The National Tropical Botanical Garden is committed to building and nurturing its valuable volunteer team. We believe having a passionate, responsive and dynamic volunteer community at the Garden is one of the best strategic tools to achieving our mission. By becoming a volunteer you will be making a substantial contribution to preservation and knowledge of tropical plants and ecosystems. Why not use your time and talent to grow with us?
Becoming a Volunteer is easy
Simply contact one of our locations or email our central office at volunteer@ntbg.org. Staff will match your interests, abilities, and availability with the Garden’s current volunteer needs. We've posted below just some of the opportunities available, but there are many more ways to help and we would be happy to discuss them with you!
On Kaua`i
Download: I'm Interested Form (PDF)
On Maui
Kahanu Garden
Call (808) 248-8912
In Florida
The Kampong
Call (305) 447-1040
VolunteerKampong@ntbg.org
Some Volunteer Opportunities:
Welcome visitors as they stroll through the McBryde Garden in the Lāwa‘i Valley by manning the Food for Thought food station, selling snacks and cold beverages
The Garden needs volunteers for weekdays, hours flexible.
The Garden needs volunteers for weekdays, hours flexible.
For those visiting the island of Kaua`i:
Coming on vacation? Interested in spending some of that time at the Garden helping out as a volunteer?
Simply email volunteer@ntbg.org to learn more about how to become a Visiting Volunteer.
Coming on vacation? Interested in spending some of that time at the Garden helping out as a volunteer?
Simply email volunteer@ntbg.org to learn more about how to become a Visiting Volunteer.
Share the beauty, abundant botanical resources, and rich cultural history of Limahuli Garden. After undertaking a comprehensive training, you will be able to share the Garden with others by leading guided tours of this incredible site.
Docents must be able to attend training classes, commit to leading tours on a regular basis, enjoy interacting with the public, be physically able to walk up steep hills, and want to work in a breathtaking setting.
Docents must be able to attend training classes, commit to leading tours on a regular basis, enjoy interacting with the public, be physically able to walk up steep hills, and want to work in a breathtaking setting.
Our active visitors center (in Po`ipū) could use help with tour reservations, in phone and in person.
Reservations Volunteers provide information on tour offerings at the Southshore Gardens, book reservations, and give driving directions, all while sitting on a shady lanai looking out at the plantings. Training is easy. Time commitment: Any day from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., prefer a minimum of four hours (based on need for coverage).
Reservations Volunteers provide information on tour offerings at the Southshore Gardens, book reservations, and give driving directions, all while sitting on a shady lanai looking out at the plantings. Training is easy. Time commitment: Any day from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., prefer a minimum of four hours (based on need for coverage).
Want to share your aloha and love of the Garden by greeting and directing visitors when they arrive at the Visitors Center?
Greeters get to spend their time in the lovely Visitors Center Garden, welcoming visitors, answering general questions, and directing them to the tour check-in area, gift shop, and other locales at the site. Time commitment: Any day from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., prefer a minimum of two hours.
Greeters get to spend their time in the lovely Visitors Center Garden, welcoming visitors, answering general questions, and directing them to the tour check-in area, gift shop, and other locales at the site. Time commitment: Any day from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., prefer a minimum of two hours.
Interested in teaching our island keiki about the basics of plant life, ethnobotany, or the mystery of seeds? Our Garden As Classroom* (GAC) volunteer leaders follow set curriculum while guiding school groups on a morning of adventure through the southshore gardens. Time commitment: GAC volunteers average a 3-4 hour commitment 1-4 weekday mornings a month during the active school year.
There are more opportunities to assist with NTBG’s other courses for students of various ages, with varied needs and time commitments. Simply ask our volunteer@ntbg.org
*children’s education volunteers will be background-checked.
There are more opportunities to assist with NTBG’s other courses for students of various ages, with varied needs and time commitments. Simply ask our volunteer@ntbg.org
*children’s education volunteers will be background-checked.
McBryde Garden is a botanical treasurehouse of tropical flora, containing collections of native Hawaiian species and many other plants that have been wild-collected from the tropical regions of the world. We are seeking a Gardener’s Assistant to help us care for these plants by planting, weeding, watering, trimming, and raking.
This role would suit someone who is interested in learning more about plants and gaining skills in gardening. You will be working under the supervision of a lead gardener. No previous experience is necessary. This role will require bending and some light lifting. Time commitment: any weekday, any time between 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
This role would suit someone who is interested in learning more about plants and gaining skills in gardening. You will be working under the supervision of a lead gardener. No previous experience is necessary. This role will require bending and some light lifting. Time commitment: any weekday, any time between 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve is dedicated to the conservation of native Hawaiian species, striving to perpetuate modern Hawaiian culture by encouraging community involvement and education. We welcome our volunteers to be involved in our preservation efforts through planting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance of rare and endangered species in our Garden.
This work would suit someone in good physical condition looking to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Some of the Garden is hilly and volunteers are expected to be able to perform activities normally associated with gardening. No expertise is required. Some knowledge of native Hawaiian plants is desirable, but a willingness and passion to learn about native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture is most important.
To make arrangements and for more information about needed gear and supplies, please contact the volunteer coordinator at Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Time commitment: minimum of four (4) hours
This work would suit someone in good physical condition looking to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Some of the Garden is hilly and volunteers are expected to be able to perform activities normally associated with gardening. No expertise is required. Some knowledge of native Hawaiian plants is desirable, but a willingness and passion to learn about native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture is most important.
To make arrangements and for more information about needed gear and supplies, please contact the volunteer coordinator at Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Time commitment: minimum of four (4) hours
You will be working in the heart of Limahuli Valley at our restoration project site helping to preserve the ‘āina of Kaua‘i. You will be involved in planting and maintaining native Hawaiian plant restoration sites, invasive species removal, and trail maintenance.
This work would suit someone in very good physical condition looking to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. All volunteers must be able to hike one-half hour or more on uneven terrain to the worksites in the Valley, often carrying plants and tools to and from the restoration project sites. Some knowledge of Hawai‘i’s native plants would be advantageous, but passion and enthusiasm to learn more about the Hawaiian ecosystems and culture is most important.
To make arrangements and for more information about needed gear and supplies, please contact the volunteer coordinator at Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Time commitment: minimum of four (4) hours
This work would suit someone in very good physical condition looking to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. All volunteers must be able to hike one-half hour or more on uneven terrain to the worksites in the Valley, often carrying plants and tools to and from the restoration project sites. Some knowledge of Hawai‘i’s native plants would be advantageous, but passion and enthusiasm to learn more about the Hawaiian ecosystems and culture is most important.
To make arrangements and for more information about needed gear and supplies, please contact the volunteer coordinator at Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Time commitment: minimum of four (4) hours
Do you have some skills as a handyperson? The NTBG Living Collections and Horticulture Department is looking for a few people to help maintain and construct infrastructure in our nursery (building tables for potting, basic assistance with irrigation systems, helping with general facility upkeep).
Some basic handyperson skills are preferred. You’ll need the ability to work with volunteers and other employees. The physical component varies; some work can be done while sitting down and other work is very strenuous (i.e., construction). Time commitment: Flexible, prefer help on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Some basic handyperson skills are preferred. You’ll need the ability to work with volunteers and other employees. The physical component varies; some work can be done while sitting down and other work is very strenuous (i.e., construction). Time commitment: Flexible, prefer help on Mondays or Wednesdays.
We are looking for plant enthusiasts to help the Garden grow in our busy nursery facilities. Duties include: repotting plants, weeding, pot-washing, watering, inventory, and light maintenance. This is your chance to gain expert knowledge in plant care through hands-on training and supervision.
No experience or green thumb necessary, but enthusiasm is a must. Time commitment: Wednesday mornings.
No experience or green thumb necessary, but enthusiasm is a must. Time commitment: Wednesday mornings.
Interested in working with and learning more about native plant species? As a Restoration Assistant you will be working with Conservation Department staff at one of our restoration sites in the beautiful Lāwa ‘i Valley. Project sites include a native forest, along a streambank, and the coastline. You will be involved in watering, planting, weeding and propagation while learning about native plant community restoration in theory and practice.
This role requires the ability to perform basic gardening tasks while working on uneven terrain and enthusiasm to learn more about Hawaii’s native plants and ecosystems. Time commitment: Weekly or on-call.
This role requires the ability to perform basic gardening tasks while working on uneven terrain and enthusiasm to learn more about Hawaii’s native plants and ecosystems. Time commitment: Weekly or on-call.
The NTBG Herbarium houses approximately tens of thousands preserved plant specimens which serve as a reference collection of tropical plant life, with an emphasis on Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian. We are looking for individuals interested in learning more about collection and plant conservation to prepare and mount specimens for future study.
This role would suit someone with steady hands, good vision for close-up work and ability to sit for long periods of time. Desired traits include: communication skills, enthusiasm for learning, capacity to work independently and as part of a team, willingness to follow specific guidelines and ability to be detail-oriented. Time commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week (opportunity exists for more hours).
This role would suit someone with steady hands, good vision for close-up work and ability to sit for long periods of time. Desired traits include: communication skills, enthusiasm for learning, capacity to work independently and as part of a team, willingness to follow specific guidelines and ability to be detail-oriented. Time commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week (opportunity exists for more hours).
"Oshibana," our arts and crafts volunteers, make products from plant materials or with a botanical theme. These creations are sold to benefit the NTBG, either at the southshore gift shop or at craft fairs on Kaua`i.
This is a group activity for which we are seeking additional volunteers. No prior skills necessary. Time commitment: Any Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This is a group activity for which we are seeking additional volunteers. No prior skills necessary. Time commitment: Any Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Interested in being involved with the implementation of exciting events and interacting with visitors in an upbeat and fun environment? We are actively looking for volunteers to join our special events roster.
You will assist at Garden and community events by staffing information tables, working behind the scenes, greeting visitors, handing out programs and support materials, and filling in wherever is most needed.
Some of the events we hold or participate in are the Kaua`i County Farm Fair, Taro Festival, Kōloa Plantation Days, Holiday Craft Fair at our Southshore Visitors Center, Arbor Day, Mother’s Day Open House, and more. Time Commitment: On-call.
You will assist at Garden and community events by staffing information tables, working behind the scenes, greeting visitors, handing out programs and support materials, and filling in wherever is most needed.
Some of the events we hold or participate in are the Kaua`i County Farm Fair, Taro Festival, Kōloa Plantation Days, Holiday Craft Fair at our Southshore Visitors Center, Arbor Day, Mother’s Day Open House, and more. Time Commitment: On-call.
Are you a people person? As a Volunteer Program Support Assistant you will wear many hats: helping recruit new volunteers, assisting with coordinating volunteer schedules, ensuring that all necessary data is recorded for evaluation and reporting, and program and event planning. You truly want to connect the mission of the Garden with the community.
Your skills should include typing, and experience with MS Office and the Internet. You should have a friendly personality, creative streak, and the willingness work independently and as a team. Time commitment: Flexible.
Your skills should include typing, and experience with MS Office and the Internet. You should have a friendly personality, creative streak, and the willingness work independently and as a team. Time commitment: Flexible.
Throughout the year, newsletters, invitations, and information are sent to donors and members of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. We need volunteers to help with this mailing process by collating and folding papers, stuffing envelopes, applying postage, and creating and applying mailing labels. Volunteers normally work in a team, so this is also a good opportunity to socialize and meet other people who support the Garden’s mission. Time commitment: On-call.
