2026 Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month
Together, We Protect Hawaiʻi
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. No task is too big when done together by all.
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month celebrates the power of collective action in protecting Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, agricultural heritage, and communities from the threat of invasive species.
That spirit of working together is rooted in something deeper: huli ka lima i lalo — turning hands to the land. Across Hawaiʻi, farmers, field crews, community volunteers, kama’āina, and conservation professionals are doing exactly that: showing up, working the land, and making a difference one action at a time.
Invasive species in our own backyards, like coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, and coqui, can feel overwhelming when faced alone. When communities, agencies, businesses, and partners come together across federal, state, county, and nonprofit lines, we strengthen Hawaiʻi’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to these threats.
Throughout May, HISAM will feature webinars, events, resources, and awards recognizing the people and partnerships helping to protect Hawaiʻi.
This page will be updated throughout May as new events, webinars, and award announcements are added.
HISAM AWARDS
Each year, the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations making meaningful contributions to preventing and managing invasive species across the state. Awardees represent the strength of collaboration across communities and partners working together to protect Hawaiʻi.
- Outstanding Business Leader– Recognizes a business or private-sector leader taking meaningful action to protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species.
- Community Hero – Recognizes a community member or group demonstrating exceptional dedication to preventing or managing invasive species.
- Greatest Hit – Recognizes a standout achievement in research, prevention, control, or outreach over the past year.
- Island MVPs – Recognizing top contributors from each county.
2026 awardees will be announced later in May.
Presentations & Educational Opportunities
Join us throughout May for a series of free webinars and presentations highlighting the people, places, and partnerships working to protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species. Topics include invasive species prevention and response, emerging threats, community-based efforts, and collaborative approaches to conservation across the islands and Moananuiakea (Pacific).
Forest Talk: Loulu Bio-Cultural Conservation of Hawaiʻi’s Native Palms 🗓️ May 7, 10:30 AM HST 🎙️ Dr. Tiffany Knight, Dr. Seana Walsh, and Michele Duey (National Tropical Botanical Garden)Loulu are Hawaiʻi’s only native palms, ecologically vital and culturally foundational for practices such as hale construction and weaving. Today, these iconic species face increasing threats from invasive species, including coconut rhinoceros beetle. Join researchers and conservation practitioners from the National Tropical Botanical Garden for an inside look at biocultural conservation efforts to protect loulu, including work at Lāwaʻi Gardens, home to the world’s largest living collection of these palms. Hosted by Kim Rogers. 🔗 Information and registration link here
Small Ants, Big Impacts: Managing Invasive Ant Species in North America 🗓️ May 13, 8:00–9:30 AM HST 🎙️ Brooke Mahnken (Maui Invasive Species Committee), Christina Boser (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and Dr. Christopher Hayes (North Carolina State University)Invasive ants can have major impacts on agriculture, natural areas, wildlife, and communities. This webinar features perspectives from Hawaiʻi and across the continental U.S., including efforts to detect and manage little fire ants on Maui, control Argentine ants in sensitive island ecosystems, and address the emerging threat of Asian needle ants. Presenters will share insights into the biology, spread, and management of these high-priority species, along with practical lessons for early detection and response. Hosted via NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association). 🔗 Information and registration link here
More webinars and educational opportunities will be added. Please check back for updates.
EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Take action in your community by joining one of these local volunteer efforts.
Please review all safety guidelines and requirements before participating.
| Event | Date & Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Loulu Love Fest | May 16, 2026 • Kauaʻi (Lāwaʻi) |
Community event celebrating Hawaiʻi’s native loulu palms and the efforts to protect them. Hosted by NTBG Lāwaʻi Gardens and KISC. Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Admission: Free and open to the public Event details |
| Menehune Mayhem Keiki Surf Competition – Visit MISC | May 16, 2026 • Maui (Hoʻokipa Beach Park) |
Visit the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) booth at Menehune Mayhem, a keiki surf competition and community event. Learn about invasive species in Maui County and ways to help protect our islands. Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Admission: Free and open to the public Event details | Instagram |
| FHNP Hōlua Backcountry Service Trip | May 23–25, 2026 • Maui (Haleakalā National Park) | Overnight backcountry service trip with Friends of Haleakala NP to the Hōlua area of Haleakalā Crater. Volunteers assist with invasive species removal, native seed collection, trail work, and basic cabin maintenance. Level: Moderate (8+ mile hike) Requirements: 18+, advance registration required, participants carry own gear Event details Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Inflatable Walk Through CRB “Chuggy” Community Event | May 28, 2026 • Kauaʻi | Meet-and-greet event featuring a new inflatable Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle that can be walked through, with blessing by Kumu Sabra Kauka. Learn about CRB and community response efforts. Time: 10:00 AM Location: Kauaʻi Historic County Building Front Lawn, Līhuʻe More info |
| Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair – Visit MISC | May 30, 2026 • Maui (War Memorial Special Events Field) |
Visit the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) booth at the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair, a large community event celebrating agriculture and local food systems in Hawaiʻi. Learn about invasive species impacts and how to help protect Maui’s agricultural and natural resources. Time: All day Admission: $5 adults; 18 and under free Event details |
More events will be added throughout the month.
Don’t miss the learning and hands-on opportunities happening throughout Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month. Subscribe to the HISC YouTube channel and explore the HISAM 2026 playlist to watch presentations and webinars throughout the month.
🪸 Looking for more ways to get involved? Explore additional volunteer opportunities on the Year of Coastal Kuleana calendar.
