Malama Oahu Together: Voluntourism Experiences

Malama in the Hawaiian language has many meanings including to take care of, attend to, cherish, preserve, protect, and save. It’s often used when discussing the importance of preserving and protecting Hawaii’s oceans, lands, and the people who call the Hawaiian Islands home. The idea of malama is an important and traditional Hawaiian value.

Clients can malama together on Oahu and make special memories by taking part in a reforestation effort with Hawaiian Legacy Tours at Gunstock Ranch. Since man’s arrival in Hawaii, over half the native forests have disappeared. Planting a native tree is a deeply meaningful way to make a real connection with Oahu and give back to the destination while celebrating a special moment in clients’ lives together whether it’s their engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, or another significant milestone. Together, as a couple or a family, they can plant and dedicate a tree in the Oahu Legacy Forest at Gunstock Ranch in an intimate ceremony that incorporates Hawaiian cultural traditions. During the planting and eco-tour, their guide will discuss the history of the Hawaiian land and how their tree will contribute to healing the local ecosystem as they take in views of wildlife, grazing cattle, and ocean views. Suggest the Planter’s Experience or have clients enhance their tour with horseback riding or a UTV adventure. They can lant additional trees and can even track the location and growth of their trees online via radio-frequency identification once they’re back home. Their tree planting will tie your clients both to the island of Oahu forever and give them a reason to return.

There are so many ways clients can give back together. From intimate DIY beach clean-ups for two or joining an organized event with Sustainable Coastlines, helping to restore a native Hawaiian fishpond with Malama Loko Ea, helping to maintain and preserve a world-famous battleship at the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor or picking something from one of Travel2change’s wide variety of activities on their website. Find more ideas for your clients tailored to their interest on gohawaii.com/malama