A brand new journey program for vacationers to provide again

As Covid restrictions begin to be relaxed Across the country, both domestic and international travel are slowly resuming, and tropical destinations like Hawaii are becoming increasingly popular with travelers. However, trips to Covid can look a little different, leading to a new breed of traveler. After over a year of quarantine, travelers are looking for more meaningful travel experiences where they can give something back New York Times referred to as “regenerative travel”. Mindful travel is the new sustainable tourism. It is the art of being present and immersed in an experience and leaving a positive impact.

As part of the Safe Travel Program, Hawaii has implemented strict Covid guidelines for visitors, including a pre-trip test requirement. Still, the islands have cautiously welcomed the influx of tourists while at the same time launching an initiative called. started Malama Hawaii, a voluntourism program to encourage travelers to leave malama – or “give back” – to Hawaii and the islands better than they found them. In return, visitors can get free hotel nights or discounts on hotel stays, even in five-star resorts.

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Malama Hawaii is a statewide program run by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). Inspired by the Hawaiian word malama, which means “to care” or “to give back,” the program aims to encourage travelers to experience Hawaii beyond its natural beauty and deeply rooted culture.

Selected participating hotel partners on each island work with local nonprofits to organize activities such as beach cleaning through organizations like the Pacific Whale Foundation or tree planting Gunstock Ranch in partnership with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI). Visitors who book a Malama Hawaii package can receive a free hotel night or other special discount in return.

“The purpose of the Mālama Hawaii initiative is not just to protect Hawaii and preserve it for the future, but to provide travelers with a more meaningful and enriching travel experience that enables them to forge deeper connections with our people, our culture and our place.” said John Monahan, President and CEO of HVCB.

The Malama packages can be booked directly through the individual hotel websites or by calling the hotel’s concierge desk. Certain volunteer activities are self-directed and others are managed by local organizations. A full list of participating hotels, broken down by island, can be viewed here.

Note: The prices shown may change depending on the type of hotel room and availability.

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The luxury Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea In a relationship with Lahaina Restoration Foundation Invites guests to learn about Maui’s history and culture by documenting and transcribing historical artifacts from every era of Maui’s past, including the Kingdom of Hawaii, the Missionary, Whaling, and Sugar Era. The three-hour experience includes brief training, working with historical objects, and a guided tour of a historical site or museum tailored to the guest’s interests.

In return for participation, guests will receive $ 250 resort credit for their stay and a gift certificate for a luxury night in an ocean view room for a future stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea. Resort guests interested in participating in the Malama Hawaii program can contact the Four Seasons Resort Maui Concierge for more information (the promotion is not listed on their website).

“The concept of malama or ‘grooming’ is part of the essence of life in Hawaii and connects us to this place and our ancestors,” said Shermaine Rodrigues, Director of Guest Experience at Four Seasons Resort Maui. “At Four Seasons Maui, we have a responsibility to share this concept with our guests and invite them to actively engage with these cultural ideals. Many of our guests took the opportunity to give something back. Today, regenerative travel is more popular with visitors than ever, ”she said.

Further west, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers its guests a fifth free night by participating in a solo beach cleaning (offer valid until September 30, 2021). You can book the package directly online or by calling the resort and receive a beach cleaning kit upon arrival. Although no proof of adjustment is required, it is based on the honor system.

the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on the island of Hawaii (The Big Island) is offering a free fourth night with breakfast for two when you book their Malama package. Guests can choose from one of three voluntary services through the hotel’s designated partners, including a visit to the Waikōloa dry forest reserve to help restore native forest or do a solo beach cleanup.

the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Also offers a free night during your stay if you attend a group cleaning of a beach or cultural site. Up to 10 guests are involved in each of the cleanup operations, followed by refreshments to enjoy while strolling along the seaside.

On Oahu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers guests participating in an activity of their choice a 20 percent discount on a three night stay of Travel2Change and KISCA (Kahala’s Initiative for Sustainability, Culture, & the Arts) including beach cleanup after kayaking or paddleboarding, a guided walking tour to learn about coast restoration or to sample food on a sustainable farm.

Several hotels including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, and The Laylow, autograph collection also offer guests the opportunity to support and work with the afforestation efforts Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (CPR).

“For me, the forest here at Gunstock Ranch has influenced me and many of the others who have come through for its spiritual and giving back aspects,” said McKenzie Highsmith, trail manager at Gunstock Ranch. “This is something that I believe will have a positive impact on the world, and on our little island in particular. It gives people the opportunity to do something good. And that’s what many people need in their lives. “

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Although the Hawaiian travel industry has not yet fully recovered after Covid, it is slowly but surely returning to normal. Corresponding Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, The number of visitors entering Hawaii on May 1 was just under 23,000, a 28.6 percent decrease from 2019. But on June 10, the number of tourists entering Hawaii rose reached 30,000, down to a decrease of 15 percent compared to 2019.

As travelers again overtake Hawaiian beaches and other local locations, many residents are beginning to push back. According to a report by The guard, locals are concerned about the impact of the intruders on beaches, marine life and general island capacity.

Whether you plan to travel to Hawaii as part of the Malama program or otherwise, there are several things you can do to ensure you are a respectful visitor:

• Do not throw: Speak with KHON2, Parley for the Ocean Hawaii Director Kahi Pacarro said there was a “sharp drop in litter” on beaches during the pandemic when travel was restricted. When visiting Hawaii, make sure you dispose of your trash properly and avoid single-use plastics as much as possible, as these can end up in the ocean.
• Use reef-safe sunscreens: In January 2021, Hawaii officially forbidden to sell and distribution of sunscreens that contain two chemicals that can damage corals: oxybenzone and octinoxate. Technically, you can take any sunscreen with you when you travel, but sunscreens containing these ingredients can help Coral bleachingwhich puts a strain on them and can shorten their lifespan.
• Be careful around coral: Corresponding Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Popular tourist activities like snorkeling and diving contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs, especially when people walk on them and touch the corals or debris in and around the ocean. If you choose to do marine recreational activities, respect marine life and do not break off a piece of the coral to take home as a souvenir.
• Treat the locals with respect: As you travel to Hawaii and elsewhere in the world, remember that you are a guest entering someone else’s space. When visiting local restaurants and shops and admiring the scenic nature, be polite and accommodating and leave it as you found it.

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Leila Najafi is a freelance lifestyle writer with bylines in Thrillist, USA Today, Business Insider, and Reader’s Digest.