Every April, people around the world recognize Earth Day, a time to promote awareness, education and understanding of the biggest challenges and struggles facing our environment and delicate ecosystem. From the first Earth Day in 1970 until today, we have made great strides in building an environmental movement, but there is still so much more work to be done to protect our oceans, lands and animals.
If you’re in Hawaiʻi for Earth Day (and the days that follow), you’re in luck, because there are so many events and volunteer opportunities for you to enjoy—all while making a true difference for our beautiful home and planet. Join the Hawaiʻi community for these five special Earth Day celebrations around the state:
1. 21st Annual Maui Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day with live music, delicious food and more at the 21st Annual Maui Earth Day Festival! With eight stages of live music, the festival highlights the musical stylings of Tubby Love & Amber Lilly, Youssou Sidibe, Sierra Carrere & the Nomads, John Grover & the Endangered Species and more. You’ll also enjoy speeches from environmental and social awareness organizations, fun keiki activities, and food and merchandise vendors. The music and merriment takes place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 29 at Veterans of Foreign Wars beach in Kīhei. $8 per adults (free for kids). Call (808) 268-1211 or visit mauiearthday.org for details.
2. Community Work Day at Lydgate Park
Join the Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park, a Kauaʻi non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the park, for a fun and meaningful community work day! Spread aloha with visitors and residents alike as you participate in park improvement projects to clean and restore Lydgate Park equipment and grounds. After a hard day’s work, treat yourself to a free lunch with your fellow volunteers. Volunteer work takes place 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, with lunch following immediately after. To register as a volunteer, call (808) 639-1018 or visit kauaipath.org/kamalani.
3. Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo
Another enduring Earth Day tradition is Waikīkī Aquarium’s annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo, offering a full day of free, family friendly festivities to promote the preservation and well-being of a pollution-free Hawaiʻi. Activities and fun include live entertainment, a fish release, hands-on learning, arts and crafts and educational displays on keeping Hawaiʻi clean and green. Waikīkī Aquarium on Oʻahu hosts this free event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. For detailed info and a full schedule of events, call (808) 768-3248 or visit cleanwaterhonolulu.com.
4. National Park Week & Fee-Free Saturday
Earth Day and National Park Week converge on Saturday, April 21 with a Fee Free Day offering! Championing national parks around the world, National Park Week includes a special Fee Free Day on April 21. Visitors and residents alike are invited to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui for FREE for one day only. Park festivities continue through the week of April 22. Both National Parks are open 24 hours a day year-round (except during severe weather closures).
5. Sea Life Park Earth Day Festivities
Sea Life Park is going single-use plastic free in the spirit of Earth Day! In line with the Park’s commitment to sustainability, no single-use plastic items will be provided or sold on property.
In addition to the ban on single-use plastic, Sea Life Park is also celebrating Earth Day with a series of exciting activities! Kick-start your morning on Saturday, April 21 as a volunteer for the annual community beach cleanup of Kaupo Bay. The first 100 beach cleanup volunteers will receive free admission to the Park’s Earth Day festivities! The fun continues with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and moving release of two Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles into the ocean, and special Mahalo celebration complete with live music, craft beer and educational activities for the whole family.
Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to rededicate yourself to preserving and protecting our environment. Visit our events page for more ways to celebrate and contribute. This Week Hawaii encourages you to go green, today and every day!
Happy (eco-friendly) adventuring!
Megan
