Six Ways to Malama (Give Back) During your Trip to the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are truly a special destination not only because of their stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture but also the deeply rooted relationship that connects them. The relationship between mindful visitors and the Hawaiian Islands grows stronger every time you malama (give back). As you give back to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the community, and more, you become part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone, including your own experience.

Here are several opportunities for visitors to pay it forward and experience Hawaii on a deeper, more connected level.

Malama Aina "Give Back" Activities at Malama Loko Fa Foundation

This exclusive cultural tour aims to educate each participant on the history and significance of this magical space. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of fishponds to the Hawaiian people and help to restore one, too! It’s the perfect opportunity for families and friends to work together to help the local community. Find out more.

Plant-a-Tree at Gunstock Ranch

Over half of the Hawaiian Islands’ native forests have been lost. Since its inception in 2014, The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) has been working hard to reverse this trend and return these forests to the native landscape. Over 400,000 endemic trees now cover nearly 1200 acres in the state’s first Hawaiian Legacy Forest through individual Legacy Tree Sponsors and community-minded businesses. For example, all Alohilani Resort guests can contribute by adding a $5 “tree fee” to each stay that goes straight to HLRI’s thriving reforestation program. With the help of their guests, the resort has pledged to plant 100,000 trees with HLRI. Individual sponsors can simply donate online or book a tour to visit Gunstock Ranch, plant a tree, and leave your legacy behind in Hawaii. Find out more.

Volunteer at Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is an American icon that stands watch over the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Volunteering with sanding, sweeping, painting, cleaning, or moving items can support the mission to preserve this important part of Hawaii’s and the United States’ history.

Beach Cleanups with the Pacific Whale Foundation

You can participate in the Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program as a community scientist. Pick up your supplies (upcycled grain bag donated by Maui Brewing Company and a datasheet) at PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ Ocean Store in Lahaina or Ma‘alaea and then head out to clean up any part of Maui’s coastline. Complete and return your datasheet (in-person or online) to help contribute to the marine debris database that helps guide mitigation and prevention measures in Maui County. With public assistance, the organization has removed and documented over 500,000 pieces of marine debris to date

Support Malama Hawaii to Get Discounts on Snorkeling Trips

Redline Rafting encourages visitors to leave the island better than when they arrived through voluntourism. They provide reusable tote bags and trash grabbers to pick up debris from beaches, hiking trails, parks, or anywhere there is a need to clean up on the islands. Once your bag is full of debris, snap a photo. You’re then welcome to leave the bag full of trash in the back of trucks for proper disposal.

Surfrider Foundation Kauai Beach Clean-ups

Area guests can participate in a scheduled cleanup or solo beach clean-up with their family with a borrowed kit from participating hotels.