Those wonderful chemicals the body produces for FREE when you do something good! Giving your time to do things to help others smile or to make our planet a better place gives back in ways you never thought possible. Volunteering can put a spring in your step and a glow in the heart that just can’t be beat.
We’re perfect examples. After traveling the past year and a half around the world, we’re finally back in the US and heading home to Florida. And to put it mildly, we’re tired. After visiting 25 countries it takes a lot to get us really excited about everyday things.
Fast forward to the final 3 weeks of our adventure where we’re basking in the beauty of Hawaii – Humpback whales and spinner dolphins in paradise. However, we needed a bigger purpose (not porpoise!). Maui has an incredible program called Volunteering on Vacation. It gives visitors a chance to be a part of the “voluntourism†phenomenon taking over the country. Sponsored by the groups of Pacific Whale Foundation, Hawaii Tourism Authority, S. Kihei Volunteers and Maui Coastal Land Trust, this program has something of interest to everyone.
Like archaeology? Then set off on Saturday mornings to the beautiful (and closed to the public) Honokawai Valley to see archaeological history of the Hawaiian culture while working to clear cemeteries or trails.
Maybe you’re a volcano explorer? The Haleakala National Park is your playground while removing invasive plants, clearing trails, or working in the native species greenhouse. That is, if you can stop gaping at the awesome vistas of the crater long enough to get the work done.
Bird or turtle watcher? Spend your early Monday mornings walking along spectacular S. Kihei beaches picking up litter and pulling invasive species. The group is called Hoaloha’aina (Friends of the Land). Views are amazing – turtles often make an appearance and the baby shearwaters are just about to leave their burrows.
Whale watching? The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary has on-going research projects where volunteers can jump in and help out. This Saturday (11/29) is Welcome Home to the Whales Day, keep your fingers crossed we’ll get some good shots of those fantastic creatures!
We’ve done a few of these projects so far and every time the “vol-endorphins†are SO worth it. Give it a try on your next vacation or even in your own neighborhood – you won’t regret it!