Volcano Art Center

"Niaulani is a very special forest. Continued work to eradicate invasive non-native plants and restoration of the native forest by replanting will insure that the beauty of Niaulani will be enjoyed by generations to come." - Julie Williams, Keakealani Outdoor Education Center

Enjoy the open air while volunteering to help preserve the beauty and diversity of the native rainforest at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus (on Old Volcano Road at the corner of Kalanikoa in Volcano Village). Botanist Tim Tunison begins each work day with with an informative guided walk on the Niaulani Nature Trail, which provides an in-depth understanding of historical and current weed eradication efforts and how they relate to the current state of Niaulani's forest.

The four-acre forest at Niaulani is located in a remnant of old-growth rain forest dominated by tall, large-diameter 'ohi'a trees, some over 65 feet tall. Many species of native plants populate the forest understory at Niaulani, including the rare meu tree fern. Due to the collective diligence in weed removal over the last decade, visitors can now view native representations of the pepper, ginseng, lily, holly, and other plant families that have started to flourish in the understory.

Work days are perfect opportunities for people to help conserve one of the last remaining native rainforests in the Kilauea summit region outside of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. As Tunison explains, "The goal of forest restoration is to perpetuate a diverse, largely self-sustaining native rainforest community that provides opportunities for education, a model of stewardship for the community, and inspiration for artists."

No previous experience is needed to participate, and all tools are supplied. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, though participants are asked to bring rain gear in case of wet weather. This program is sponsored in part by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority’s Natural Resources Program.

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