Kauai is certainly a captivating vacation destination to enjoy when some much-needed rest, relaxation, and fun are top of mind. However, it’s also a place where visitors can give back through volunteering and mālama ‘āina while they’re here. If you find yourself longing to infuse even more meaning and purpose into your island getaway, dedicating some time to investing in the Hawaiian practice of caring for and honoring the land is where you’ll want to start. Doing so will very likely make your stay even more memorable this year!
Invest in an Important Part of Hawaiian Culture
Mālama ‘āina is the Hawaiian concept of caring for and honoring the land that’s been integrated into local indigenous beliefs for generations. Traditionally, this concept goes well beyond stewardship and leans into reciprocity every step of the way. Mālama ‘āina is a chance to become an integral part of the island’s story, history, and legacy by nurturing the land that provides life and sustenance. It’s an active relationship with the island that’s both hands-on and an extremely powerful cultural experience.
When you head to Kauai and choose to volunteer your time to local causes and embrace mālama ‘āina, you’ll inevitably find yourself experiencing a deeper cultural connection with the place you’ve come to explore. While you’re making a positive environmental impact, you’ll also be enjoying a personal sense of growth and discovery that’s truly priceless.
Work Alongside the Team at Malama i na Honu
If you’re a traveler heading to Kauai with a passion for protecting wildlife, then the team at Malama i na Honu is looking for you. This local organization accepts volunteers with around 10 hours to spare in the name of protecting local sea turtles. Kauai’s southside is where many green sea turtles swim to shore at Poipu Beach to rest at sundown. On some days, there are up to 30 sea turtles lingering on the sand, and the impressive display is one that inevitably draws crowds of observers. Malama i na Honu relies on volunteers to protect these incredibly important sea creatures and keep crowds at a safe distance so that everyone can thrive in tandem. To volunteer your time to this local organization, you’ll want to reach out to the Volunteer Education Coordinator before your arrival.
Volunteer at a National Tropical Botanical Garden
Kauai is an island that’s brimming over with beautiful plants and flowers just about everywhere you look. The lush terrain tells a story of the island’s past, while also defining the mesmerizing modern landscapes that are enjoyed here. If you’re passionate about what you see, and want to be a part of protecting it for years to come, volunteering at one of the three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the island is a great idea. Volunteers who give their time to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens will have the opportunity to help with everything from watering and weeding to planting, trimming, and raking as well. These are important services when it comes to maintaining island plant species that are vital to fragile ecosystems. If you’re interested in volunteering here, just be sure to reach out to the on-site team at least three weeks before your planned arrival on Kauai.
Partner with Malama Kauai
Travelers who volunteer with Malama Kauai during their next island getaway will enjoy the opportunity to work with an organization that’s unwaveringly dedicated to the concept of giving back to the community. They work with the mission in mind to increase food production and food access for all Kauai residents. Volunteers are typically tasked with food operations, packaging, and delivery alongside professionals who are committed to supporting local farmers and reducing food insecurity across the island.
Donate Your Time to the Surfrider Foundation
If you have a love for the ocean and sand, volunteering with the Surfrider Foundation during your Kauai getaway is sure to be inspiring. This is a chance to join locals and other volunteers to clean up island beaches and remove debris that’s detrimental to people, plants, and marine life. Cleanup kits are provided upon arrival, and teams typically meet on Wednesdays around 3:30 pm at a designated beach.
Book Your Kauai Getaway Today
Whether you’re on Kauai for a few days or you’re looking forward to an extended stay on the island this year, the team at Premier Kauai has a beautiful vacation rental property waiting just for you. Let us handle the details of your accommodations so you can focus on the amazing moments ahead. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting lineup of property options across Kauai and how we can help you tailor the details of your trip that matter most. We can’t wait to help you plan a trip to Kauai you won’t soon forget alongside family and friends, and we look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful island soon.
