Explore Hawaii through Voluntourism

In Hawaiian culture, caring for the aina (land) is not simply a responsibility, but an act that connects to life itself. As your clients plan their travel to the Islands, invite them to malama (care for) Hawaii while here. Volunteer organizations and travel partners statewide are offering a variety of opportunities for visitors to engage in mindful travel while in Hawaii. Check out the examples below and help guide your clients toward visiting in a way that offers enriching experiences, and a real connection to our lands, ocean and people. For more details and information, visit www.gohawaii.com/voluntourism or www.gohawaii.com/malama.

Kauai - If your clients want to spend as much of their time as possible on Kauai’s luxuriously sandy beaches, suggest they also participate in a beach cleanup with the Surfrider Foundation. Volunteers are asked to help the environment-focused nonprofit remove marine debris and other debris from shorelines to preserve and protect land and sea life.

Oahu - Suggest your clients headed to Oahu visit Gunstock Ranch for a unique opportunity allowing them to malama aina. The ranch’s eco-tour takes guests into Oahu’s lush forests via horseback or ATV on a mission to support reforestation efforts by planting native trees as well as learn about the cultural and ecological significance of Hawaii’s forests. If your client is interested in combining volunteering with a day exploring one of Oahu’s most breathtaking valleys, suggest they visit Kualoa Ranch. Activities they can partake in at Kualoa include planting and harvesting kalo (taro), thatching a traditional Hawaiian hale (grass hut), rebuilding Kaaawa Valley’s auwai (freshwater streams) and more.

Maui - Got clients traveling to Maui? Suggest they check out the ocean conservation activities of the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Participants helping its Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program head out to Maui’s scenic coastline areas to collect and track debris — data the foundation records to help it mitigate and prevent shoreline damage. History buffs are encouraged to visit the sites of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit working to restore and preserve the historical and cultural legacies of Lahaina. Volunteers will enjoy opportunities to learn more about Maui’s rich cultural history through the foundation’s hands-on activities, which explore photographing, measuring and transcribing historical artifacts from Lahaina’s past, including items from the Kingdom of Hawaii, missionary, whaling and sugarcane-planting eras.

Island of Hawaii - Clients looking to be surrounded by nature on the island of Hawaii can join in on the work of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative helping rehabilitate the area’s native ecosystem. Restoration activities for volunteers include clearing weeds, building trails, tree planting and more, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the landscape. Guiding clients interested in learning more about the Hawaiian Islands’ indigenous flora species? Suggest they head to the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, founded by noted Hawaii botanist Amy Greenwell. Volunteers are invited to learn about the more than 200 endemic species that live in the garden, care for the plants and remove invasive weeds.