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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.