Giving Back to Your Favorite Destination
The magic of Hawaiʻi lies not only in its unparalleled natural beauty but also in the culture and people that inhabit it. As a guest, there are many ways to express appreciation for the islands that have contributed to the enjoyment and rejuvenation of travelers for generations. By incorporating a volunteer experience into your itinerary, you can help preserve the beauty of Hawaiʻi and give back to the people who call this place home. Start planning your vacation today by exploring the numerous volunteer opportunities Hawaiʻi has to offer, and let’s preserve the land, culture, and magic of the islands for generations to come.
As residents of Hawaiʻi come together to support one another in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires, it’s important to prioritize the recovery of the ʻāina (land) and kamaʻaina (native residents) during the rebuilding. Numerous Maui-focused organizations are accepting donations to aid affected families, while community organizations and nonprofits throughout the Hawaiian islands offer fulfilling volunteer opportunities in many areas of interest.
On Kauaʻi, organizations such as The Surfrider Foundation-Kauaʻi Chapter, Malama Kauaʻi and Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project engage nature enthusiasts in conservation efforts, including beach cleanups, planting native trees and monitoring bird populations. Nonprofits like Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity provide opportunities to construct homes for families in need, and organizations such as the Hawaiʻi Foodbank and The Salvation Army offer ways to help feed and care for the less fortunate.
By incorporating a volunteer experience into your Hawaii vacation, not only will you give back to the place that has given so much, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation for the culture, people, and environment that make Hawaiʻi truly magical.
Maui Strong Fund
Visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
The Maui Strong Fund provides financial resources to individuals and areas affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. In partnership with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members, the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) is diligently assessing the evolving needs of the affected individuals and locations, in order to provide effective support and aid in the recovery and rejuvenation process. Together, they aim to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the recovery efforts. If you’d like to offer support, Maui Strong is currently taking donations.
Maui Food Bank
Visit https://mauifoodbank.org/
The Maui Food Bank plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals in Maui County who face the risk of hunger have access to safe and nutritious food. The Maui Food Bank collects and distributes food to organizations and agencies that depend on their support to enhance the quality of life for those in our island ʻohana. With a deep commitment to preventing hunger, the Maui Food Bank operates with compassion, integrity, and aloha, striving to fulfill their mission and ensure that no one in Maui County goes hungry.
Surfrider Foundation – Kauai Chapter
Hawaii Mountain-to-Sea Ocean Protection Projects
Locations include: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Island of Hawaiʻi
Visit https://hawaii.surfrider.org
The National Surfrider Foundation network consists of passionate coastal defenders who are committed to protecting and preserving our beautiful beaches, coastlines, and offshore waters. They warmly embrace individuals who share the same desire to safeguard these natural treasures. Through volunteer cleanups, they tirelessly work to remove plastic pollution and marine debris from shorelines and near-shore waters on four islands, ensuring they stay clean and protecting marine life.
Friends of Kamalani Playground and Lydgate Beach Park
Location: Kauaʻi
Visit https://kamalanius.wordpress.com
The Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Lydgate State Park. Every Saturday there is a Beach Cleanup at Morgan’s Pond at Lydgate Beach Park from 8:30am to 10:30am. Larger clean up events are held to observe Earth Day in April and National Make a Difference Day in October.
Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi Beach Cleanups and Restoration Projects
Locations: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Island of Hawaiʻi
Visit https://sierraclubhawaii.org/outings
Discover the breathtaking beauty of our state’s wilderness through a weeklong volunteer service trip. This amazing experience offers a wide variety of projects that you can get involved in. In the past, our volunteers have helped with cultural site maintenance in Maui’s Haʻikū rainforests, restored native plant species at the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, cleaned up beaches and coastal trails in Kauaʻi, and removed invasive species from endangered waterbird wetlands on Oʻahu. We are constantly adding new projects to our outing schedule on each island, so there are always fresh opportunities for you to contribute to the preservation efforts. Join us and make a lasting impact!
Kauaʻi Humane Society
Visit https://kauaihumane.org/
The Kauaʻi Humane Society is a compassionate nonprofit organization committed to promoting respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. Their mission extends beyond the island of Kauaʻi, as they aim to nurture healthy relationships between pets and people, enriching lives in communities near and far. Sign up to take a shelter dog out for the day – or your whole stay! Details on the program can be found and booked on their website here.
Hawaii Tourism Authority – Mālama Hawaiʻi Program
All Islands
Visit https://www.gohawaii.com/malamaoffers
The Hawaii Tourism Authority partners with visitor industry and community partners who offer unique volunteer opportunities on almost every island. Book a package to qualify for special promotions that include discounts and even free accommodations for one night of your stay. See the latest offers and book direct by starting at this link: https://www.gohawaii.com/malama.
