Surfrider Foundation’s Kaua‘i Chapter looking for volunteers

As the Surfrider Foundation’s Kaua‘i chapter prepares to mark 20 years of cleaning up the Garden Island’s coastline, it is looking for volunteers.

According to a news release from the nonprofit, organizers are looking for volunteers who want to help protect, clean, and celebrate Kaua‘i waters.

“Some activities need your sweat, some need your enthusiasm, some need your brains, and some just need you to show up for support,” the release states.

The nonprofit has multiple projects and activities for people to get involved in. Click here to learn more.

“Whether you can help a couple of hours per week, per month, or per year, we always appreciate your contribution,” the release stated.

In partnership with Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund and Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Center for Marine Debris Research, Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi volunteers removed more than 162,902 pounds (81 tons) of marine debris and trash from Kauaʻi’s beaches and rocky coastline in 2024, according to the nonprofit.

This figure beats the previously held record of 120,000 pounds in 2017.

Over the course of nine Net Patrol missions between May and July 2025, volunteers hauled 36 “super sacks” — averaging 250 pounds each — of derelict and entangled nets and marine debris across rough coastal terrain south of Moloaʻa.

On Aug. 9, with the help of Jack Harter Helicopters and in partnership with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, the debris was airlifted out.

In 2025, Surfrider Foundation’s Kauaʻi Chapter completed its seventh annual Operation Airlift — a helicopter-assisted mission to remove abandoned fishing nets and plastics from some of Kauaʻi’s most remote and rugged shorelines.