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. Experiences will include a service aspect, such as invasive species removal, outplanting, ethnobotanical garden maintenance & planting, and other tasks. Hiking will be offered as a component of the experience depending on the ability of the participants, time availability, weather, etc.
Participants may select one of our sites to participate at, depending on weather and transportation.
If you are a visiting individual, family, organization or business and want to take part in our Voluntourism part of our Kāhuli Land Stewardship & Cultural Education program, click below to book a visit:
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."
Cost
- Foundational Experience: A $300 site visit fee applies to a maximum of 30 visitors. Please let us know if there are budgetary constraints. We are happy to help find resources or make concessions.
- Expanded Experience: For an enhanced experience 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.
Upcoming Activities, Workshops, & Classes
Join list to see our upcoming program activities, workshops, & classes
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