There is a saying in Hawaiian that goes: Malama Aina. It means “care for the land.” The Hawaiian Islands are a haven to some of the world’s endangered species of plants and animals, so it is important to observe sustainable practices to keep them safe. You can be part of the solution by shopping at local farmers markets, visiting organic local farms and engaging in low-impact water sports, like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Better yet, go a step further and get involved. Offer some of your time to help clean up Hawaii’s beaches. Or go inland to work with locals to plant trees in rainforests and maintain hiking trails for future visitors.
Volunteering with the beauty of Hawaii’s landscapes in the background is good for your head, heart and soul. You might even make some kind new friends along the way.
Tour a sustainable farm on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Island produces most of the state’s crops, with over 3000 square miles of ono (delicious) produce ranging from cocoa beans, macadamia nuts, vanilla, honey and of course, coffee in Kona. You can learn about more sustainable farming practices at Kahuku Farms (Oahu), Steelgrass Farm (Kauai), and O’o Farm (Maui).
Restore gardens in Kauai. McBryde and Limahuli gardens are happy to take volunteers. There, you can learn about the delicate ecosystem of plants on the island and identify some of the native flora. For more volunteer opportunities in green spaces, contact: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (Maui), Honolulu Botanical Gardens (Oahu), and Puukohola Heiau Historic Site (Hawaii Island).
Adopt a beach in Oahu. Not literally, but for more information about how you can help clean-up the beach and make it a safer place for adorable sea turtles, check out adoptabeachhawaii.org. Also check out: Sanctuary Ocean Count (Hawaii Island), Conservation Connection (Kauai), and HandsOn Maui (Maui).
Don’t feed fish or any other wildlife. Feeding the marine life might disrupt their natural diet and cause them unintended harm.
Watch marine life at a healthy 100 feet distance. It’s the law.
Hawaii Island has the healthiest technicolor reefs in all of Hawaii and an underwater state park at Kealakekua Bay.
Upcountry Maui’s organic farms (like Ono Organic Farms) are perfect places to support the local farming economy while you tour fruit-scented fields and eat freshly-picked vegetables.
Care for the ocean in Oahu by volunteering to restore its coastline. Clear marine debris, help maintain trails and learn about proper beach etiquette in relation to the marine life.
Protect the native Hawaiian monk seals on Kauai’s beaches. Help by volunteering to post signs, observe seal pupping, and share safety information about the seals with fellow beach goers.