Hawaiʻi Land Trust is accepting applications to our Kāhili Preserve Summer Internship. Participants will gain a stewardship perspective through mālama ʻāina. Through enrichment and restoration activities participants will develop a deeper understanding of coastal land management and formulate possible solutions for later engagement. Daily sessions will begin at Kāhili Beach Preserve and include service-learning visits to nearby partner organizations. A $1,000 student stipend will be rewarded upon completion. The internship is limited to 5 high school students ages 16-18 years old.

Kahu ʻāina (caretaker of land) refers to someone who has a deep responsibility to protect, nurture, and manage ʻāina (the land) in a way that respects its cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance. The role of a kahu ʻāina is rooted in traditional Hawaiian values of stewardship and sustainability, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship between people and land.

I ola ka ʻāina I ola kākou nei

Being an effective kahu ʻāina begins with self awareness - establishing a clear path for physical, spiritual, and emotional growth.. This program offers participants the opportunity to recognize and develop their unique values and gifts, upon which they will be supported in growing their understanding of–and relationship with–‘āina. Throughout this program, we will draw inspiration from three coastal restoration la’au (plants) to help guide the learning.

• ‘Aʻaliʻi - "He 'a'ali'i kū makani mai au." - “I am an ‘a‘ali‘i, no wind can push me over.” Known for its resilience, steadfastness, and strength even in harsh conditions, ‘a‘ali‘i is a fitting representation of the self-awareness, confidence, and resolve that participants will cultivate throughout the program.

• ʻIlima Papa - “Ola na ‘ilima wai ‘ole i ke ao ‘opua.” - “Healed are the ‘ilima of waterless places by the rain cloud.” ʻIlima papa is highly adaptable and thrives in varied and often harsh terrain. Use your ʻike (knowledge) of your surroundings to ground your decision making. 

• Ulei - “He ‘ūlei kolo” - “A creeping ‘ūlei” Maturity and Contribution: Ulei sprawls to find its place within the environment. Find your path to thrive and discover the tools along the way. 

Targeted participant outcomes

• Gain a stewardship perspective through mālama ʻāina

• Increase understanding of coastal land management through the utilization of shared best practices within the land trust stewardship and conservation teams

• Develop an understanding of biodiversity and the multiple benefits within the ecosystems they support

• Experience different aspects of human use and impact on habitats and large ecosystems; and formulate possible solutions for latter engagement

Mahalo to our Internship Program Sponsor!