Voluntourism Opportunities

Mālama Hawai‘i: Voluntourism Opportunities

Join local residents and mālama (care for) O‘ahu by participating in the Mālama Hawai‘i program that enables you give back by volunteering with local nonprofits. Mindful travelers who mālama during their O‘ahu stays are sure to enjoy an enriched visit by immersing themselves in authentic cultural and outdoor experiences that connect them with the Hawaiian Islands and its people. Taking part in any of O‘ahu’s unique volunteer activities not only cultivates a sense of giving and genuine service, it also helps to preserve the beauty of our island home while enhancing your visit profoundly.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Mālama Loko Ea: Early Hawaiians devised ingenious shoreline fishponds hundreds of years ago that provided their communities with a steady source of nutrition no matter the ocean conditions. Mālama Loko Ea Foundation’s mission is to revive Loko Ea so it will again become an abundant and thriving fishpond. By visiting, learning about, and helping restore and preserve this historic native Hawaiian fishpond, you give back to the land in a way that is meaningful and connects you to place. Mālama Loko Ea

Mālama Maunalua: This community-based stewardship organization is committed to conserving and restoring Maunalua Bay, located just east of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head). Their main goal is to clear the bay of invasive algae and restore the marine habitat with healthy, native seagrass, algae, and thermally resistant coral. Visitors are welcome at Community Huki (“pull” in Hawaiian) volunteer events to restore the bay. Mālama Maunalua

Papahana Kualoa: Learn all about the historic importance of kalo (taro) to the Hawaiian people by volunteering at nonprofit Papahana Kualoa, a community farm in the Ko‘olau Mountains where they are restoring Native Hawaiian agricultural practices. Volunteers learn about taking care of the land that in turn nurtures the whole area. Volunteer in the loi kalo (taro patch) planting or harvesting kalo on Community Workdays the third and fourth Saturdays of the month. Papahana Kualoa

Travel2Change: This Hawai‘i nonprofit enables travelers to volunteer with local organizations, make a positive impact, and give back while having fun. Their community minded activities include beach clean ups combined with yoga, guarding honu (turtles) on North Shore beaches, cleaning up the area near a historic heiau (ancient place of worship) and hula mound, and much more. Travel2Change

Background Image

E KOMO MAI (Welcome) Traveling With Aloha Mālama O‘ahu

Experience O‘ahu on a deeper level