Volunteering on Vacation

If you are looking for a different type of experience during your next vacation to Hawaii, you might want to consider becoming a volunteer and leaving the islands a little nicer than when you arrived. People interested in volunteering at beach and ocean cleanups can contact the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (tel. 808/397-2651, ext. 256) or Hawaii Wildlife Fund (www.wildhawaii.org). For ecovolunteering on land, contact Malama Hawaii (http://malamahawaii.org/blog/category/volunteer), a statewide organization dedicated to malama (taking care) of the culture and environment of Hawaii. At this site you will find a range of opportunities on various islands, such as weeding gardens and potting plants in botanical gardens, restoring taro patches, cleaning up mountain streams, bird watching, and even hanging out at Waikiki Beach helping with a reef project.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.