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. Check back throughout May — new webinars and events will be added all month long!
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. 🔗 Register here
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 🔗 Registration 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) with two leading researchers. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 Register here
Community Forests and Invasive Species 🗓️ May 21, 2:00–3:00 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. 🔗 Register 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 her path as a kumu hula. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 Register 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🔗 Register here
May 28 is Midway Day!
Join us for two special webinars highlighting conservation and restoration work on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge) — from seabird recovery to native habitat restoration.
Return of ʻEkūpū (Laysan Finch) to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) 🗓️ May 28, 10:00 AM 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. 🔗 Register 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. 🔗 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: [email protected] |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.