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.
Award announcements will be shared throughout the month, leading up to a special in-person Recognition Luncheon at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on May 28th.
Stay tuned as we celebrate the people and partnerships that inspire action, build resilience, and embody the spirit of aloha ʻāina.
- Outstanding Business Leader– Recognizing a business that champions biosecurity.
- Community Hero– Honoring grassroots leadership in local invasive species efforts.
- Greatest Hit– Celebrating a major success in invasive species management.
- Island MVPs– Recognizing top contributors from each county.
- Hawaiʻi Island MVP
- Maui Nui MVP
- Oʻahu MVP
- Kauaʻi MVP
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. Stay tuned for the full schedule!
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
Hosted via Pacific RISCC Register here
Maui Community Coqui Control – Ask Us Anything! May 20, 3:00–3:45 PM HST. Terry Tolman, Haʻikū Community Coqui Control Leader; Hailey Olson, Outreach & Education, Maui Invasive Species Committee.
Join Terry and Hailey 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. Register here
Return of ʻEkūpū (Laysan Finch) to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) May 28, 10:00 AM HST. Sheldon Plentovich (USFWS)
Plans are in motion to translocate the critically endangered ʻEkūpū (Laysan Finch) to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) – a long-held conservation goal now close to reality. Hear directly from USFWS biologist and researcher Dr. Sheldon Plentovich about what this means for this native species recovery efforts and how invasive species management is key to success. Register 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: rlsteven@hawaii.edu |
| Coqui Night | May 15 · Oʻahu | Night-time coqui survey and capture effort with OISC. |
| Puʻuanahulu Firebreak Clearing Day | May 17 · Hawaiʻi Island (North Kona) | Help load debris and remove invasive grasses to expand a fuel break. 8am–12pm, Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve More info |
| Moanalua Workday | May 17 · Oʻahu | Clear invasive grasses from the Education Forest with DOFAW. Register here |
| Coqui Night | May 22 · Oʻahu | Night-time coqui survey and control with OISC. |
| 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. |
| Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Volunteer Day | May 24 · Hawaiʻi Island (North Kona) | Remove invasive plants and plant native trees. More info |
| Devil Weed Crew Hike | May 31 · Oʻahu | Join OISC for a hike and help manage invasive devil weed. Sign-up form Trip details |
Don’t miss out on the learning & hands-on opportunities happening during HISAM 25. Follow the #HISAM25 tag on Instagram and Facebook for live updates and additional activities. And be sure to subscribe to the HISC Youtube channel and check out the HISAM25 Playlist to watch any presentations you may have missed live.