Mindful Volunteering in Hawaii with iBestTravel

Those wishing to engage in a spot of “voluntourism” may be interested in an initiative being offered in Hawaii. The “Malama Hawaii” scheme encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived, and in some cases, participants may enjoy an extra night from hotels for their volunteer efforts.

In an effort to inspire mindful travel, industry partners and volunteer organizations across the state have collaborated on this project while Hawaiian tourism is on the path to recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic. “Malama” translates to “care for,” and Hawaii invites travelers to appreciate its stunning beauty and depart with a deeper understanding of caring for the earth and each other.

Volunteer projects encompass a range of activities, including reforestation, tree planting, self-directed beach clean-ups, ocean reef preservation, and creating quilts for Hawaiian elders. All projects adhere to best public health practices to ensure safety. Notably, one initiative, organized by Alaska Airlines, encourages participants to plant one tree for each flight made to the Hawaiian islands through the end of the year, in collaboration with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.

“As we welcome visitors back to Hawaii, we wish to raise awareness about mindful travel to the islands – both in the air and on the ground,” states Daniel Chun, Alaska’s director of sales, community, and public relations for Hawaii. “We’re thrilled to support Malama Hawaii, as it allows our guests to partner with local residents and organizations to strengthen the communities they visit.”

Airline, hotel, and volunteer organizations providing voluntourism opportunities and unique offers related to Malama Hawaii are showcased on Go Hawaii’s website and can be explored here.