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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects, studies and provides access to KÄ«lauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes
The park also preserves endemic Hawaiian ecosystems
and perpetuates the traditional Hawaiian culture
connected to these landscapes
But we can't do it alone. Nearly 2 million people visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park every year and we rely on our volunteers
to provide the quality experience they expect at this World Heritage Site.
Our amazing VIPs help in almost every job you can think of in the park
from guiding hikes, to saving endangered species
to pulling weeds and everything in between.
Volunteers help with groundskeeping, dealing with emergencies in our dispatch office
presenting Hawaiian cultural demonstrations
planting native species, and removing invasive ones
and the list goes on
There are jobs in the public eye and ones in the background
Wherever it takes place, all of our VIP work is critical to our mission
to preserve and protect this amazing place for future generations to enjoy
Almost anyone can be a VIP
from near or far, brand-new to the park, or a frequent visitor.
Sound interesting?
You can find more information and application forms on volunteer.gov
This is the first step all national park volunteers must take
It just feels good to give. Growing up as a little kid,
we always used to come up here and have picnics
We used to run in the grass and play.
We met a lot of the workers here at the park
with so much of the Aloha Spirit
So we have me giving back and hopefully one day to set an example
for others to come to the park to volunteer because it is a good park to volunteer in.
I really wanted a way to get my foot in the door and
and look at a more long-term career path.
As soon as I got in here I kind of decided that I wanted to stick around.
Before moving here to the island of Hawai'i, we would visit with our children, camping and hiking
and I met a few rangers and they shared to me about volunteering at the park
because I knew someday we would retire and move here.
And so it worked out that when we moved here I went over to the park and lo' and behold, got involved!
We actually applied in 2014. It took us three years to get here
and I wanted to come and see the lava like everybody else. I'm like a tourist.
I figured that if I become a volunteer, I get a better chance of seeing lava because I'm here for a longer time.
There are many ways to make a difference at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and all stewards are welcome.
But there are some things to consider before making the commitment.
Volunteering in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park means working on two active volcanoes.
Lava is one thing, but so are earthquakes, earth cracks,
volcanic gas and other hazards.
The main part of the park is the summit area of KÄ«lauea volcano, at an elevation of 4,024 feet.
Don't expect warm Hawaiian beach weather, we get rainy chilly days just as often as warm, sunny ones.
And nights are often cold, even during summer.
And I thought it would be a little bit warmer and hotter,
because when I was here 29 years ago, I really felt the humidity, but I think now since I'm coming from Missouri
it's not as humid. But what I found funny is in our house that we're living in, it still gets cold enough every night
that our heater will kick on.
So you just never know what kind of temperature or precipitation you're going to get, and I find that kind of amazing.
Think you have what it takes to be a VIP?
The most critical qualities we're looking for in our volunteers are desire, flexibility, and commitment.
The desire to make a difference.
The desire to make a difference. The desire to help preserve your national parks,
plus the flexibility to do what is needed to make a difference.
And of course, the commitment it takes to give your time to help out.
My favorite part about volunteering is making the place look nice.
Interacting with the visitors.
The hardest about volunteering here is going home
Volunteering will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.
Participating in the stewardship of America's Best Idea is a rewarding experience.
It was my experience to try and be with the national park with just employees would be really difficult.
Because the park is huge.
I think the park would really have a hard time running right now without volunteers.
Make a difference, and volunteer with us at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.