Mālama ‘Āina

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Mālama ‘Āina
Source: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) / Dana Edmunds: Simpleview DAM - Digital Asset Management for DMOs (barberstock.com)

Starry Sky
Source: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) / Anna Pacheco; Hawai'i.barberstock.com/main.php

Yellow Flowers
Source: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Aeder; Hawaiʻi.barberstock.com/main.php

“Land is not a commodity to be exploited, it is a relative that is respected and cared for and, who, in turn, cares for us. Mālama ʻāina expresses our kuleana to care for the land and to properly manage the resources and gifts it provides.”
(Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

When visiting Hawaiʻi, respecting the people, environment, and traditions are an essential part of the experience. In Hawaiian culture, ‘aina represents the relationship between people and the environment. We are one with the land, so we must care for the land as we care for ourselves.

Definition

The Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui/Elbert) defines mālama as: 1. To take care of, tend, attend, care for, preserve, protect, beware, save, maintain; to keep or observe, as a taboo; to conduct, as a service; to serve, honor, as God; care, preservation, support, fidelity, loyalty; custodian, caretaker, keeper. In many cultures, values are often reciprocal. In Hawai'i, the concept of mālama is no different, e.g. if humankind takes care of nature, nature will, in turn, take care of humankind.

Take the Pono Pledge

Give Aloha

Hang Loose the minute you arrive: Take a deep breath and relax.
However, we are not all on vacation: We are all sharing space on this beautiful island. Though, residents are often hurrying to work, running errands, attending family gatherings, and more. While you are hanging loose, don’t forget to stay aware and give residents their space to “do life” as well.
Understanding Aloha: Hawaiian hospitality is referred to as Aloha, which is a lifestyle epitomized by a reciprocal value that is centered on kindness and respect.
Take time to learn about where you are: There is a ton of fascinating history and culture here, so take the time to learn at least one thing about this unique place.
Leave the place better than you found it: ALWAYS take all your belongings and opala (trash) with you. If someone else leaves things behind, help them and our island out.

Ways to mālama Hawai'i While Visiting Island of Hawai'i

Mālama Hawai'i is an initiative to inspire mindful travel to the Hawaiian Islands. One where industry partners and volunteer organizations across the state joined forces in encouraging visitors to help perpetuate and even regenerate the natural beauty and unique culture of our communities. Volunteers experience some of Hawai'i’s most unique locations while gaining a more enriching appreciation of our island values. Opportunities range from reforestation to fishpond restoration, ocean reef preservation to creating quilts for the kupuna (elders).

Opportunities:

Hualalai Crater Experience: Listen to the mo'olelo (stories) of Hualalai volcano on the Hualalai Crater Experience with Uluhao o Hualalai. At the tour's end, guests partake in the ultimate giveback: planting a koa sapling to help Hualalai’s reforestation. For participating in this volunteer activity, you will receive your fifth night free when booking the mālama Hawai'i package at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay or Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Visit: hotel-deals.marriott.com/mālama-Hawai'i.
Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project: The state-government-sponsored Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project brings together volunteer groups and individuals to hand-plant acres of māmane, koa, ‘iliahi and aalii seedling trees. Its efforts are also aimed at bringing back endemic Hawai'i birdlife.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the largest national park on the island of Hawai'i, welcomes volunteers to participate in stewardship work. The park’s Stewardship at the Summit work includes clearing out invasive species that keep native and understory plants from thriving.
Edith Kanakaole Foundation: The nonprofit Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation invites volunteers to participate in its monthly community workdays at Haleolono fishpond just outside of Hilo. The foundation also caretakes a number of other critical island cultural sites.

Source: www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/economic-development/tourism

Beach Etiquette

Space and Noise: Please don’t sit right next to another family when there is room somewhere else and do not blast music at a crowded beach. Enjoy your surroundings.
Leave the place better than you found it: ALWAYS take all your belongings and opala (trash) with you. If someone else leaves things behind, help them and our island out. Make some good karma for yourself. When you give Aloha like this, it will come back to you.
Use reef safe sunscreen.
Giving animals space at the beach and in the water: Don’t approach sea turtles and seals for photos; there are laws that mandate people stay a certain distance away.

Driving Etiquette

Parking: So much of Hawai’i has free parking, but it can quickly become “unfree” when you park illegally. This can cause a hazard by blocking first responders in the event of an emergency.
Speed Limits: We have them for a reason, to keep people safe on our two lane highways that don’t have barriers between the lanes. Enjoy the views.
Waving or giving the shaka sign: Waving or giving the shaka when someone lets you into the car line up is our way of saying “thank you.”
Visiting the over-visted spots: Do research ahead of your visit. Many areas require tickets and have limited or paid parking. If there is no room to park, there is no room at the location. Please respect our land, people and communities.
Pedestrian Rules Reminder: Roads are reserved for cars, and the side of the road is reserved for people. Please don’t compete with cars on the road. Walk safely in one line and use designated crosswalks.

Respect Mauka to Makai (mountain to ocean)

Don’t let social media be your guide to Hawai’i: Don’t get yourself an emergency response in a sticky situation for a photo. Going past signs that say “Do Not Go Beyond This Point” and climbing over the fence put there to keep people out is not ok in Hawai'i. It is disrespectful to ignore the rules we have, then post on social media and show others that you did it – so they can do it too. Much of this illegal access gets locations shut down and that makes the residents upset that another area was closed off due to overuse or illegal access. Have respect for mauka to makai (mountain to ocean).
Ocean safety: While lifeguards are there to protect you, please respect them by not putting yourself or their life in unnecessary danger. Remember to be aware of your surroundings, the changing current, and never have your back to the ocean.
- List of Beaches With County Lifeguards
- Real-time Conditions of the Beaches/Safety Measures

Trail safety: When preparing for a hike, wear proper shoes. Always choose official trails and trails that fit your level of fitness and experience. Make sure to watch the weather and check the conditions before you head out. Just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean it’s not raining in the mountains. Do not swim in waterfalls if you have open wounds, you may get leptospirosis. Read and follow all warning signs. Bring a map and always hike with a buddy!
Special circumstances: Things like landslides or roadwork will temporarily mess with your plans of trying to get to places you want to visit. Be patient and recognize that we all have somewhere to be, but unfortunately, if the road is closed, you will have to rearrange your plans as we all do. Hawai’i leaders try to set up systems so you can understand how they work but you have to do some research to figure things out, or talk to your hotel concierge or front desk employees. Read up on the big transportation updates on our website, and listen to 88.7 Hawaiian Public Radio, or check out our websites: County of Hawai’i, Hawai’i Police Department, and Hawai'i Department of Transportation for updated information during emergencies.