How to Give Back to Big Island’s Community: Visitor’s Guide

The Big Island is famous for its unique and fragile ecosystems. These delicate balances are often threatened by invasive species and environmental changes. Some ways to make an impactful difference include:

Beach Cleanups with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund

You can help protect Hawaii Island’s beaches by joining one of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund community beach cleanups. This is a perfect chance to enjoy the fresh air, give back to the island, and do your part to protect Hawaii’s marine life.

This fantastic organization not only removes harmful debris, like fishing nets, that can threaten marine life, they also host wetland workdays and collect native plant seeds to restore native forests in the Kau region. The great work that the Hawaii Wildlife Fund does to protect HawaiÊ»iâs fragile marine ecosystem actively engages the local community.

If you’re lucky you may even get to see Hawksbill turtles when snorkeling on the Big Island. They regularly host volunteer events, and it’s worth getting in touch to learn more. You’ll find yourself making new friends while creating lasting memories.

Located in the northwest of Hawaii Island, the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative has a goal of restoring and protecting 275 acres of unique dry forest. The Waikoloa ahupuaa (land division) is home to unusual plant species, including fragrant alihee blooms and wiliwili trees, which Hawaiians once favored for surfboard crafting.

Monthly work days provide opportunities to clear weeds, collect native seeds, and contribute to the regrowth of this special region. You might even get to help plant trees during your volunteer time. The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative is located Off Quarry Road, Waikoloa.

Protecting Native Rainforests in Puna

The Puna district is home to the Keauʻohana Native Rainforest, a unique area of intact lowland wet forest. Restoring and preserving this valuable environment depends on dedicated volunteers.

They offer many chances to volunteer to restore this native forest, which include quarterly work parties. Help maintain park trails and keep invasive plants at bay so future generations can enjoy this special place.

Volunteering at one of the island’s 800-year-old loko iʻa (fishponds) is a truly enriching experience. Imagine stepping back in time, getting a firsthand glimpse into how ancient Hawaiians used fishponds.

Locations like Paepae o Heʻeia and Waikalua on Oʻahu, Koʻieʻie on Maui offer unique learning and volunteering programs. They are a great place for all visitors to take part in voluntourism opportunities.

You can help rebuild rock walls, remove invasive plants that threaten native species, and connect with Hawaiian cultural practices that have survived the ages.

Counting Humpback Whales During Peak Whale Season

Witnessing majestic humpback whales during peak whale season in the Hawaiian Islands, which is January through March, is breathtaking. And taking a whale-watching tour on the Big Island is a must-do.

They migrate to Hawai’i from January through March, so the sanctuary ocean count is on the last Saturday in January, February, and March, from 8 am to noon.

Participate in the yearly Sanctuary Ocean Count to monitor these majestic creatures from the shoreline. It’s a valuable citizen science project where you’ll document their behaviors and count humpback whale sightings alongside a passionate team.

It’s a truly unique and rewarding way to connect with these ocean giants and their delicate marine ecosystem. For those interested, you can learn more here.

Helping others is always important, but there’s nothing quite like joining the “aloha spirit” while giving back.

Helping Feed Those in Need at the Food Basket

Make a direct impact by lending a hand at The Food Basket, the Big Island’s food bank, dedicated to providing food for families. Help at its Hilo and Kona warehouses by assisting with packing boxes or participate in their unique “Kokua Harvest” gleaning project.

They need volunteers to distribute excess produce from farms, backyard gardens, restaurants, and various other sources. Your actions directly help low-income communities all around the island.

To get involved you can visit https://www.kokuaharvest.org/ to sign up and find more information.

Volunteering with the Hawaii Island Humane Society

If you love animals then the Animal Community Center is open Friday through Tuesday, from 10am to 3pm, for shopping, or making a donation. Give your love to animals and make a difference by volunteering your time at one of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Shelters near Hilo or Kailua-Kona.

It’s also a fantastic way to spread awareness about responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals. The heartwarming smiles of furry companions will definitely make this a highlight of your trip.

Why not make someone’s day brighter by serving a hot meal with The Community Meal, located at 65-1237 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea. They are reached by phone at 808.885.4923 or check out their website stjameshawaii.org and show you care.

Your participation creates a welcoming atmosphere where locals connect over food and kindness, reminding us all about the true meaning of community. This is a great opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian culture.

Protecting the Kiholo Bay Preserve

You can also do community service at The Nature Conservancy Kiholo Bay preserve to assist with efforts in eradicating invasive weeds that compete with and can eliminate endangered native Hawaiian plants. You will learn about indigenous plants that are unique to Hawaii.

You’ll make new friends and work together with them too. Plus you might even encounter native sea turtles.

It is one of several popular North Kona places where you can find rewarding volunteer projects.

Travel2change connects tourists with cultural volunteering, in hopes of bridging the gap between visitor and resident. Imagine taking a walking tour, or taking part in food drives.

These cultural experiences go beyond just a beach trip, they expose you to real social issues that can sometimes get overlooked when visiting a new place. You can even find farming projects to get involved with.

Alaska Airlines has been supportive by partnering with travel2change recently and are offering visitors a diverse range of meaningful volunteer programs that can enhance the visitor experience. It’s a chance to connect authentically, share some of that warmth and Aloha, and create unforgettable memories for yourself and the community you impact.

Help Keep The Koʻolau Watershed Healthy

If you want to really embrace the natural beauty of Hawaii, you might consider joining forces with those volunteering to help improve the health and wellbeing of The Koâolau Watershed, on the Island of O’ahu. Located in the mountains, these forests need special care, as over 70% of surveyed Hawaii residents will attest that giving back helps preserve and sustain the fragile beauty of this special place.

Although the volunteer events here are popular with those that live in Hawai’i, they always welcome visitors who want to make a positive impact while experiencing the real heart of Hawai’i. Come prepared to clear weeds and remove marine debris from the ocean.

When planning your trip, How To Give Back to the Community When Visiting the Big Island can be as easy as going online. Look for a program like the Malama Hawai’i Program because it can make it even easier by connecting visitors to an experience that aligns with their trip.

Explore options that resonate with you to enrich your vacation and leave a positive mark. From rejuvenating forests to preserving historic sites and supporting local organizations, countless opportunities are out there. Plus, some programs may offer discounts or free nights at luxury resorts.

Remember, the journey of How To Give Back to the Community When Visiting the Big Island can begin long before you step off the plane.