WHAT IS MĀLAMA

Mālama: The Heart of Hawai‘i

In Hawai‘i, the concept of mālama is not just a practice; it’s a way of life that embodies the deep connection between people and the land. Mālama means ``to care for, protect, and preserve,`` and it is this principle that sustains the islands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage. When you visit Hawai‘i, you’re not just stepping into a picturesque paradise—you’re entering a living, breathing ecosystem where every action can contribute to the health and vitality of the land and its people.

Hawai‘i’s stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches, are more than just beautiful sights—they are sacred spaces deeply intertwined with the island’s history, culture, and community. By embracing the spirit of mālama, you can become an active participant in this relationship. Whether it’s through conserving the natural environment, engaging with the local community, or respecting cultural practices, your actions can help preserve the very essence of Hawai‘i for generations to come.

Experience Hawai‘i Through Giving Back

The true essence of Hawai‘i is found not just in its scenic beauty, but in the act of giving back to the land and community that make the islands so special. Mālama Hawai‘i is more than just a travel philosophy—it’s an invitation to connect with the islands on a deeper level. When you engage in mālama, you are not only enriching the environment and local communities, but also transforming your own experience as a visitor.

There are countless ways to practice mālama during your stay in Hawai‘i. Join a beach clean-up to help protect the marine life and keep the shores pristine. Plant native trees to restore Hawai‘i’s forests and contribute to the islands’ ecological balance. Participate in traditional fishpond restoration, learning ancient practices that sustain both the environment and the culture. These volunteer activities not only allow you to give back, but they also offer a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural landscapes.

Through the Mālama Hawai‘i Program, many organisations and hotels offer special rewards to visitors who participate in volunteer activities. You might qualify for discounts, special rates, or even an extra night at your hotel, making your stay both meaningful and memorable. But the greatest reward is the connection you’ll forge with the land, the people, and the spirit of aloha that defines Hawai‘i.

Volunteer Experiences

Several organisations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, such as beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. Engage in some of our volunteer opportunities below, and in exchange, experience Hawaiʻi on a much deeper and connected level.

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KAUA‘I

Hanalei Surfboard Swap Meet – Booth Volunteer

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KAUA‘I

Weekly Lydgate Park Beach Cleanup

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KAUA‘I

Net Patrol – Coastal Cleanup

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O‘AHU

Volunteer Workday

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O‘AHU

Puʻuiki Point Coastal Restoration & Native Plant Propagation

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ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Weekly HER Crew Day

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ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Mālama ‘Āina – Volunteer

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ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Volunteer in the Forest

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ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Volunteer Workday at the Garden

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ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Wetland Restoration In Hilo

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MAUI

Blue ʻĀina Reef Cleanup

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MAUI

Kokua Saturday at Malama Hamakua Maui

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MAUI

Outplanting Native Hawaiian Dryland Forest Ecosystem Plants

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MAUI

Talk Story, Sew, & Feast

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MAUI

Volunteer Days

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MAUI

Volunteer Opportunities for Maui Visitors

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MAUI

Monthly Community Workdays

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MAUI

Help with Tropical Gardens and Friendly Animals

Plan Your Journey

Browse our mālama inspired Hawai‘i trip ideas by clicking on any of the itineraries here, check out our dedicated mālama page to find out more about how to travel responsibly around the islands, or contact us to design your own tailormade Hawai‘i holiday with one of our experts.