Travel With Purpose: Mālama Hawaii and the Spirit of Giving Back

More than a year after wildfires ravaged parts of Maui, the Hawaiian islands are slowly recovering. But the scars left behind—emotional, environmental, and economic—are still very present. While families and small businesses continue to rebuild, they’re sending a clear message to the world: “Come visit—but do so with care.”

This invitation is at the heart of the Mālama Hawaii programme, an initiative designed to encourage regenerative tourism. Rooted in the Hawaiian value of mālama, meaning "to care for" or "to protect," the programme offers visitors a chance to give back to the islands—and in return, receive meaningful experiences and special travel perks.

What Is Mālama Hawaii?

Mālama Hawaii connects travellers with more than 350 local volunteer opportunities across the islands. Whether you’re visiting Oahu, Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, you’ll find community-led projects that align with your interests—ranging from conservation to culture.

Here are just a few ways visitors can participate:

• Restoring native forests alongside conservationists

• Helping Maui families sew quilts or prepare traditional meals

• Preserving fragile ecosystems on the slopes of Mount Kea

• Cleaning coastlines and protecting coral reefs from debris

These experiences provide a deeper connection to the land, the people, and the spirit of Hawaii—one that goes far beyond a typical vacation.

Stay at Iconic Resorts—For Less

In exchange for participating, travellers can unlock discounted or even free stays at dozens of resorts across the islands. One of the most notable is the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, famously featured in The White Lotus Season 1. Other participating hotels include eco-resorts, boutique inns, and luxury beachfront properties.

It’s a win-win: You support Hawaii’s recovery and sustainability, and you gain access to some of the most beautiful accommodations in the Pacific—at a fraction of the usual cost.

Why Responsible Travel Matters Now More Than Ever

Hawaii's tourism industry plays a vital role in the local economy, but it needs to evolve to be sustainable in the face of climate change and natural disasters. Mālama Hawaii is a step in that direction, transforming tourism from a passive activity into a powerful force for healing—for both the land and the people.

So if you’re planning a trip to the islands, consider more than just your itinerary. Think about how your presence can make a difference. Help replant what was lost, support the families rebuilding, and leave Hawaii better than you found it.