Volunteering on Vacation

October 13th, 2009

Filed Under Going Green, Spread the Aloha | Leave a Comment

Worldwide, there’s a new travel trend that’s dramatically changing the way we think about our free time away from home. In increasing numbers, travelers are trading beach mats and lounge chairs for work gloves and hand tools in a movement called “volunteering on vacation.” It’s a way to “give back” to the places they love to visit, while also meeting other like-minded people and learning about the local environment and culture.

This new wave of volunteerism has arrived on Maui. Pacific Whale Foundation, with support from Hawaii Tourism Authority, has launched a new “Volunteering on Vacation” program. Sign on for three hours and you’ll walk away with a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag, plus the satisfaction of making a difference on behalf of Maui’s environment.

Participants can peruse a calendar of weekly group activities such as clearing invasive weeds in Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park or restoring native plantings in Honokowai. Free admission is part of the deal; you also learn about the history and environment of the beautiful natural areas you visit.

If the group events don’t fit your schedule, you can pick up a kit to undertake a solo project. For example, the “Beach Clean-up” kit includes directions to a local beach, rubber gloves, trash bags and instructions on disposing of the litter you gather.

Families with children age 10 and over are invited to pitch in. You don’t have to be a visitor to participate.

To find out more on how you can make a difference while on Maui, click here.


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