Voluntourism – The Best Way to Show Aloha
Voluntourism is gaining popularity on Kauaʻi as visitors seek out opportunities to combine their passion for exploring the island (tourism) with a drive to give back to the local community (volunteering). With a vested interest in marine sustainability, we strive to be an ecologically conscious boat tour company by providing a positive impact on our island resources and local community. We believe that by taking people out for amazing experiences on the ocean, it will ignite an existing desire to protect the ocean and ecosystems.
Have you been bit by the voluntourism bug and want to contribute to efforts to create a more sustainable Kauaʻi? Here are 5 opportunities to support our Pono Pledge this summer:
Photo courtesy of Surfrider.org
- Surfrider Foundation – Net Patrol Clean-ups
Every Wednesday from 3:30PM – 6:00PM – Anahola
In support of Surfrider Foundation’s mission to protect the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, the Kauaʻi chapter of Surfrider Foundation has established weekly clean-ups to remove marine debris that has washed ashore in an effort to keep Kauaʻi’s coastlines clean and cut down on materials hazardous to our local sea life.
Photo courtesy of MalamaKauai.org
- Mālama Kauaʻi – Food Distribution Programming
Kaukau 4 Keiki Summer – Monday afternoons
Mālama Kaua’i focuses on increasing local food production and access. The Kaukau 4 Keiki summer meal program includes packing food boxes for keiki and co-hosting food box pickup sites. Volunteers can submit info here.
Healing Mental Health Art Show – 2019 © Mike Teruya
Photo courtesy of Kauaʻi Mental Health Advocates
- Kauaʻi Mental Health Advocates – Mental Health Resources
Various volunteer opportunities available to support the organizationʻs mission.
The Kauaʻi Mental Health Advocates are on a mission to destigmatize the issues surrounding mental health through engaging community events, education, and resource sharing. Check here to contact KMHA and see what’s happening while you’re in town.
Photo courtesy of WaipaFoundation.org
- Waipā Foundation – Maintaining the ʻĀina
Volunteers welcomed every 4th Saturday of the month 9AM-12PM
Waipā Foundation asks for volunteers to join them in programs to preserve natural resources and manage the ahupuaʻa of Waipā, or 1,600 acres of land here on Kauaʻi. Interested volunteers can email contact@waipafoundation.org or call the office at 808-826-9969 for more information.
Photo courtesy of NTBG.org
- National Tropical Botanical Gardens – Wildlife and Plant Preservation
NTBG is committed to perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. They invite volunteers to support their mission for 3-4 hour shifts at both their locations on the island.
Click here to volunteer at Limahuli Garden – Hāʻena
Click here to volunteer at Allerton/McBryde Gardens – Poiʻpū