Kindness Matters: How to Ensure Your Trip to Maui Helps Both Yourself and the Community

In an American Express travel survey, 73% of respondents said they plan their trips around improving their physical and emotional health. Another 68% of them choose destinations that could potentially help with their mental clarity. Thanks to this greater focus on wellness in travel, Maui is a particularly popular destination. The Hawaiian island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. That makes it a wellness vacation destination perfect for those looking to relax and unwind.

However, there is more to the second-largest island in Hawaii than just sun and sand. Just like those coming to Maui in search of healing, Maui’s environment, wildlife, and many of its local communities that have been devastated by the recent wildfires also need the same thing. As such, it is important for tourists to behave with mindfulness and sensitivity, understand the extent of the damage, and be made aware of the ways in which they can help.

In our article ‘20 Ways to Find Joy in the Moment’, we talk about how simply doing an act of kindness for another person can widen our perspectives and help us feel more at ease. Even the smallest efforts can go a long way. Below is a list of simple ways you can make your stay more meaningful for both yourself and Maui locals.

Choose local services

Those who run local services and businesses are typically more invested in giving back to the community, so it is important to choose home-grown businesses whenever possible. After all, you can help reduce your carbon footprint, support sustainable practices, and foster a sense of community by choosing local. This can be done as soon as you land by booking Maui airport car rentals through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They can guide you to the right company for your trip, especially if you need specialized equipment for your car rental due to a disability. With Maui being the second-largest island in Hawaii, having a reliable mode of transportation is essential to be able to make the most of your stay. While large ride-hailing chains like Uber are available, choosing a local rental service will allow you to directly support the local economy. In addition, you are likely to receive higher-quality service and a much more personalized experience from local businesses compared to larger companies.

Participate in volunteer opportunities

Volunteering one’s time is one of the most direct and meaningful ways in which anyone can help others and show support. It will also give you a sense of achievement and help you feel closer to local communities. Many Maui organizations need volunteers to help with rebuilding, cleanups, and providing support to affected local individuals. If you’re coming to the island for a beach vacation, many Maui cleanup initiatives, such as those organized by Maui Ocean Center and Maui Surfrider, are set on the very beaches you’re looking to stay on. The simple act of removing litter, debris, and other plastic pollution from marine ecosystems will greatly help protect local wildlife. It will also help preserve the beauty of Maui, which attracts many tourists who contribute to the island’s tourism.

Donate to feeding programs

Many establishments and volunteers work tirelessly to distribute in-kind donations and assist families in need, and one of the most prominent ways is through feeding programs. However, alongside manpower, they also need resources to be able to carry out their operations. Establishments such as Havens Kitchen and World Central Kitchen work together to cook and distribute 500 meals a day for victims staying in shelters. Anyone can help by donating in-kind ingredients such as vegetables, pasta, rice, and other proteins to have large quantities to feed hundreds of people daily. Donating in kind will help Maui communities in need and yourself, as it is one way to feel empowered by helping others.

Promote Maui as a tourist

Because tourism is a major source of income for Maui, your visit and engagement will not only make a positive impact on the community but will also support the economy as a whole. More visitors arriving on the island can help stimulate services and businesses, which will, in turn, keep locals employed and with access to income. Participating in well-loved island

activities and spreading the word about your experiences can also provide support by encouraging other people to consider booking Maui for their next trip. On top of this, many businesses that provide activities unique to the island, such as Redline Rafting, donate a portion of their proceeds to Maui support funds. Overall, being a responsible tourist who is socially aware and actively involved in the community is a good way to help Maui.