Volunteer Opportunities for Visitors
Introduction
Discover a deeper connection to Hawai‘i through volunteer opportunities that allow visitors to give back to the islands while creating lasting memories. Hawai‘i is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming communities, but it also faces unique challenges, from environmental conservation to cultural preservation. At Kanu Hawai‘i, we believe regenerative tourism is the future—and we invite you to be part of it. By volunteering during your visit, you contribute directly to sustaining and protecting the very things that make Hawai‘i special.
A New Vision for Tourism
With millions of visitors coming to Hawai‘i each year, there is an incredible opportunity to channel that presence into positive change. Regenerative tourism goes beyond simply minimizing the impact of travel; it aims to restore and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the islands. In support of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) strategic plan, Kanu Hawai‘i is creating pathways for visitors to engage meaningfully with local communities and environments.
As part of our commitment, we are proud to partner with HTA and the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) to power their Mālama Hawai‘i Program on the GoHawaii.com website and mobile app. This collaboration makes it easier than ever for visitors to find volunteer opportunities that align with their values and interests, allowing them to give back to the islands during their stay.
How You Can Make a Difference
As a visitor, you can take part in volunteer opportunities that align with Hawai‘i’s values of mālama ʻāina (caring for the land) and mālama kaiāulu (caring for the community). Some of these opportunities include:
- Beach and Reef Cleanups: Help protect Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems by removing debris from beaches and coral reefs. These efforts directly impact the health of ocean habitats and wildlife.
- Native Tree Planting: Join efforts to reforest native landscapes, combat climate change, and restore biodiversity in areas impacted by invasive species.
- Cultural Preservation Projects: Work alongside local communities to care for sacred sites, learn about traditional practices, and support efforts to perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
- Community Food Drives and Gardens: Assist in creating sustainable food systems by volunteering at community gardens or supporting food security initiatives.
Our Commitment to Visitors and the Community
Kanu Hawai‘i has already seen success in connecting visitors with meaningful volunteer opportunities through initiatives like the Pledge to Our Keiki (this would be the new Pledge page URL), where travelers commit to caring for the islands during their stay. Our Voluntourism Month Hawai‘i campaign has showcased the positive impact visitors can have when they engage in service activities.
Through partnerships with airlines and hotels, we are expanding pre-arrival engagement efforts to inspire visitors to plan ahead and participate in volunteer opportunities. By working directly with the travel industry, we aim to drive traffic to visitor-friendly volunteer opportunities on our platform, ensuring travelers can easily find ways to give back even before they arrive in Hawai‘i.
Why Choose to Volunteer in Hawai‘i?
By giving back during your visit, you become part of a movement to preserve Hawai‘i for generations to come. Volunteering is not just an act of service—it is a way to connect deeply with the islands, meet local communities, and leave a positive legacy. As Hawai‘i continues to champion regenerative tourism, your efforts as a visitor help set the standard for responsible travel worldwide.
Get Involved
Explore volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule. Together, we can ensure that your visit to Hawai‘i not only leaves a lasting impression on you but also on the communities and environments you touch.
[Discover Volunteer Opportunities →I put as /needs, but we should probably use the filter for visitor friendly yeah?]
For more information or to start planning your volunteer experience, contact us
- Contact Form: [Link to form]