An Inexpensive All-Inclusive Hawaii Volunteer Vacation to Kahoolawe

I’m guessing that you must be intrigued by the thoughts of:

1. All-inclusive vacation to Hawaii, which a rarity in Hawaii. Kona Village on the Big Island is the only all-inclusive resort of which I’m aware.
2. Inexpensive vacation to Hawaii is a unique find, but this four-day vacation I’m going to share with you only costs $100 and some elbow grease.
3. Volunteer vacation to Hawaii is not a common find. You can find brief day or half-day volunteer opportunities in Hawaii, for example see these volunteer programs on Maui, but in this article, I’ll be sharing a true volunteer vacation.

If you are looking for a volunteer vacation that’s good for you and for the environment, then I have found the perfect opportunity for you! The volunteer vacation is to Kahoolawe, which is a small and remote island off the south coast of Maui.

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The volunteer program is offered by Protect Kahoolawe Ohana and the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. So why does Kahoolawe need to be protected? It is literally a batter island with an unfortunate recent history. Kahoolawe was used as a testing ground and bombing range by the US Navy in the mid to late 20th century. In 2003, access and control of Kahoolawe was turned over to the state of Hawaii from the US Navy.

Kahoolawe lost much of it’s vegetation and has significant erosion issues. The restoration of Kahoolawe involves planting native flora, removing invasive species, controlling erosion, and helping to establish water resources. And that’s how you can help.

Four day volunteer programs are offer for a cost of $100 which includes your transportation from Maui to Kahoolawe, your meals, free cultural and history lessons, beautiful views, and a great feeling of having helped heal Kahoolawe. (Note that you will be camping on this vacation.) What a unique opportunity! You can learn more about the details of volunteering through these links:

• Protect Kahoolawe Ohana Volunteer Orientation Details
• Scheduled Volunteer Dates with Protect Kahoolawe Ohana
• Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission Volunteer Packet

I love the way Kekoa Catherine Enomoto describes the Kahoolawe volunteer experience in her Maui News article:

an ultimate eco-adventure, combining gorgeous scenery, reciprocal environmental work and cultural immersion — and it’s free or priced modestly.

I’m intrigued by this volunteer opportunity. What do you think? Would you like to give it a try?