Top 7 Kauai Volunteer Opportunities to Do While on Vacation

What Are the Best Volunteer Opportunities on Kauai?

The best Kauai volunteer opportunities to do while on vacation are:

1. Malama Kauai
2. National Tropical Botanical Garden
3. Kauai Food Bank, Inc.
4. Waipa Foundation
5. Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park
6. Surfrider Foundation
7. Kauai Humane Society

This Volunteer Opportunites on Kauai post is written by Bryan Murphy, an expert in Hawaii travel and a top-rated podcast host. The post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this site if you use the provided links.

Information Disclaimer: This website gives general info and isn’t legal or official advice. It helps travelers with tips but can’t replace personal abilities, fitness, experience, or local knowledge, which you are fully liable for. All activities have risks; assess current conditions and follow local laws and signage.

Are you visiting Kauai and looking for a way to connect deeper with the island besides conventional tourism?

You’re in luck because Kauai offers a range of volunteer opportunities that allow you to give back while on vacation.

Read on to discover how your holiday can leave lasting benefits both for you and the beautiful island of Kauai.

RELATED PODCAST: Kauai Travel Guide

Kauai Volunteer Opportunities

There are several volunteer opportunities in Kauai that you can participate in during your vacation, including Malama Kauai, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai Food Bank, Waipa Foundation, Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park, Surfrider Foundation, and the Kauai Humane Society.

1. Malama Kauai

Photo credit Malama Kauai

Or, if you’re visiting for an extended amount of time, you can take part in an intern program about farming.

If you like, lend a hand at the food pantry or help get rid of invasive plants that harm Kauai’s natural beauty. Malama Kauai has lots of jobs for volunteers all year long!

They welcome people who love nature and want to give back during their visit to Hawaii.

2. National Tropical Botanical Garden

Photo credit National Tropical Botanical Garden

You can join the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) as a volunteer. People of all ages are welcome here. At NTBG, you get to know Kauai’s plants, ecosystems, and cultures.

You can visit two big gardens – the McBryde Garden and the Limahuli Garden and Preserve.

As a volunteer, you also get special perks like invites to events and behind-the-scenes access!

3. Kauai Food Bank

Photo credit Kauai Food Bank

If you want to help the community while on vacation in Kauai, consider volunteering at the Kauai Food Bank. Established in 1992, this organization serves about 10% of Kauai’s population monthly.

Their mission is to collect food from the community and distribute it to over 100 charities. You can join their volunteer program and lend a hand either for one-time events or ongoing positions.

The Kauai Food Bank relies on community support and volunteers like you to carry out their important work. By volunteering here, you’ll be making a positive impact on the island and helping those in need.

4. Waipa Foundation

The Waipa Foundation is a Native Hawaiian learning center and community center located in Hanalei on the island of Kauai. They offer volunteer opportunities for visitors like you to get involved and give back during your vacation.

One way you can help is through their weekly Poi Day service learning events, where volunteers learn traditional Hawaiian practices such as canoe paddling and growing and pounding kalo (taro) to make poi.

Unfortunately, the Poi Day events are currently not accepting new volunteers, but don’t worry! But, keep checking!

There’s still a monthly workday available for you to join and contribute your time and energy to support the foundation’s mission of promoting native Hawaiian culture and sustainability.

5. Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park

Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park is a group that organizes beach cleanups at Morgan’s Ponds in Lydgate Beach Park. This park is named after John Lydgate, who had a vision to bring the community together and keep the shores clean.

By volunteering with Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park, you can honor John Lydgate’s vision while helping to preserve and maintain the park’s amenities and natural resources.

It’s a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment during your visit to Kauai.

RELATED PODCAST: Kauai’s Hidden Gems

6. Surfrider Foundation

Surfrider Kauai is a group that cares about protecting and enjoying Kauai’s oceans, waves, and beaches. They are part of a national network called the Surfrider Foundation. As a visitor to Hawaii, you can join Surfrider Kauai in its efforts to keep the beach clean and reduce plastic pollution.

Every Wednesday, they host a cleanup where volunteers can come together to pick up trash on the beach. It’s a great way to protect the ocean, promote clean water, and ensure everyone can access beautiful beaches.

So grab your family or friends and participate in these vital cleanup activities during your vacation! 

7. Kauai Humane Society

They also have various volunteer positions available, so you can find something that suits your interests.

The Kauai Humane Society is passionate about preserving historic sites, museums, and natural scenery, as well as sustainability and conservation efforts on the island.

By volunteering with them, you’ll be making a positive impact on both animals and the community of Kauai.

Benefits of Voluntourism in Kauai

Volunteering in Kauai brings many benefits to both the volunteers and the community. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to explore different roles and interests while giving back to a place that welcomes visitors like yourself.

By joining organizations like Malama Kauai or the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you can be part of sustainability and conservation efforts on the island.

The Kauai Food Bank also invites volunteers to help with their food distribution program, ensuring that everyone has enough to eat.

Not only will you gain valuable experience and knowledge about Kauai’s culture and environment, but you’ll also make a meaningful impact on the lives of those living in this beautiful island community.

So why not consider volunteering during your vacation? It’s a chance for personal growth while contributing to the well-being of others.

For more Kauai content, check out our best Kauai beaches, Kauai luaus, and the best things to do on Kauai guides!

FAQs for Kauai Volunteer Opportunites

1. What volunteer opportunities are there on Kauai?

There are many ways to help on Kauai, from joining local programs like Malama Kauai and the National Tropical Botanical Garden to assisting in food banks or taking part in native Hawaiian land protection activities.

2. Can I learn while volunteering in Kauai?

Yes, you can learn a lot! From how to grow your own food at community gardens like the one in Lihue and Kapaa, to understanding more about Hawaii’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts at places like Makana Charters or the Sierra Club.

3. How can I get involved with helping families on Kauai?

You could join organizations like Kokua No Ka ‘Ohana that give meals to those who need them most. Another option is Lasagna Love where volunteers cook for needy families.

4. Is it possible to participate in ocean-related volunteering work when vacationing on Kauai?

Certainly! An organization like the Surfrider Foundation always looks for helpers ready to clean beach areas and protect our oceans.

5. Can tourists make a difference by practicing sustainable tourism?

Of course! Visitors can promote sustainability through their actions -whether they’re consuming locally produced food, participating in eco-tourism activities or opting for green lodging options.

Kauai Volunteer Opportunities Wrap-Up

Ready to make a difference on your vacation? Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, conservation, or helping those in need, Kauai has something for everyone. So why not take a break from traditional sightseeing and immerse yourself in the community? Your impact will be felt long after you leave the island.