Kupu Hawaii
Kupu Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 in Honolulu that runs AmeriCorps-affiliated youth conservation and environmental stewardship programs across Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific, placing 16–38 year-olds at 100+ host sites including DLNR and USDA Forest Service, and operates two social enterprises — the Hoʻokupu Center venue and Kupu Grinds catering.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersHonolulu, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Kupu Hawaii does
Kupu Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii, that operates a portfolio of youth conservation, sustainability, and environmental education programs across Hawaii and the broader U.S. Pacific region (Guam, CNMI, American Samoa, Palau, Rapa Nui). Its core service is operating an AmeriCorps-affiliated youth corps that places participants ages 16–38 into paid, stipended, and credited conservation roles at a network of 100+ host-site partners including the Hawaii DLNR, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Tropical Botanical Garden, and University of Hawaii. The product surface comprises six core programs — Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP), Kupu ʻĀina Corps, Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program, Environmental Education Leaders Program, Kupu Community Program, and Nā Manu ʻElele — supplemented by the Natural Resources Sector Partnership for educator–industry coordination, the Eō Maui Workforce emergency-response program, and two social enterprises: the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center (an award-winning net-zero oceanfront venue at Kewalo Basin Park) and Kupu Grinds catering/food truck.
There is no proprietary technology product; the platform's value is its operational infrastructure (program design, host-site coordination, federal compliance for AmeriCorps/Corps accreditation, fiscal stewardship of subgrants), alumni credentialing (multiple National Corpsmember of the Year recognitions), and cultural integration with Hawaiian values. Revenue mechanics are diversified across foundation grants (Omidyar Ohana Fund, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation), federal/state government funding (AmeriCorps, USDA, federal disaster response), individual/corporate donations (Starbucks, ALOHA, online giving, donor-advised funds, cryptocurrency), venue and catering social-enterprise income, and managed subgrant pass-through — with the organization itself acting as a fiscal intermediary for tens of millions of dollars distributed to 25–45 partner organizations. Kupu's customer base is segmented horizontally: primary end users are youth/young-adults in green-workforce pathways, with secondary segments including K-12 educators, federal/state conservation agencies, and corporate partners. Kupu serves all participants free of charge, while host organizations receive subsidized youth capacity and venue customers pay market-rate rental and catering fees.
Kupu Hawaii firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kupu Hawaii
- Legal name
- Kupu
- Website
- https://kupuhawaii.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Kupu Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 in Honolulu that runs AmeriCorps-affiliated youth conservation and environmental stewardship programs across Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific, placing 16–38 year-olds at 100+ host sites including DLNR and USDA Forest Service, and operates two social enterprises — the Hoʻokupu Center venue and Kupu Grinds catering.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kupu Hawaii industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Conservation Services
- NAICS
- Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Student Wellness & Prevention Programs (Substance Use, Sexual Health, Bullying) (EDAJAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cultural, Identity & Inclusion Programs (EDALAHAF), Community Service & Service-Learning Programs (School-Run) (EDAJAJAI), Communication, Collaboration & Conflict Resolution Skills (EDAMAIAF), Leadership, Debate & Model UN Camps (EDAMALAK)
Keywords
Where Kupu Hawaii is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Honolulu
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Kupu Hawaii business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Foundation and Grant Funding: Kupu receives significant funding from foundations including a $2 million award from Omidyar Ohana Fund at Hawaii Community Foundation, and a $4 million five-year grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for the MALU program.
- Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization accepts donations through online giving, checks, donor-advised funds, employer matching, wire transfers, appreciated stock, and cryptocurrency. Corporate sponsors include Starbucks and ALOHA (donating 10% of bar proceeds).
- Ho'okupu Center Venue Rentals: The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Ho'okupu Center generates revenue through rental of event spaces (Hālau capacity 225, Wahi 'Ākoakoa outdoor area), catering services through Kupu Grinds, and food truck operations. Requires $500 non-refundable deposit and signed Facility Use Agreement.
- Government and AmeriCorps Funding: Federal, state, and local government grants support programs. AmeriCorps VISTA program provides volunteers to non-profit organizations. Kupu was awarded federal funding to steward $16 million in subgrants to local organizations.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Kupu Hawaii product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kupu Hawaii operates a portfolio of youth conservation and environmental education programs that place young adults ages 16-38 in paid workforce development, training, and service-learning roles at 100+ host sites across Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific region. Programs span AmeriCorps-affiliated terms, summer fieldwork, classroom educator support, and cultural heritage stewardship, with participants receiving stipends, certifications, and college credit. Two social enterprises (the Ho'okupu Center event venue and Kupu Grinds catering) generate earned income to subsidize programming.
Product overview
Kupu Hawaii operates a portfolio of interconnected conservation and environmental education programs alongside social enterprises. The core offerings include six primary youth development programs: Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP), Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC), Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program (HYCC), Environmental Education Leaders Program (EELP), Kupu Community Program, and Nā Manu ʻElele, supplemented by the Natural Resources Sector Partnership (NRSP) for educator-professional collaboration. Supporting these programs are two social enterprises—the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center (an award-winning sustainable event venue with commercial kitchen) and Kupu Grinds (catering and food truck service)—which generate revenue to fund programming. EŌ Maui Workforce provides wildfire recovery workforce initiatives. Together, these offerings form a comprehensive ecosystem from youth education through professional development in conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management across Hawaii and the Pacific region.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Ho'okupu Center: A sustainable and green facility that houses a commercial kitchen, training rooms, classrooms and meeting spaces. Located in Kewalo Basin Park, the center hosts events, exhibitions and educational workshops. It also includes the Kupu Community Program which prepares under-resourced youth for the workforce. Award-winning center with net-zero energy-rated photovoltaic system, EV charging station, farm-to-table cuisine and natural lighting systems.
- Kupu Grinds
Products and services
- Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) An AmeriCorps-affiliated program offering individuals entry-level conservation opportunities through seasonal (6-month) and year-long (11-month) terms at host sites throughout Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, focusing on ornithology, botany, natural resource management, aquatic resource management, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies, and agricultural science.
- Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) A workforce development initiative providing up to one year of paid work experience in green jobs fields including sustainability, renewable energy, agriculture, and natural resource management, serving participants ages 17-38 across the State of Hawaii.
- Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps: Summer Program (HYCC) An 8-week outdoor summer experience during summer months providing hands-on fieldwork at conservation organizations for individuals interested in conservation and natural resource management careers.
- Environmental Education Leaders Program (EELP) A program for educators ages 21+ who provide direct support to teachers and students, engaging grades K-12 in hands-on, work-based learning activities and developing curriculum that fosters school and industry connections.
- Kupu Community Program A year-long program in Oahu, Hawaii designed for under-resourced young adults ages 16-24 who are interested in exploring environmental work and education, offering real-world job experience, personal development workshops, and cultural activities.
- Nā Manu ʻElele An environmental initiative that empowers participants to become community leaders who assist in interpreting historic nature of areas, mitigate unwanted behaviors, ensure safety, and manage Hawaii's heritage sites.
- Natural Resources Sector Partnership (NRSP) A collaborative effort between educators and industry professionals to better prepare and inspire Hawaii's students to meet current and future demands of natural resource professions, focusing on career awareness, connecting students to ʻāina and community, and investing in college and career preparation.
- Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center
Quantifiable outcome
- Threefold return in economic and environmental benefits to local communities per donation
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Kupu Hawaii
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Kupu Hawaii technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Kupu Hawaii partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered key, supporting and core.
- University of GuamkeyUOG and Northern Marianas College launched Kupu Conservation Corps in Saipan to strengthen Pacific green workforce.
- Northern Marianas CollegekeyPartnership with UOG and Kupu to launch Kupu Conservation Corps in Saipan.
- Hawaii Land TrustkeyPartnership to offer temporary jobs for those affected by the Maui fires. Kupu Aina Corps participants work on wildfire recovery and prevention.
- University of Hawai'i Maui CollegesupportingFood relief partnership to support Maui fire survivors through Kupu's emergency response efforts.
- ALOHAsupportingALOHA partners with Kupu—donating 10% of Hawai'i Edition bar proceeds to support youth empowerment and environmental stewardship.
- StarbuckssupportingStarbucks partners with Kupu for community impact events. Sponsored Kupu's 2nd Annual Coffee Hour and participates in Giving Tuesday events.
- 100+ Host Site OrganizationscoreKupu collaborates with over 100 organizations throughout Hawaii and Pacific region including DLNR, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Tropical Botanical Garden, and various federal and state agencies as host sites for program participants.
- Kāko'o 'ŌiwikeyHost site for Lau Kupu Day events and conservation restoration work at wetlands.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kupu Hawaii competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Student Conservation Association: Largest national youth conservation corps in the U.S., placing young people in conservation service roles through AmeriCorps and partnerships with federal land agencies — directly comparable to Kupu's CLDP and HYCC programs.
- Conservation Legacy: Operates multiple accredited conservation corps (Southeast, Southwest, Southern Appalachian, Ancestral Lands) partnering with Forest Service, BLM, and state agencies — a near-identical operating model to Kupu.
- The Corps Network: National membership association for service and conservation corps (including Kupu) that provides accreditation, federal advocacy, and Project of the Year awards — directly comparable industry body.
- NatureBridge: Operates residential environmental education programs in national parks for youth, focused on science learning and stewardship — comparable to Kupu's Environmental Education Leaders and HYCC models.
- Yellowstone Forever: Nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park operating education, volunteer, and stewardship programs — directly comparable conservation-education nonprofit with similar mission to Kupu.
Broad incumbents
- AmeriCorps NCCC: Federal national-service program deploying young adults in teams to nonprofit and government partners — broader scale and federal sponsor but overlapping youth-service/environment mission.
- National Audubon Society: National nonprofit with conservation, education, and youth-engagement programs (Hawaiian Audubon Society gave Kupu a 2010 award); broader reach but overlapping ornithology and conservation-career pathway content.
Regional players
- Island Conservation: Global nonprofit focused on island ecosystem restoration; overlap with Kupu's Pacific-region conservation mission and island-specific biodiversity work, but international scope rather than Hawaii-focused.
- Mālama Maunalua: Hawaii-based nonprofit focused on marine stewardship and volunteer-based restoration — directly comparable local peer in conservation training, volunteer engagement, and Hawaiian cultural practice.
- Hawaii Conservation Alliance: Coalition of Hawaii-based conservation organizations including The Nature Conservancy, DLNR partners, and National Tropical Botanical Garden — overlap with Kupu in host-site ecosystem and conservation policy work.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kupu Hawaii social profiles
Digital presenceKupu Hawaii compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Kupu Hawaii financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kupu Hawaii leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles22 records
Kupu Hawaii funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kupu Hawaii M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kupu Hawaii
What does Kupu Hawaii do?
Kupu Hawaii operates a portfolio of youth conservation and environmental education programs that place young adults ages 16-38 in paid workforce development, training, and service-learning roles at 100+ host sites across Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific region. Programs span AmeriCorps-affiliated terms, summer fieldwork, classroom educator support, and cultural heritage stewardship, with participants receiving stipends, certifications, and college credit. Two social enterprises (the Ho'okupu Center event venue and Kupu Grinds catering) generate earned income to subsidize programming.
Is Kupu Hawaii a public or private company?
Kupu Hawaii is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Kupu Hawaii founded?
Kupu Hawaii was founded in 2007. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Kupu Hawaii based?
Kupu Hawaii is headquartered in Honolulu, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kupu Hawaii make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Foundation and Grant Funding is the primary driver. The others are individual and Corporate Donations, ho'okupu Center Venue Rentals and government and AmeriCorps Funding.
Who are Kupu Hawaii's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Student Conservation Association, Conservation Legacy, The Corps Network, NatureBridge and Yellowstone Forever. Broad incumbents are AmeriCorps NCCC and National Audubon Society. Regional players are Island Conservation, Mālama Maunalua and Hawaii Conservation Alliance.
Does Kupu Hawaii have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kupu Hawaii.
What industry is Kupu Hawaii in?
Kupu Hawaii's product category is Youth Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAIAG, Student Wellness & Prevention Programs (Substance Use, Sexual Health, Bullying), with a secondary code of EDALAHAF, Cultural, Identity & Inclusion Programs. Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8300.