Na Manu Elele Steward Program Pays Hikers to Maintain Trails

The program employs individuals to educate visitors, enforce safety, and care for cultural areas across Hawaii

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Na Manu Elele Steward Program is now accepting applications for individuals to serve as stewards of cultural areas and hiking trails across the Hawaiian islands. Stewards will be responsible for educating visitors, enforcing safety measures, and maintaining the trails. The program has seen success in increasing visitor awareness of trail conditions and the cultural significance of the areas.

Why it matters

The steward program aims to preserve Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage by engaging the local community to care for these important areas. By employing stewards, the program helps to ensure the trails remain accessible and safe for visitors while also educating them on the history and significance of the locations.

The details

Positions are available on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Stewards will receive hourly pay and health coverage for those working 20 or more hours per week. The program has been praised by past participants, like Lana L.F., who said the experience has deepened her connection to the islands and inspired her to volunteer for additional conservation efforts.

  • Applications are open now through March 27, 2026.
  • The program start date is May 18.

The players

Na Manu Elele Steward Program

A program that employs individuals to serve as stewards of cultural areas and hiking trails across the Hawaiian islands.

Lana L.F.

A past participant in the Na Manu Elele Steward Program who has stewarded a variety of trails and been inspired to volunteer for additional conservation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“What was already a big love for this island has grown exponentially since starting trail stewarding. It brought me closer to people, and because of sharing the same space, and appreciation for it, seeing how impactful the beauty is for people. I really appreciate all the positive interactions with visitors.”

— Lana L.F., Past Steward (KHON2)

“That has inspired me to volunteer to help all the ongoing efforts of tree planting in higher elevations. This past summer, with my Kupu team, we got to plant māmane in Kaʻu as part of the effort to provide more food for the birds.”

— Lana L.F., Past Steward (KHON2)

What’s next

The deadline to apply for the Na Manu Elele Steward Program is March 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The Na Manu Elele Steward Program provides an opportunity for individuals to play a direct role in preserving Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage by educating visitors and caring for the islands' hiking trails and cultural areas.