Guardians of the Trails
Inspiring meaningful Careers in Conservation
The Guardians of the Trails Youth Intern Program is designed to address critical needs within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park while developing youth and young adults through understanding the importance of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Parks natural and cultural resources.
Established in 2018, this program originally started as a 12 week program, and expanded to year-around program in 2022. Each year, FHVNP has refined the program and it has become our most successful youth program in the history of the organization. This full-time service corps is available to local youth ages 18-30 and veterans to 35. We currently have six guardians and a crew leader on staff. A majority of our crew have been working in our program since 2023.
Meet the Guardians
how to apply
Applications accepted year-round. Please refer to our Careers page for details.
how to support
Donations provide ongoing support for our guardians and help sustain the program.
Inside the Program
The Guardians of the Trail program supports the rehabilitation and ongoing care of front- and backcountry trails in collaboration with the Park’s Natural Resource Management Division.
The Program also helps build life and leadership skills such as teamwork, time management, and hands-on conservation experience.Participants gain practical training in tool use, weed-eater operation, CPR and First Aid certification, and other transferable skills that support long-term career pathways while strengthening Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
The program has contributed to the rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of trails across front- and backcountry areas, including the full restoration and reopening of the Kīlauea Iki trail in 2019, covering more than 3,000 miles during the 2024–25 season, and supporting expanding trail restoration and access efforts into non-public Park areas such as Kahuku and the Pōhue Bay parcel.
Conservation Work
Conservation efforts include invasive species removal beyond targeted goals, protection of endangered plants and wildlife, and the creation and preservation of birdwatching opportunities. Our Guardians helped protect more than twenty endangered plant and animal species across 21,000 acres of rare dry ‘ōhi‘a woodland, including efforts to stop the spread of Faya trees using both traditional and modern methods.
As part of their trail restoration and maintenance efforts, the Guardians conduct resource inventories, monitor ecosystems, remove invasive species, and develop visitor access areas, as well as restore habitat through the removal of over 10,000 invasive weeds and the planting of 1,500 native plants across 100 acres of the Pua‘ulu Buffer.
Additionally, Guardians Of The Trails support visitors by answering questions, providing directions, identifying hazards, and assisting with search and rescue efforts for lost or disoriented individuals. Our Crew also supports manage traffic, monitor safety, and coordinate with park law enforcement during peak visitation periods.
Mahalo To Our Program Supporters
The National Park Foundation, the official charitable partner of the National Park Service, enriches America’s national parks and programs through the support of private citizens, park lovers, stewards of nature, history enthusiasts, and wilderness adventurers. The organization has supported the Friends’ Guardians Of The Trail Program since its inception in 2018.
Special Donor Recognition: Ms. Helen Wright
Words of Appreciation
“The Guardians of the Trails Program fosters a new generation of stewards to care for our park. Parks are places of inspiration, and it’s heartwarming to see how this program can make a positive difference in the lives of young people.”
Rhonda Loh
Park Superintendent
“We would like to express how grateful HAVO Trails is for the Guardians of the Trail crew. We were truly impressed by their work ethic, positive attitudes, and strong sense of camaraderie while re-graveling Thurston Lava Tube. It was no small task—we were working through heavy visitor traffic on a busy cruise ship day, moving and spreading over 3,000 pounds of material in a dark, damp environment. Throughout it all, Novi, Waylen, Connor, and Kelson demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and an upbeat spirit that made a challenging job feel smooth and efficient. Their attitude and teamwork did not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciated the opportunity to work alongside them. Please extend our sincere thanks to the entire Guardians of the Trail crew. We would be delighted to collaborate again in the future.”
HAVO Trails Crew
National Park Service
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park needs your help!
Your contribution directly supports our park! Funds raised support preservation and restoration initiatives as well as our youth and cultural programming.