Pōhāhā I Ka Lani – Waipio Valley

Voluntourism Program

A program for visitors to participate in stewardship of Pōhāhā I Ka Laniʻs Waipiʻo Valley sites in a culturally educational and hands-on experience.

 HOʻOKAHI NŌ LĀ O KA MALIHINI.

A stranger only for a day.

[After the first day as a guest, one must help with the work.]

Voluntourism experiences are offered to small to medium sized visitor groups, including families, organizations, schools/universities, and businesses. 


Individuals & Families


For private or custom experiences

or

for visiting groups, organizations, schools/universities, and businesses. contact us below:

Program Description

As a location that receives large amounts of visitors throughout the year, the voluntourism program provides a means for deeper visitor connection and reciprocity to a place cherished by kanaka maoli and Hawaiʻi residents.

The voluntourism opportunities for tourists allow them to learn about the ecology & culture while supporting the stewardship monetarily and physically (if able). 

Waipiʻo Valley and the rimlands are frequented by commercial tour vans and visitors venturing out on unguided hikes inspired by travel websites and online blogs. These sources of information are erroneous and encourage visitors to trespass in private and/or sacred areas, such as illegal trespassing to Hi’ilawe and Nanaue waterfalls as well as numerous private properties, farms, and residences.

Visitors can help be a positive impact on Waipiʻo Valley and Pōhāhā I Ka Laniʻs sites by removing invasive plants, planting native species, and other restoration activites, all while receiving in-depth lessons on Hawaiian language and culture in return.

"How can we motivate people to be interested in learning about the culture or to visit further to realize how deep our sense of respect goes? Instead of just observing the sights, they need to contribute and feel a connection to these places."

Offered
Experiences

  • Cultural Stewardship in Waipiʻo Valley: A cultural stewardship experience in Waipiʻo Valley at the Āpua Ti House and the ancient Taro Patches of Nāpoʻopoʻo of cultural connection and stewardship.
    • Prices start at $125 for adult & $94 for children.
  • Cultural Workshop & Hike in Waipiʻo Valley: A cultural workshop learning experience in Waipiʻo Valley at the Āpua Ti House and the ancient Taro Patches of Nāpoʻopoʻo that provides a cultural learning experience and talk-story education. 
    •  Prices start at $138 for adults & $104 for children.
  • Private & Custom Experiences: For private or custom experiences including food and/or additional cultural learning activities, please contact us at waipio@pohahaikalani.org or use the Contact Us form. Additional costs to be determined based on group size and experience enhancements.

schedule

Complete our program participation inquiry to schedule participation for your organization, group, class or family.

PREPARE

Learn what your day with Pōhāhā I Ka Lani will entail and how to optimize your experience.

REFLECT

Share your experience with us.  After participating with us, we encourage you to take a few moments to reflect and share. This helps us learn and grow.

Become a Community Steward Member

Sign up to be one of our Community Steward Members

Upcoming Activities, Workshops, & Classes

Join list to see our upcoming program activities, workshops, & classes

Follow us

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WAYS
TO
GIVE

100% OF YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR PROGRAMS

Help us continue our work of stewarding sacred lands of Waipiʻo Valley and promoting indigenous Hawaiian culture.

Every dollar matters. Together we can restore our ʻāina and community to health and abundance.

Sign up to donate financially, either one-time or recurring donations (tiers with perks & recognition). Donate

Purchase our merchandise such as shirts, hats, sweaters/hoodies, stickers, and healings oils & salves.  Shop

WAYS
TO
GIVE

100% OF YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR PROGRAMS

Help us continue our work of stewarding sacred lands of Waipiʻo Valley and promoting indigenous Hawaiian culture.

Every dollar matters. Together we can restore our ʻāina and community to health and abundance.

Sign up to donate financially, either one-time or recurring donations (tiers with perks & recognition). Donate

Purchase our merchandise such as shirts, hats, sweaters/hoodies, stickers, and healings oils & salves.  Shop