HONOLULU (KHON2) — More than 300 native plants were added to a restored section of Kailua Beach Park on Friday as dozens of volunteers and community members came together for the latest phase of a long-term dune restoration effort.
The planting took place along the shoreline between the canoe hale parking lot and Lifeguard Tower 8B. Volunteers, along with city and state staff, placed 344 native plants to help stabilize the sand and reduce erosion.
Friday’s event capped a multi-month effort that began in November 2024 with the removal of invasive Ironwood trees. From January to February 2025.
The dune restoration is part of a broader initiative to protect and revitalize Kailua Beach and is designed to balance conservation with community access.
Officials said the project reflects input from local residents, nonprofits, and environmental organizations who participated in several public meetings over the past year. It also supports action item 5.4 of Climate Ready Oʻahu, the city’s climate adaptation strategy, which emphasizes collaboration with communities to restore beaches and dune systems in city parks.
“This kind of partnership — between agencies, scientists, and residents — is exactly what makes projects like this possible,” DPR officials said in a statement thanking the volunteers.
More work is planned in the months ahead, including additional plantings, further Ironwood removal, and ongoing sand management. Organizers say future volunteer opportunities will be announced as the next phases get underway.
For accessibility accommodations related to this project, residents can contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email parks@honolulu.gov.