Volunteering in Hawaii During the Holidays: A Family Guide

Embrace the Spirit of Giving

The holiday season in Hawaii offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in meaningful volunteer activities. Teaching kids the joy of giving through hands-on community work is an invaluable experience that goes beyond gift-giving.

Want to give back and explore Hawaii with your family? Here's a list of the top 15 activities that promise fun and memorable experiences for all ages:

1. 808 Cleanups

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Beach, park, and trail cleanups
• Details: Kid-friendly equipment provided. Flexible schedules and site adoption available.
• Website: 808cleanups.org

2. Surfrider O‘ahu & Sustainable Coastlines

• Activity: Beach cleanups
• Websites: oahu.surfrider.org, sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org

3. Waikīkī Aquarium

• Activity: Environmental conservation
• Website: waikikiaquarium.org

4. Hawai‘i Foodbank

• Age: 8-15 (with an adult), 16+ independently
• Activity: Sorting and inspecting food donations
• Website: hawaiifoodbank.org

5. Mālama Na Honu

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Sea turtle conservation
• Details: Orientation required
• Website: malamanahonu.org

6. Mālama Maunalua

• Age: 5+ (younger with adults)
• Activity: Invasive algae removal in Maunalua Bay
• Details: Monthly cleanups, equipment provided
• Website: malamamaunalua.org

7. Ka Papa Lo‘i O Kānewai

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Taro patch cultivation
• Details: First Saturday of each month
• Website: manoa.hawaii.edu/hshk/ka-papa-loi-o-kanewai

8. Ho‘oulu ‘Āina

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Garden maintenance
• Details: Third Saturday, RSVP required
• Website: hoouluaina.com

9. Parents Inc.

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Assistance at holiday parties, arts-and-crafts, tree delivery
• Details: Year-round, seasonal
• Website: hawaiiparents.org

10. Waimea Valley

• Age: 3+
• Activity: Botanical garden maintenance
• Details: Varying schedules
• Website: waimeavalley.net

11. Children’s Discovery Forest at Honolulu Zoo

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Planting and cultivating native plants
• Details: Monthly work days
• Website: hawaiiforestinstitute.org

12. Lanakila Meals on Wheels

• Age: All ages (with a licensed adult)
• Activity: Meal delivery
• Details: Flexible commitments
• Website: lanakilapacific.org

13. Lunalilo Home

• Age: All ages
• Activity: Interacting with seniors
• Details: Orientation required
• Website: lunalilo.org

14. Ulupō Heiau and Lo‘i

• Age: All ages (5+ for lo‘i)
• Activity: Agriculture and cultural preservation
• Details: Second Saturday of each month
• Website: hikaalani.website

15. Hawaiian Humane Society

• Age: 8+ (15+ without a parent)
• Activity: Animal shelter assistance, fostering
• Details: Year-round, training required
• Website: hawaiianhumane.org

Getting Involved

Before volunteering, remember:

• Most organizations require adult supervision for minors.
• Outdoor activities might need signed waivers.

Volunteering with The Salvation Army in Hawaii

For families looking to volunteer in Hawaii, The Salvation Army offers two key opportunities:

1. Thanksgiving Day Dinner: An annual event feeding nearly 2,000 people. It's popular, so sign up early for next year starting October 1.
2. Angel Tree Campaign: Begins on Black Friday in Kāhala, Pearlridge, and Windward malls. Families can volunteer at the Angel Tree table, helping with public queries, collecting gifts, and managing receipts and tags. There's also a need for sorting toys and gifts, unloading donations, and other tasks.

Get involved in these fulfilling activities and make a difference during the holiday season!