Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) has simplified the search for travellers seeking enriching voluntourism experiences and community connection while on holiday with a one-click link to its Mālama Hawai‘i Volunteer Dashboard.
HTA’s Mālama (‘give back’) Hawai‘i program in partnership with local non-profit network Kanu Hawai‘i links travellers directly to voluntourism opportunities in different islands across the US state.
Maui visitors can also explore volunteer options with a special focus on aiding the island’s recovery after the devastating 2023 wildfires.
Volunteer activities range from coastal clean-ups and restoring wetlands to native tree planting, helping animals and food distribution with the ability to search by date, interest, cause and suitability for families or groups.
Holidaymakers can register for volunteer opportunities by RSVPing to calendar events and also donate directly to non-profit organisations.
Responsible tourism program
The Mālama initiative offers quantifiable actions to further responsible tourism in the Hawaiian Islands and offer authentic visitor experiences that positively benefit the community and environment.
HTA Board Chair Mufi Hannemann said the Mālama Hawai‘i dashboard allows visitors to connect with community non-profits seeking volunteers easily.
“Travellers are seeking a deeper, meaningful experience and what makes the Hawaiian Islands unlike anywhere else in the world is our people, multicultural heritage and reciprocal connection with the land and ocean,” he said.
HTA interim President & CEO Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i added: “By integrating Kanu Hawai‘i’s system and their network of non-profit organisations throughout the state, we are seamlessly connecting visitors with even more opportunities to improve our home for future generations.”
For more info, head to gohawaii.com/malama