Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative

Biocultural Series: Connecting through Trails
2024-08-23 17:30 - 19:00 (Pacific/Honolulu)
Ala Kahakai & Nā Ala Hele
The 2024 talk series is based on “huli ka lima i lalo”, or to turn your hands down. This ‘ōlelo noe‘au explains that when our hands are turned down, they are creating meaningful and productive work. Presentations will highlight and discuss the work being done by land stewards doing critical biocultural resource conservation work in Hawai‘i.
Talks are free and open to the public and hosted at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve from 5:30-7:00 pm; pupus and refreshments will be provided. Sign ups are required and donations are encouraged. We will record presentations and post videos to this page as they are available.
Sign Up Here

Mālama 'Āina Volunteer Day
2024-08-24 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-14 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-28 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-26 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-09 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-23 08:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-14 08:00 - 12:00
Volunteer with us in the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve and spend the morning working in the forest preserve. We provide tools, gloves, safety equipment, and water, but please bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and sturdy shoes. We meet at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve front gate at 8am and finish up at the hale for an optional bring-your-own lunch break.
Volunteer Sign-Up

First Friday Huaka'i
2024-09-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-10-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-12-06 16:30 - 18:30
Visit the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve for a guided hike with our knowledgeable staff. Tours are offered on the First Friday of each month and begin at 5:00 pm at the preserve March through October (4:30 pm November-February) Please come prepared with sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Our tours last about 90 minutes and will end with refreshments at our Hana Hou Hale. You can find directions to the preserve here.
Sign Up!

Biocultural Series: Kohala Conservation
2024-09-20 17:30 - 19:00
Nick Agorastos
The 2024 talk series is based on “huli ka lima i lalo”, or to turn your hands down. This ‘ōlelo noe‘au explains that when our hands are turned down, they are creating meaningful and productive work. Presentations will highlight and discuss the work being done by land stewards doing critical biocultural resource conservation work in Hawai‘i.
Talks are free and open to the public and hosted at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve from 5:30-7:00 pm; pupus and refreshments will be provided. Sign ups are required and donations are encouraged. We will record presentations and post videos to this page as they are available.
Register Here

Live Music in the Dry Forest
2024-11-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, North Kona, United States
Join us at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve for live music in the dry forest and soak in the sounds of Paula Fuga on Friday, November 15, 2024, @ 5:00 PM at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve.
The preserve gates will open at 4:30 PM for those who would like to arrive early, walk the trails, or enjoy a pre-show beverage.

Acclaimed for her originality in song composition and spellbinding, soulful vocals, Paula Fuga is one of Hawaii’s top female musicians in generations. A poet at heart and an accomplished ukulele player under Master Instructor, Roy Sakuma, she has intertwined her passions into award-winning songwriting. Her debut album, Lilikoi lauded the prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for ‘Most Promising Artist.’ Since the release of her EP Misery’s End, which featured guest appearances by Ziggy Marley and Jack Johnson, Fuga has headlined the global music circuit and performed on the stages of Madison Square Garden, The Sydney Opera House Forecourt and is a three-time return guest artist to The White House. Today, with a global fanbase and a thriving music career, Fuga’s music is dedicated to inspiring positive social change – rooted in perseverance and hope. She is fiercely committed to permeating the world with the evocative voice of the Hawaiian people.

Wreath Making Workshop
2024-11-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, North Kona, United States
Join us for a fun and creative Native Plant Wreath-Making Workshop! Plant material, wreath forms, and supplies are included. Workshop hosted by Plant Pono, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Forestry and Wildlife and Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative.
Registration required, workshop limited to first 25 sign-ups.
https://kokua.waikoloadryforest.org/a/wreath-workshop

Live Music in the Dry Forest
2024-12-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, North Kona, United States
Join us on Saturday, December 14th @ 5:00 PM at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve for an evening of music in the dry forest with Grammy and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning slack-key guitarist, composer, and recording artist, John Keawe.
Preserve gates will open at 3:30 PM for those who would like to arrive early and walk the trails, or enjoy a pre-show beverage. Tickets for this exclusive event are $50, light pupu will be provided with ticket purchase. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for sale.
John Keawe is a songwriter and slack-key guitarist, born on Hawaiʻi Island, in the little town of Hawi in North Kohala. John grew up with rock and roll music and enjoyed listening to singer/songwriters.
After a four-year tour in the Navy, John returned to his home and was drawn to the sound of Hawaiian slack-key. He listened, watched, and taught himself to play this style of music. Over the years, he has developed a distinct style that has earned him many accolades and awards, including multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, and a Grammy!
We hope you can join us for a wonderful evening in the preserve with the one-and-only, John Keawe.

https://kokua.waikoloadryforest.org/a/live-music-john-keawe

First Friday Huaka’i
2025-01-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-07 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, North Kona, United States
Visit the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve for a guided hike with our knowledgeable staff. Tours are offered on the First Friday of each month and begin at 5:00 pm at the preserve March through October (4:30 pm November-February) Please come prepared with sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Our tours last about 90 minutes and will end with refreshments at our Hana Hou Hale. You can find directions to the preserve here.

Mālama 'Āina Volunteer Day
2025-01-11 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-25 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-22 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-08 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-22 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-12 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-26 08:00 - 12:00 | Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, North Kona, United States

Wiliwili Festival
2025-02-08 09:00 - 15:00
The 14th Annual Wiliwili Festival will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 9:00 am-3:00 pm at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve. The Wiliwili Festival is a FREE public educational event for the whole family! This year our theme is Laulima – a tribute to the many mentors, leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, volunteers, students, organizations, and community members who have joined hands to create, nurture, and grow the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve.

Wiliwili Festival Pau Hana Community Concert
2025-02-08 16:00 - 19:00 | Waikoloa Stables, 68-1936 Waikoloa Road, Waikoloa, HI, 96743, United States
After the Wiliwili Festival at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve, WDFI will host a free Pau Hana Community Concert at the Waikōloa Stables from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This special evening event will feature a silent auction, delicious pūpū, cash bar, and live music with Kalaʻe & Kalena.
