Show Your Kuleana: Volunteer While You’re Here

Similar to the idea of kuleana is the principle of mālama (to care for). In fact, the more one comes to love and respect Hawai‘i, its people and its culture, the more you feel compelled to do your part in taking care of this special place.

Mālama i ke kai

Mālama i ke kai (care for the ocean) is a Hawaiian tradition that you should practice while visiting Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. This means taking care not to upset the delicate natural balance of our ecosystems. When in the ocean, we ask that you not touch the coral or the plants and animals surrounding it. In fact, keep a respectful distance from all sea creatures for their safety and yours.

Mālama i ka ‘āina

Mālama i ka ‘āina (care for the land) is one of the more important concepts in Hawaiian tradition, and it’s as important today as ever. Help us protect our natural resources by staying on trails when hiking and by not disturbing any plants or historical features. Consider guided tours, which are sensitive to the environment, and provide you the opportunity for a deeper learning experience with a local expert.

Please recycle or properly dispose of your ‘ōpala (trash) to avoid littering. Single use plastic bags with handles are not provided in Maui County stores. Fortunately, reusable grocery bags are offered at most stores to purchase. Numerous recycle bins and redemption centers are located throughout the islands.

You can also help by donating any unused food at the Maui Food Bank warehouse located in Wailuku at 760 Kolu St., or at any local fire station. For more information, call 808-243-9500 or visit mauifoodbank.org/donate-food/

There are many environmental groups fighting to protect these islands for future generations. You can help some groups by volunteering time during your visit and immersing yourself in Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i’s true culture and communities by working alongside those who are dedicated to preserving our history and precious ‘āina (land).

You might help clear a centuries-old fishpond, or help protect the humpback whales who nurture their young in Hawai‘i’s warm waters, or remove the trash and plastic debris marring a white sand beach. The opportunities to volunteer are many, including several family-friendly options.

Travel2Change is a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit focused on voluntourism. The group partners with organizations to offer visitors vacation experiences that are both authentic and altruistic. The travel2change.org website allows you to sort opportunities by island, interest and activity. Or click on its calendar to discover free activities for every day of your stay.