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CULTURAL VOLUNTEER VACATIONS

“TELL ME AND I FORGET; SHOW ME AND I REMEMBER; INVOLVE ME AND I UNDERSTAND.” – CHINESE PROVERB

CONSERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT & CULTURAL PRACTICES IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

We have a deep respect for the a’ina (land) and the culture and history of the Kanaka Maoli— (the Hawaiian People). We share the culture of Maui’s Hawaiian spirit with tens of thousands of people each year who come out on tour with us.

Visitors often tell us they feel like they’ve become part of our ohana (family) and as they learn the stories, legends and history of the Hawaiian people. It is our hope, our silent prayer and our kuleana (responsibility) to help all who come on our tour to understand just a bit more than they thought they would about this beautiful island and the ways of these very special people.

After all, the Hawaiian ancestors, as well as the Hawaiians of today, created and continue to create Aloha. This word is well known throughout the world but for the most part is not understood to it’s full meaning. Aloha evolved from a polynesian race who, for reasons unknown, ventured away from their western Pacific home out into the unknown ocean some 1000 years ago. These people evolved into a society that was totally self sustaining and became deeply rooted in the idea of working together for the survival of the community.

Giving your Aloha is giving your heart and your spirit in order to bring life into a more healing place. For the kanaka maoli, the mountains, the forests, the streams and the beaches all have spiritual meaning and history. This is called the Mana (spiritual strength) of a place and to give strength with Aloha is called “malama the aina”. It means to help, which is at the core of Aloha and the Hawaiian culture.

We have learned that sharing our Aloha with our visitors can inspire visitors into being what is known as “Hawaiian at Heart”. You may not be from here but you have embraced the culture and wish to help. For those who wish to help “malama the aina” we have created this web page for you.

In it you will find summaries and links to all the non profit conservation organizations with volunteer programs to recover and restore Maui’s unique ecosystem. Valley Isle Excursions will be participating in these efforts in addition to our Green Business certification, providing transportation for cultural practitioners and restoration projects and supporting local businesses that provide certified ecotourism tours and practices.

GROUP SERVICE PROJECTS IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

Gain a different perspective, one that brings you closer to the world around you through cultural exposure and volunteering while on your vacation.

Equipment Maintenance

Special skills are always needed in the park. Tools and equipment are well used, needing more maintenance than usual.

Trail Maintenance

The trails take a beating from use and the weather. During storms, rockslides and debris can impact some routes.

Remove Invasive Species

We love Hawaii because everything grows so well. That includes plants that we don’t want growing as well. They impact our beautiful native species.

Cabin & Campground Maintenance

The cabins located in the crater are often booked up months in advance so they get a lot of use. Great option for quarterly volunteer vacations.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS & ORGANIZATIONS WORKING ACROSS MAUI

MAHALO TO ALL THE EFFORTS PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS ON MAUI.

Improvements across the island, both directly and indirectly are being created by volunteer programs projects and work like these below. It has, over time, become quite obvious to many that all actions taken towards building a better Maui are interconnected in a multitude of ways.

Oftentimes we don’t realize the incredibly positive (and wide) “ripple effect” that doing a single good deed has on the world. From the summit to the reef, we see how organizations that are focused on caring about one area actually improve life and results downhill/downstream.

a bunch of green bananas

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

This is not only about the a’ina. We look to our past… to the people, ways and legends which can teach us much about living a healthy life on the islands. These are some of the most valuable lessons to be learned in this life. They need to be handed on to future generations before they’ve been lost and forgotten. As a company, we demand respect for the a’ina on all of our tours. We do everything in our power to make sure our footprint is as light as possible.

VIE focuses on being culturally fluent and conservation focused tour company. We are looking to support organizations that have active, ongoing sustainable missions and events (both cultural and environmental) we can get behind by promoting – and possibly participating in during our tours.

Participate in a cultural series within Haleakala National Park:

  • Saturday’s from 10am to 12pm in the Summit district
  • Sunday’s from 1pm to 3pm in the Kipahulu district