Volunteer on Maui

Overview

Without the experience, dedication and generosity of our volunteers the sanctuary would not be able to successfully provide the local community and visitors alike with valuable marine resource education and outreach information. 

The greatest benefit of volunteering with the sanctuary is the satisfaction of knowing you are an integral part of the effort to protect an endangered animal - the humpback whale, as well as assisting in the protection of other protected species found in sanctuary waters.  In addition, as an active sanctuary volunteer you will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing training and learning opportunities by staff and other community leaders, receive the “Whale Tales” monthly newsletter and participate in volunteer appreciation events.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend our free monthly lectures where they can receive credit hours for ‘in-service’ training for our Naturalist Corps & Citizen Scientist Programs.  Library resources, research papers, and videos are also available for volunteers to borrow upon request.  Join our Sanctuary ‘Ohana’ (family) and experience the benefits of volunteering with the National Marine Sanctuary Program.  Make a difference, and help us protect the magnificent animals and habitat of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary


Maui Volunteer Opportunities

Citizen Scientists
Volunteers assist sanctuary staff in hands on field based scientific investigations and join of the sanctuary’s two, long term monitoring programs. As a trained volunteer you will collect important data and learn more about our local South Maui marine ecosystems. Assist sanctuary staff through regular limu collecting surveys and reef fish counts at our official REEF native Ko’ie’e fishpond site here at the sanctuary.

Naturalist Corps Program
Naturalist Corps Volunteers are a group of specially trained ocean stewards dedicated to providing the public with hands on information about the National Marine Sanctuary Program, humpback whales, the conservation of their habitat, coral reef  ecosystems and other protected species found in Sanctuary waters. Naturalist Corps Volunteers provide offsite education about the unique marine life found in Sanctuary waters to thousands of local residents, tourists, and school children annually. Join our Naturalist Corps Program and represent the sanctuary on board local whale watching excursions, at our education station in Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, at participating hotels and resorts, community outreach events and at beaches and overlooks. Volunteers facilitate hands on activities and actively engage the public using props, whale models, research tools (biopsy dart) and general sanctuary outreach materials.

Education Center Docent
Docents help staff the Sanctuary Education Center by greeting visitors and providing information about the sanctuary, humpback whales and other protected species. Docents also assist with special events and programs held at the Education Center. Volunteers should have a general understanding of the National Marine Sanctuary Program and conservation issues.

Education Programs Assistant
Volunteers assist Sanctuary Education staff with interactive educational lessons. Local elementary, jr. high and high school students are educated on or offsite at local schools. Students participate in interactive activities on humpback whale and sea turtle biology and behavior, limu & plankton labs, intertidal zone & tidepool activities, dissection lessons and cultural activities on the revitalization of the royal fish pond

Marine Turtle Stranding Network
The South Maui Turtle Stranding Network is a team of trained, on-call volunteers who respond to reports of stranded sea turtles along South Maui beaches, from Ma`alaea to Makena. The project works in collaboration with the Marine Turtle Research Program at the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Science Center in Honolulu. Responders generally work in teams of two and are responsible for carrying a pager for a 2-week, rotating schedule. Volunteer teams must be available to respond at any time and must be physically able to move, load and transport turtles that may weigh up to 300lbs!

Office Support
Office support volunteers assist staff with preparing educational materials for lesson plans, mailings, answering phones, computer assistance and preparing for special events held at the Sanctuary. Special craft and artistic projects are also available to volunteers. Projects may include painting signs for exhibit displays and other interpretive signage projects, reconstruction of a dolphin skeleton or craft prep for outreach events.

Landscaping & Maintenance
Volunteers assist with building and grounds maintenance at the Sanctuary Site in Kihei. This Program is specially designed for Community Service Workers.

RSVP Program
The Sanctuary has partnered with the Kuanoa RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) senior services program to provide volunteer opportunities, activities, and programs for a new generation of seniors with changing and diverse needs and interests. For the senior who is still "too young" to retire, RSVP is a "win win" opportunity which allows the community to continue benefiting from the retired senior volunteer's expertise and services while providing opportunities for the senior volunteer to remain active in community life. RSVP also has a 500 club that honors people who volunteer more than 500 hours. 


To Find Out More Please Contact:
Maui Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 879-2818/23
Email

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