 17 · Oʻahu | Clear invasive grasses from the Education Forest with DOFAW. 🔗 Register here |
| Kealakekua Bay Invasive Fish Removal | May 18 · Hawaiʻi Island | Help remove invasive roi, taʻape, and toʻau as part of a community-led marine stewardship effort at Kealakekua Bay. Hosted by ʻIke Lawaiʻa, KapuKapu ʻOhana, and partners. 🔗 More info |
| Coqui Night | May 22 · Oʻahu | Night-time coqui survey and control with OISC. 🔗 More info here |
| Uluniu Project | May 24 · Oʻahu (UH West Oʻahu) | Join the Community Coconut Project to mālama niu and build pilina with this important tree. Activities include coconut care and a potluck lunch with the community. 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, UH West Oʻahu 🔗 [email protected] |
| FHNP Palikū Service Trip | May 24–27 · Maui (Haleakalā National Park) |
Join the Friends of Haleakalā to gather native plant seeds and remove invasive species in the Palikū Cabin area. This multi-day trip involves strenuous hiking but offers a rare chance to experience the heart of Haleakalā while giving back to this special place. |
| Waiʻanae Kai Workday | TBD (likely May 24) · Oʻahu | Help clear the firebreak with DOFAW. |
| Paepae o Heʻeia Community Workday | May 25 · Oʻahu (Heʻeia Fishpond, Kāneʻohe) | Help restore the Heʻeia Fishpond by removing invasive limu and mangrove, rebuilding sections of the kuapā (fishpond wall), and supporting cultural restoration efforts. 📍 8:30 AM–12:00 PM, Heʻeia Fishpond 🔗 More info & RSVP Note: Community workdays take place on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months. Registration is required and space is limited. |
| Ag Fest & 4-H Livestock Fair | May 31 · Maui (War Memorial Complex) | Celebrate local agriculture and visit MISC’s booth to learn about invasive species, make a magnet, and view real specimens. 📍 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 🔗 Event website |
| Devil Weed Crew Hike | May 31 · Oʻahu | Join OISC for a hike and help manage invasive devil weed. 🔗 Sign-up form 🔗 Trip details |
Looking for more ways to mālama ʻāina?
Many of our partners offer volunteer opportunities year-round, not just during HISAM!
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808 Cleanups Volunteer Calendar features regular weekly events across Oʻahu including coastal cleanups, invasive species removal, native planting, and graffiti removal.
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DLNR DOFAW Volunteer Calendar lists opportunities statewide for forest restoration, outplanting, trail maintenance, and native seed collection.
Explore these calendars to find an event near you.
Don’t miss out on the learning and hands-on opportunities happening during HISAM 25. Follow the #HISAM25 tag on Instagram and Facebook for live updates and additional activities. Be sure to subscribe to the HISC Youtube channel and check out the HISAM25 Playlist to watch any presentations you may have missed.
🌳 Looking for even more ways to get involved? Explore additional volunteer opportunities on the Year of the Community Forests calendar.