Hawaii Welcomes Travelers to Give Back with the Malama Program
Connecting with a place is one of the great joys of travel. For many, Hawaii feels like a home away from home—a place that inspires love and a desire to return again and again. In 2019, the islands welcomed a remarkable 10.4 million visitors.
But every act of love leaves an imprint, and not all of it is positive. Tourism can strain small island ecosystems where beauty is boundless but resources are finite. That’s why Hawaii’s new Malama (Hawaiian for “give back”) program arrives at a pivotal moment. By weaving simple, meaningful actions into your vacation, Malama lets guests put their affection for the islands to work—protecting both the land and the culture for generations to come.
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The Malama program is still in its early stages, yet it already partners with dozens of hotels, airlines, attractions, and nonprofits. If successful, Malama could become an integral part of travelers’ itineraries, offering a richer souvenir: a deeper connection to Hawaii and its cultural values.
Malama Activities in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiian giving back takes many forms—from planting trees and cleaning beaches to preserving cultural traditions like ocean blessings and Hawaiian quilting. Some hotels reward participation with perks such as free nights. Current Malama projects include:
- Alohilani Resort, Oahu: The “Unforgettable, Soulful Hawaii” package offers a tree‑planting experience (part of a pledge to plant 100,000 trees), an ocean cultural blessing, and perks such as a resort dining credit and ocean‑view accommodations.
- Wailea Beach Resort, Maui: Guests learn traditional Hawaiian quiltmaking, and the finished blankets are donated to island elders.
- Kualoa Ranch, Oahu: The “Malama ʻAina” (care for the land) experience blends education with action—learn about upland streams and medicinal plants, then help with activities like thatching grass huts and clearing freshwater streams.
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, Kauai: Participate in a beach clean‑up (timing flexible, supplies provided) and receive a fourth‑night free stay.
Explore the full list of Malama Hawaii offerings on goHawaii.com.
Whether you’re planning your first Hawaii trip or returning for the tenth time, staying at a boutique hotel or an all‑inclusive resort, weaving an act of care into your vacation can turn a good trip into a great one. These activities are family‑friendly and suitable for guests of all ages.
Editor’s Note: While the Hawaiian language uses the okina (glottal stop) and kahako (macron), this story omits them because not all computers can reproduce these markings.
