15 meaningful volunteer opportunities for your Maui vacation

Voluntourism — the practice of volunteering while on vacation — is a wonderful way to connect with Maui beyond the typical visitor experience.

When you dedicate even a few hours to caring for Maui’s delicate ecosystems or supporting its vibrant communities, you’re participating in mālama (to care for) the island in ways that create lasting positive impacts.

In fact, studies show that travelers who engage in volunteer activities report significantly higher satisfaction with their overall vacation experience, forming deeper emotional connections to their destination.

Another perk is volunteering on Maui is that it offer unique access to places most visitors never see, from native forest restoration sites on Haleakalā’s slopes to ancient cultural sites being preserved by local stewards. You’ll work alongside passionate residents who share intimate knowledge about the island’s ecology, history, and challenges.

The benefits extend beyond the tangible impact of your service. Many visitors describe their volunteer experiences as the most memorable parts of their trip, long after their suntan fades.

Whether you’re helping rehabilitate shelter dogs through beach walks, joining a coastal cleanup, or learning traditional taro farming methods, these experiences offer authentic cultural immersion that typical tourist activities simply can’t provide.

Nature and environmental conservation

1. Pacific Whale Foundation

Mission: Protect oceans through marine research, education, and advocacy.
Activities: Beach cleanups, citizen science projects, and whale/dolphin monitoring.
Contact: pacificwhale.org | (808) 249-8811

2. Hawai’i Land Trust (HILT) – Waihe’e Refuge

Mission: Preserve culturally and ecologically significant coastal lands.
Activities: Habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and archaeological site preservation.
Contact: hilt.org/volunteer | Email: Scott Fisher at sfisher@hilt.org

3. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund (HWF)

Mission: Protect coastal/marine wildlife through conservation and education.
Activities: Beach cleanups, sea turtle nest monitoring, and habitat restoration.
Contact: wildhawaii.org | Emergency Hotline: (808) 769-7629

4. Auwahi Dryland Forest Restoration Project

Mission: Restore native dryland forests on Haleakalā’s southwestern slopes by planting indigenous species and removing invasive plants.
Volunteer Role: Participate in reforestation and ecosystem preservation.
Contact: Details via Mālama Hawaiʻi Program

5. Haleakalā National Park Volunteer Programs

Mission: Protect native ecosystems and cultural resources within the park.
Activities: Trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring.
Contact: nps.gov/hale | (808) 572-4400

6. Friends of Haleakalā National Park (FHNP)

Mission: Support park preservation through community engagement.
Activities: Invasive species removal and trail restoration.
Contact: fhnp.org | Email: andy@fhnp.org

7. Mālama Maui Nui

Mission: Promote environmental stewardship through community cleanups.
Activities: Litter removal, recycling events, and education.
Contact: malamamauinui.org | (808) 877-2524

8. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council

Mission: Restore coastal ecosystems and water quality.
Activities: Reef monitoring and watershed restoration.
Contact: mauireefs.org

9. Surfrider Foundation – Maui Chapter

Mission: Protect coastal environments through advocacy and cleanups.
Activities: Beach cleanups and water quality testing.
Contact: surfrider.org/maui

Cultural and community service

10. Ka’ehu

Mission: Restore Ka’ehu Bay through cultural and environmental stewardship.
Activities: Beach cleanups, taro farming, and invasive species removal.
Contact: kaehu.org | Sign-up for monthly workdays via their volunteer form

11. Kipuka Olowalu

Mission: Revive traditional Hawaiian farming and native ecosystems.
Activities: Taro farming, invasive plant removal, and cultural education.
Contact: Inquire via HandsOn Maui

12. Maui Food Bank

Mission: Alleviate hunger by distributing food to vulnerable populations.
Activities: Sorting, packing, and distributing food.
Contact: mauifoodbank.org | (808) 243-9500

13. Maui Humane Society – Beach Buddies

Mission: Improve shelter dogs’ well-being through socialization and exercise.
Activities: Take dogs on beach outings or hikes.
Contact: mauihumanesociety.org | (808) 877-3680

14. Maui Historical Society

Mission: Preserve Maui’s cultural heritage.
Activities: Archival work and educational programs.
Contact: mauimuseum.org

15. Leilani Farm Sanctuary

Mission: Provide refuge for rescued animals and promote veganism.
Activities: Animal care, gardening, and farm maintenance.
Contact: leilanifarmsanctuary.org

Image credits: Daniele Nabissi, Brandon Green, Jordan Ryskamp, papahanaumokuakea, starr-environmental