ALOHA SPIRIT GIVING BACK
Malama Hawaii Program offers a way for visitors to further appreciate the islands through volunteer opportunities
Visitors to Hawaii have the opportunity to make their travels truly unique by giving back to the islands through the Malama Hawaii Program .
Launched in November 2020 in partnership with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Hawaii Tourism Authority , the program works with local organizations to create activities that allow visitors to Malama ( Hawaiian for “ give back ” or “ take care of ”), such as beach clean-ups , native tree planting and other volunteer opportunities , while experiencing Hawaii on a much deeper and connected level .
Volunteers could qualify for a special discount or even a free night from a participating hotel .
“ This program really complements the efforts we ’ ve been making for a number of years ,” said Sue Kanoho , Executive Director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau . “ Kauai and all the Hawaiian islands are rich in beauty , but it is the culture that sets our destination apart from other tropical destinations . For decades it has been the people and
Kawena Hokuala | February-March 2022 the Hawaiian culture that keeps visitors coming back to our beautiful islands . Learning about the places , understanding their history and connecting with the people and the Hawaiian culture give visitors a meaningful experience .”
As has been said many times by our Kumu Hula , Kanoho explained , Hula is the heart of the Hawaiian people .
“ If we were to lose the importance of the Hawaiian culture , we would lose what makes the Hawaiian islands special ,” Kanoho said . “ There has been a new appreciation and focus on sharing what is authentic and pono ( righteous / correct ) to our island .”
On Kauai , there have been guided beach clean-ups in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation , as well as work to protect the resources and provide a more manageable experience for visitors to popular Hā ‘ ena State Park , which includes the famous Kalalau Trail , Hanakapiai Falls and Ke ‘ e Beach . The Malama Hawaii Program will likely add more opportunities for visitors in the future .
A Malama Hawaii Program beach cleanup recently took place in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation . ....................................................................
“ Kauai is focused on seeking out mindful travelers , who will respect the ‘ āina ( land ) and kai ( ocean ),” Kanoho said . “ We love sharing our island with those visiting and ask that they treat this as the special place it is .”
DID YOU KNOW ?
Through the Malama Hawaii
Program , industry partners and community organizations offer unique volunteer opportunities ranging from reforestation projects and tree planting to beach cleanups and Hawaiian quilting sessions . ........................................................
> CLICK HERE to learn more about volunteering .