Earth Day, April 22, is a day citizens of the world celebrate the Earth, all its treasures and what it has provided for humans to exist. It’s also a day to reflect on how humans have negatively affected Earth and a day to reflect on what changes we can make to help and the actions we can take moving forward to make a positive impact.

There is a sense of urgency as natural resources are being depleted and destroyed, carbon dioxide and other toxic output increases, climate change takes hold of weather systems around the world, and through it all, specific communities suffer the negative effects disproportionately more than others.

Still, there is hope — in the individuals working to make a difference within their communities; the thousands of nonprofit organizations, agencies and government entities enacting global change; and the inspiring young people who are just as passionate about the environment as their grandparents were about the Vietnam War or their great-grandparents were about World War II.

Though the clock is ticking, there is still time to make #EarthDayEveryDay. Take part and join the fun of any of the statewide events listed here, and you’ll be making a positive difference too!

Sunrise on Earth Day

Kaloko Inlet, Kaiwi State Park

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a special welcome to Earth Day, 5-5:30 a.m. April 22, by inviting people to chant E Ala E together at the Kaloko Inlet of Kaiwi State Park. Depending on the number of participants, the group may walk five minutes into the park along the beach or walk about 15 minutes to the point. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Kimeona Kane at 808-398-8989 or email kimeonakane@gmail.com. 

 

Earth Day Fish Release

Waikiki Aquarium

2777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu | 808-923-9741

The Waikiki Aquarium celebrates Earth Day with a fish release along the shoreline behind the aquarium, 1 p.m. April 22. Join the fun as students from Waikiki Elementary release striped mullet, or amaama, provided by the Oceanic Institute. The first 100 kamaaina guests receive free admission.

 

Kailua Adopt-a-Block cleanup

Treehouse Coworking

74 Kihapai St., Kailua | 808-367-4715

Treehouse Coworking hosts this cleanup, 4-6 p.m. April 22. Meet at the Treehouse then return at about 5:30 p.m. for a recap and beverages. Info: support@treehousecoworking.com. To participate in a scheduled adopt-a-block or adopt-a-stream cleanup, click here.

 

Earth Day Pu‘u o Kaimuki Restoration

951 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu | 808-892-3463

808 Cleanups invites volunteers of all ages to help clean up the park that has a 360-degree view of Honolulu, 4-6 p.m. April 22 (click on the event/date for detailed info). Street parking is available on Ocean View Drive and Kaimuku Avenue. The orange 808 Cleanups truck marks the meeting spot. RSVP: email 808cleanups@gmail.com, DM on Instagram, or reply on the Facebook group. Once you receive confirmation, sign the waiver.

 

Virtual: Earth Day Concert from Kokua Learning Farm, Haleiwa

Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson will hold a virtual Earth Day concert from the Kokua Learning Farm in Haleiwa, April 22. Together with his wife, Kim, the couple founded the nonprofit Kokua Hawaii Foundation in 2003. At the farm, the couple, foundation staff and volunteers work toward benefiting the community through agriculture, education and retail activities while promoting local food, waste reduction and environmental stewardship. The virtual concert kicks off Johnson’s summer tour for his new album, “Meet the Moonlight” at which time he’ll be making a special announcement. Stay tuned to Johnson’s social media channels on Instagram, Twitter.

 

Kapilina Earth Day Expo

Kapilina Beach Homes

5440 Edgewater Dr., Ewa Beach | 808-203-5007

With the help of 808 Cleanups, Kapilina Beach Homes is hosting a beach cleanup and expo that’s open to the public, 7 a.m.-noon April 23 (click on the event/date for detailed info). Meet at the white tents at the intersection of Iroquois Avenue and Edgewater Drive.

 

Earth Day Weekend 808 & Patagonia Mokuleia Army Beach Cleanup

Mokuleia Army Beach, Mokuleia

808 Cleanups partners with Patagonia to remove trash, big and small, from Mokuleia Army Beach, 8-11 a.m. April 23 (click on the event/date for detailed info). All ages are welcome to join the effort! Look for the orange 808 Cleanups truck along the roadside and park in the area and along the barricades. RSVP: email 808cleanups@gmail.com, DM on Instagram, or reply on the Facebook group. Once you receive confirmation, sign the waiver.

 

15th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo

Waikiki Aquarium

2777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu | 808-923-9741

Bring the family to participate in educational activities, visit the aquarium galleries and exhibits, and compete an event passport for a free native plant, one per household while supplies last. Event takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23. The first 100 kamaaina guests receive free admission.

 

Malama Maunalua beach cleanup

Kuliouou Beach Park

100 Bay St., Honolulu

Malama Maunalua hosts a cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon April 23. If you have questions or wish to register, email volunteer@malamamaunalua.org.

 

Waimea Valley’s Earth Day Celebration

Waimea Valley

59-863 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 | 808-638-5855

“Malama Aina from Mauka to Makai” at this big celebration highlighting all the ways humans can help the Earth, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23. Visit the Sustainability Village in the Upper Meadow with information booths from various organizations doing their part to protect the planet, plus enjoy food, Hawaiian games, music, vendors and more. Bring your ID for a kamaaina and military discount, $5/adult, $2.50/ages 4-12. Event is sponsored by Geo Tech Solutions, Inc.

 

Love Our Earth Day Free Shredding and Recycling Event

Ka Makana Alii

91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy., Kapolei | 808-628-4800

The public is invited to bring up to two file boxes full of paper to shred for free, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23. The site will be in the parking lot between California Pizza Kitchen and Olino Theatres. As a reminder, the Savers donation pod is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and to 6 p.m. Sunday in the same spot in the parking lot for the public to recycle items.

 

Party for the Planet

Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu | 808-926-3191

Stop by Honolulu Zoo to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy interactive booths, presentations, entertainment and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23. See demonstrations and education stations featuring wildlife trafficking, marine mammal rescue, invasive species and sustainable living. There will also be an e-waste collection drop-off site and fun activities such as a recycled art contest and eco-scavenger hunt. The event is included with zoo admission.

 

Earth Day Weekend 808 & Sea Life Park Cleanup & Honu Release

Across the street from Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park commemorates Earth Day by partnering with 808 Cleanups to host a beach cleanup across from Sea Life Park, 9-11 a.m. April 24 (click on the event/date for detailed info). Following the cleanup, two honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) from the park’s Honu Conservation and Breeding Program will be released into the ocean. Cleanup participants will be able to receive 50% off park admission for the rest of the day. Look for the orange 808 Cleanups truck with a banner along the roadside across from the park closest to Waimanalo. RSVP: email 808cleanups@gmail.com, DM on Instagram, or reply on the Facebook group. Once you receive confirmation, sign the waiver.

 

SCH Ohana for an Earth Day Celebration

Waimanalo Beach Park

41-415 Hihimanu St., Waimanalo

After two years of pausing due to COVID-19, this event by Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii is more than just a cleanup, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24. Volunteers can choose from a beach cleanup at Waimanalo Beach Park, a composting workshop at Full Circle Farm (transport provided), or helping with restoration (site TBA). Then, noon-3 p.m., have fun with sustainability workshops, educational booths, giveaways, games, food and live music by Anuhea and The Wide Eyed Kids. Register.

 

Kakaako’s Malama Aina Earth Day Community Cleanup

The Barn, SALT at Our Kakaako

692 Auahi St., Honolulu

Join the Kakaako community to help clean the nine-block neighborhood from SALT at Our Kakaako to Mother Waldron Park, 9:30 a.m.-noon April 24. Check in 9:30-10 a.m. at The Barn and pick up a map, gloves and a trash bag. Drop off your bag of trash on the edge of the park at the corner of Cooke and Pohukaina Streets, then return to The Barn at 11 a.m. for a mahalo gift and grab n’ go snack bag. Preregister.

 

Online fundraiser: Love Your Mama + Mama Earth

The Sierra Club of Hawaii have joined forces with local textile artists Elizabeth Kent and Ellen Godbey Carson for an online fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day and Mother’s Day. Between April 11 and May 8, new monthly donors and one-time donations of $75 or more made will receive a unique handmade gift by Kent or Carson, while supplies last, first-come, first-served.

 

Earth Day Cleanup Dive

Dive Maui

1223 Front St., Lahaina

Dive Maui is hosting a reef conservation course and a special dive to collect rubbish, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22. Lasting about two hours, the course will discuss how coral reefs function and why they are important for the ocean. Plus, it will include snacks. Afterwards, a dive boat will take participants into the ocean to collect rubbish. The trash will be brought back to shore to be weighed, categorized and recorded as debris data that will be shared with Project AWARE, an organization that studies ocean polluters. The course and dive cost $35, and Dive Maui will provide rental equipment at no extra charge. Email gopro@gosccubadivemaui.com to reserve a spot.  

Sunrise on Earth Day

Kamehameha Iki Park or Haleakala Crater Rim

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a local Earth Day, 5:30 a.m. April 22 by inviting people to chant E Ala E together at Kamehameha Iki Park on Front Street in Lahaina or at Haleakala on Crater Rim. For the Haleakala sunrise, parking is limited and people are asked to meet at 3 a.m. at the Bank of Hawaii at Pukalani to carpool. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Kelson Kihei at 808-281-8015 about the Kamehameha Iki Park meetup or text Joylynn at 808-359-1172 for the Haleakala meetup. 

 

Celebrate Earth Day at Haleakala

Hosmer Grove

Haleakala National Park

The National Park Service is hosting Earth Day activities, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 22, at Hosmer Grove. There will be a trash cleanup, a learning session and binoculars will be provided for bird viewing. Also, online activities are available, as well as a video about saving forest birds.

 

All About Kalo Dinner

Moku Roots

335 Keawe St. #211, Lahaina

A vegetarian, five-course kalo-centered dinner served 5 p.m. on April 22 and made by Moku Roots, celebrates Earth Day by supporting local farmers and helping to raise money for Maui and Molokai college students who want to study sustainability. The menu includes a “tarostada” with a crispy taro tortilla, a coconut taro leaf soup and more. The price is $75 per person, plus $5 for June Shine’s hard kombucha. Email mokuroots@gmail.com for a reservation. 

 

'Beyond Corona on Earth Day'

ProArts Playhouse

1280 South Kihei Rd., Kihei

Ebb and Flow art is presenting a multimedia program that includes 3D movies by Tom Vendetti along with music performed by pianist Robert Pollock, violinist Rona Landrigan, and cellist Cheryl Lindley. A music video by painter Michael Takemoto and composer Robert Wehrman, and an experimental film by Dom and Lee Michael Walczuk will also be shown. Last, organizers will screen Carl Sagan’s "Pale Blue Dot." Two shows lasting 90 minutes will take place, 5:30 and 8 p.m. April 22. Admission is free and COVID-19 safety protocols can be found here. 

 

Earth Day Clean-up

Honolua Bay

6501 Hwy. 30, Lahaina

Pick up beach trash around Honolua Bay between mile markers 32 and 35. Participants can check-in at the Honolua Bay lookout, 8-10:30 a.m. April 24, and will be directed to areas that need attention. Beach cleaners are asked to socially distance and bring face masks, work gloves, closed-toe shoes, a water bottle and a positive attitude. Organizers will provide trash bags. 

 

Earth Day Celebration for Maui Educators 

Learning Endeavors 

2679 Wai Wai Pl. Unit C, Kihei

Learning Endeavors is hosting a free open house along with a presentation on Citizen Science, 4:30-6 p.m. April 26, at their new location in Kihei. There will also be an Earth Day raffle and other giveaways. Space is limited, so reserve a spot in advance. 

 

Maui Earth Day Festival

Maui Tropical Plantation

1670 Honoapiilani Hwy., Wailuku

On May 1, enjoy a full day of live music, speakers, food, crafters, farmers, keiki activities, yoga, sound healing, lei making, a silent auction and more. Live music will feature Lei‘ohu Ryder, George Kahumoku, Pat Simmons Jr., Sierra Carrere Band, Fantuzzi, Andrew Love and others. The sound healing tent will include sound immersion, Native American drumming, crystal singing bowls and breathwork. The event runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $10-15, keiki are free.

 

Citizen Forester Earth Day Event

Kauai Community College

3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue

At 9-11:30 a.m. April 22, the public is invited to take tree inventory, make seed balls to throw in their gardens, and to work on tree care. The citizen science program aims to inventory tree throughout the Pacific. Currently, volunteers are mapping trees in Lydgate Park and Lihue. Bring shoes, sun block, a recyclable water bottle and snacks. For those interested, meet at the picnic tables in front of the Social Sciences and Hawaiian Studies Buildings on campus. RSVP by emailing spastore@smarttreespacific.org. 

 

Malama Aina at the Lo‘i

Kauai Community College Lo‘i

3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue

This event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 22, involves getting your hands dirty while harvesting kalo. Participants will also weed the kalo patches. Organizers ask that those who come to work in the lo‘i wear comfortable clothes and bring water.

 

Sunrise on Earth Day

Hikina A Kala Heiau near Lydgate Park

Leho Dr., Lihue

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a local Earth Day, 5 a.m. April 22, by inviting people to chant E Ala E together at Hikina A Kala Heiau near Lydgate Park or to join virtually from home. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Tommy Noyes at 808-639-1018. 

 

Beach Clean-up Event 

Hanamaulu Bay

A beach clean-up hosted by Hoomalu Ke Kai and other environmental organizations takes place, 9 a.m.-noon April 23, at Hanamaulu Bay. Participants are asked to meet in the middle of the bay closest to the ocean. There will also be an ocean plastics upcycling workshop, educational talks and a raffle. Hoomalu Ke Kai will provide cleanup supplies, snacks and drinks, but asks participants to bring water in a reusable bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes or tabi to clean in rocky areas. 

 

Earth Day Community Workday

Lydgate Beach Park

Leho Dr., Lihue

The Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park are hosting an event to improve the park and clean marine debris from the beach, 8-11:30 a.m. April 23. Participants should check-in at Kamalani Playground and bring their own gloves, shoes, water bottle and sun protection. Organizers will provide a free lunch. Register for the event in advance here. 

 

Drive Electric Earth Day 

Anahola Neighborhood Center by the Clubhouse

3900 Kawelo St., Anahola

Check out electric vehicles, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 23. There will also be raffle prizes, which include a two-day rental of a Tesla Model Y, a Tesla Model 3, a Kia Niro EV, as well as gift cards and restaurant coupons. Organizers are providing free cupcakes, pastries and pizza from Kilauea Bakery. They ask everyone to wear face masks when they are within six feet of other people. Register to attend here. 

 

Ocean Plastic Art Therapy with Hale Malama 

Kauai Community College, LRC 124B

3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue

For this art therapy event, KCC students, faculty and staff are invited to create art out of ghost nets that were removed from a humpback whale off of Kauai waters. Join others in making marine debris art, 2-3:30 p.m. April 26, at the library in LRC 124B. For more information, email mopalek@hawaii.edu.

 

'Washed Up' Marine Debris Art Show

Kauai Society of Artists Gallery

Kukui Grove Center, Lihue

On May 7, artists are invited to enter their art work made from marine debris to the Kauai Society of Artists gallery for their annual “Washed Up” art show. An opening reception will take place, 5-8 p.m. May 13. The show will be viewable until June 10, and the gallery is open noon-6 p.m. daily, until 7 p.m. Fridays.

 

Sunrise on Earth Day

Hilo Bay or in Kona near Aha Punana Leo

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a local Earth Day, 5 a.m. April 22, by inviting people to chant E Ala E together in Kona at 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd. near Aha Punana Leo or at Hilo Bay. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Akelina Tibaya at 808-990-4657 about the Kona meet-up or text Rae Chandler-‘Īao at 808-757-1488 for the Hilo Bay meet-up. 

 

SOS Earth Day Beach Cleanup

Hilo Bayfront Beach Park 

University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Students of Sustainability are hosting a beach cleanup, noon-2 p.m. April 23, at Hilo Bayfront. Participants can meet at Mooheau Bus Terminal. Organizers recommended people carpool. Bring your gloves, if you have them; otherwise, SOS will provide gloves. Bring snacks, water and sun protection. For more information, contact reganw@hawaii.edu. 

 

La Honua Earth Month 2022 

Events for kindergarten to 12th graders

Various in-person and virtual locations 

Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo are hosting virtual and in-person activities in honor of Earth Day with many geared toward young students. In-person events include garden workdays at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, 9 a.m.-noon April 23; at Haaheo Elementary, 9 a.m.-noon April 30; and at Konawaena Elementary, 9 a.m.-noon April 30. There are also excursions to care for the land at HuiMAU, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23; at the Hawaii Wildlife Fund, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 30; and Kealakekua Mountain Reserve, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30. A virtual symposium is being held 9-11:50 a.m. April 28, which will include presentations on how to help sea turtles and forest restoration. Follow the links above to register for these events.

 

La Honua Earth Month 2022

Events for college students and faculty 

Various in-person and virtual locations

Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo are hosting virtual and in-person activities in honor of Earth Day with many geared towards college students and faculty. On April 29, celebrate Earth Day 2-5 p.m. at Campus Center 301 by learning about sustainability, creating seed bombs and take home potted plants. Organizers invite participants to steward a fishpond and the surrounding area at Kiholo Bay, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 30. More than a dozen virtual presentations are also being hosted, with keynote speakers Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa, ‌one of Fiji’s leading ocean experts, speaking noon-1 p.m. April 21, and Yolanda Joab-Mori, founder of Island PRIDE Micronesia, presenting 1-2 p.m. April 22. For the virtual events, people who wish to watch may just register once. A calendar with more information about the events can be found here.

 

The Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Symposium 

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Virtual and in-person at the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center

This symposium will share undergraduate and graduate research happening at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. The presentations run 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. April 28-29. Keynote speakers Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer will present 9:30-10:30 a.m. April 28, and Lokelani Brandt will present 9-9:45 a.m. April 29. The symposium will end with a workday at the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center, 12:30-4 p.m. April 29.

 

Virtual: UHHSA Sustainability Speaker Series

University of Hawaii at Hilo

The UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) is hosting a two-day speaker series focused on sustainability via Zoom. Speaking at noon-1 p.m. April 28 is Evan Lam from Circle Pack Hawaii, an organization that focuses on providing cardboard processing services and upcycled packages. At noon-1 p.m. April 29, the speaker will be University of Hawaii at Hilo alumni Bruce Torres Fischer, who created two podcasts, and an initiative focused on preserving Hawaiian speakers by digitizing recordings of "Manaleo," a television show that aired on the Olelo television network. There will be free giveaways for UH Hilo students. Contact uhhsa6@hawaii.edu for more information.

 

Earth Day at Roots Skatepark

Roots Skatepark

Kamehameha Park Rd., Kapaau 

Starting at 8 a.m. on April 29, skaters and others are invited to weed and mulch at the Roots Skatepark garden. Attendees are asked to bring tools and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. A lunch break will be held for an hour at 11:30 a.m. From 12:30-3 p.m., work will be done on the community garden beds and organizers have asked people to bring seedlings to plant and share. Music, food, face painting, Roots gear and second-hand items will be available too.

 

Sunrise on Earth Day

Seed of Love Farm 

Kaunakakai

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a local Earth Day, 5 a.m. April 22, by inviting people to chant E Ala E together at Seed of Love Farm in Kaunakakai or to join virtually from home. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Todd Yamashita at 808-646-0542.

 

Sunrise on Earth Day

Crest of Manele Road overlooking Manele Bay

Kanu Hawaii is organizing a local Earth Day, 5 a.m. April 22, by inviting people to chant E Ala E together at the Crest of Manele Road overlooking Manele Bay or to join virtually from home. Participants are encouraged to share the event on social media and tag Kanu Hawaii with the hashtag #VolunteerWeekHawaii. For more information, text Danyel Erickson at 425-344-9009.