Only in Hawaiʻi do kōlea, or the Pacific Golden-Plover, live in harmony with humans in backyards, city parks, and urban spaces. Every April these long-lived migratory shorebirds fly to Alaska to breed, returning in late summer to the same spot, where they capture the hearts of residents and visitors alike.
Join the Hawaiʻi Audubon Society and partners as we celebrate the return of these endearing native migratory birds to the Hawaiian Islands. We will have fun and games at Ala Moana Beach Park for all ages. Learn about the Hawaiʻi Audubon Society’s community science project, Kōlea Count, and ways residents and visitors can help researchers learn more about one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite native birds. Participate in guided mini bird counts and learn about the latest projects from our partners. Refresh yourself with samples of Kōlea Sparkling Hop Water and take a picture with our mascots, Aloha Kea and Kōlea Nui.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, Site 31 (see map)
Volunteer details:
We need your help! Join us as a volunteer to ensure our kōlea festival runs smoothly. Sign up to help out with the following tasks:
Help setup partner booths as they arrive
Volunteer at Hawaiʻi Audubon Society’s booth by leading games, sharing information, etc.
Assistance with breakdown
Wear the kōlea or manu o Kū mascot costume
“Handler” for mascots
Guard for the art booth
Fill in where needed!
Role Description:
Assist Hawaiʻi Audubon Society with tabling, informing visitors of our projects and playing kōlea games with them. Wear one of our two mascots (manu o Kū or kōlea). Assist the person wearing the mascot (getting the costume on, guiding them while they go around the festival terrain). Assist with audio/music. Assist with breakdown: tables, tents, tabling stuff. Help load everything up to the cars. Any other tasks as needed.
Role Description:
Help with setup: unload tabling gear from cars, help setup tents and tables, help partners unload and setup. Assist Hawaiʻi Audubon Society with tabling, informing visitors of our projects and playing kōlea games with them. Wear one of our two mascots (manu o Kū or kōlea). Assist the person wearing the mascot (getting the costume on, guiding them while they go around the festival terrain). Assist with audio/music. Any other tasks as needed.
No additional requirements specified.
No waivers available.
1365 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
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