HTMC’s mission goes beyond enjoying Hawai’i’s extensive network of hiking trails—we are also dedicated stewards of the land.
For decades, the HTMC Trail Clearers have played a vital role in keeping Oahu’s trails open, safe, and accessible. Our volunteer-driven team works to maintain trails by clearing overgrowth, managing invasive species, and ensuring hikers can enjoy Hawai’i’s breathtaking landscapes with respect for ‘Aina.
Whether you have experience with trail maintenance or you are just looking for an opportunity to give back, joining the HTMC Trail Clearers is a hands-on way to make a difference.
Join the HTMC Trail Clearers
Our Trail Maintenance Crew meets every Sunday at 8:00 AM to clear and restore trails before scheduled HTMC hikes. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and there’s no long-term commitment—join us when you can!
What We Do
Trail maintenance is not about making trails completely “safe”—nature is unpredictable—but we ensure paths remain visible, passable, and enjoyable for hikers of all levels.
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Remove overgrown vegetation and invasive plants
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Identify and mitigate potentially hazardous areas
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Mark trails for better navigation (typically using pink ribbons)
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Help preserve and protect native plants
How the Day Works
- 8:00 AM – Meet at the trailhead for a safety briefing
- Trail Clearing Begins – Volunteers work at their own pace using hand tools, weed whackers, or simply moving debris
- Lunch Break – Around noon, we rest, eat, and take in the view
- Return to the Trailhead – Depending on the trail, we usually finish by 3:00–4:00 PM
- Optional Pau Hana Potluck – Stick around to relax and “talk story” over food and drinks
No Experience? No Problem!
First time? No worries! Experienced crew members will guide you.
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Bring your own tools if you have them, or borrow from us
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Common tools: clippers, loppers, machetes, hand saws, weed whackers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, picks, shovels
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You can still help if you are not comfortable with tools. Simply clearing debris and branches helps to improve the trail.
Why should you join the Crew?
Trail clearing with HTMC comes with many benefits.
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Make new friends
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Learn about native and invasive plants, become familiar with many different types of clearing tools, and become proficient in the use of tools
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Learn the history of some of our historic trails
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Breathe the fresh mountain air, enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature, enjoy fantastic views from our ridges and summits, get healthy exercise
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Gain the satisfaction and joy of giving back to the hiking community
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Trail clearings count toward membership requirements! If you’re applying to HTMC, you can substitute up to two trail clearings for two of the three required club hikes.
How to Get Involved
- Trail clearings are announced via email on the Wednesday before the event. Some clearings are open to non-members, while others are for HTMC members only due to trail sensitivity, private land access, etc.
- Sign up for our mailing list! Email trailmaintenance@htmc1910.org
- Have questions? Email trailmaintenance@htmc1910.org
A Legacy of Protecting and Conserving Oahu’s Trails
Trail maintenance has been an essential part of HTMC’s mission for over 30 years.
The HTMC Trail Clearing Crew was founded in the 1990s by Mabel Kekina, a formidable hiker who knew Oahu’s mountains inside and out. Her knowledge was so respected that she even assisted the Fire Department in search-and-rescue operations. Mabel recruited club members to come out Sundays to clear and mark trails before upcoming club hikes, and formed a dedicated crew that continues her legacy.
Mabel passed the leadership of the Trail Clearing Crew to Mike Algiers. Mike was great with tools, known for crafting beautiful hand made signs to help keep hikers from getting lost and took pride in working on maintaining the trails. He would never leave a trail clearing until every single person made it back to their car. Mike was always thinking about the long term, he enjoyed building water diversions along the trail and thought about ways to keep people safe on the trail.
In 2021, John Braum took over as head of the Crew. John knows the trails and the tools, and has spent many hours with chainsaws and weed whackers. However, his go-to tool is a folding shovel for improving trail beds and maintaining water diversions. John’s dedication and hard work inspire all who join the crew on Sundays, and he warmly welcomes newcomers to the group.
In December 2022, HTMC and a group of HTMC Trail Clearers in photo below were presented a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions for the Oahu Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for their volunteer efforts to maintain Oahu trails over the years. This award graces the wall at the HTMC Clubhouse.
CLICK HERE to view a video of an HTMC trail clearing along the Kaunala Trail created by Uloha in 2024.