How to Travel Mindfully and
Meaningfully in Hawaii
Protect Hawaii’s pristine landscapes through the Malama Hawaii program
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Give back to the local environment and community through
the Malama Hawaii initiative
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Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club is set to open in South Carolina next year (artist rendering; subject to change)
Members can enjoy stylish beachfront accommodation at the soon-to-be-opened Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations
In Japan, The Beach Resort Sesoko by Hilton Club is a luxurious accommodation addition to the HGV portfolio
While sustainability has been a buzzword in the travel industry for several years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the need for mindful, regenerative travel. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2021, 61% of travelers say the pandemic has made them want to vacation more sustainably in the future.
To this end, the Hawaii Tourism Authority introduced Malama Hawaii, a statewide initiative that enables visitors to malama (give back) to the local environment and community through enriching experiences offered by local nonprofit organizations. Try these four experiences on your next trip to the Aloha State.
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Sponsor a tree in Oahu's first legacy forest
Ever since humans first arrived in Hawaii more than 1,500 years ago, over half of the islands’ native forest cover has been lost — and more trees continue to vanish at an alarming rate. Since 2014, the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative has been working closely with community-centric businesses, nonprofit organizations and individual sponsors to carry out reforestation initiatives.
You, too, can play a part in restoring nature by sponsoring and planting a tree in Oahu’s first legacy forest. The one-hour tour includes an introduction to the Hawaiian landscape and helps you understand your tree’s role in healing the local ecosystem. Even after you leave, you can monitor your tree’s growth through tracking technology, so you’ll always feel connected to the mana (spiritual energy) of Hawaii.
Where to stay: Located about an hour from the Hawaiian Legacy Forest in Oahu, Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations offers easy access to the legendary beaches of Waikiki.
Plant a tree with the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative
Nicknamed “Mighty Mo,” the colossal vessel weighs over 58,000 tons and was the last American battleship ever built. Today, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is a major attraction for tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Travelers to Oahu can volunteer their time and effort to help restore the USS Missouri and preserve her place in history. Activities include cleaning, sanding and painting the vessel — you might even get to glimpse parts of the ship that are not open to the public.
Where to stay: After all that hard work, relax and unwind in your suite at Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations, which is a 25-minute drive from the memorial.
Volunteer at the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Restore the USS Missouri on your next trip to Oahu
Image by Gimas/Shutterstock
Help preserve Hawaii’s sands by participating in a beach clean-up
Image by kvnga/Unsplash
Hawaii is home to miles of beautiful coastline — and it’s crucial that its beaches and waters stay clean for its natural inhabitants. After all, marine debris is a major threat to wildlife, causing injury and even death.
Join the Pacific Whale Foundation on its mission to conserve the oceans by removing and documenting any marine debris you come across. Simply drop by the foundation’s Eco-Adventures Ocean Store in Lahaina or Ma‘alaea to pick up your supplies, and then head to any of Maui’s beaches to get started.
Where to stay: Book a 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite at Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations, which is now open for stays. Our first resort on Maui is characterized by natural materials and bright, breezy spaces that bring the outdoors in. What’s more, it’s conveniently located near beaches, waterfalls and fairways, making it the perfect base for a Maui vacation.
Clean beaches with the Pacific Whale Foundation
Experience farm life and learn more about Hawaiian agriculture on Oahu
Image by Cosmin Serban/Unsplash
This private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on Oahu is a popular filming location and vacation spot. Here, work and play come together in a fun-filled two-hour experience that introduces visitors to the history of Hawaiian agriculture and the importance of environmental sustainability.
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty as you help thatch traditional Hawaiian hale (grass huts) and plant la‘au lapa‘au (medicinal plants), which are used in teas, salves and tinctures. You might also get to help harvest kalo (taro), a humble root vegetable that plays an important role in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
Where to stay: Situated approximately 40 minutes from Kualoa Ranch, The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations provides a convenient gateway to the upscale shops and dining outlets of the adjacent Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Try your hand at farming at Kualoa Ranch
HGV recently donated $100,000 to global nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity to aid in the building and repairing of homes across the United States. This will give families and individuals an affordable place to call home, and help them achieve the stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. We are excited for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities where we live and work, and to expand our spirit of service.
HGV partners with Habitat for Humanity
As part of the Malama Hawaii initiative, HGV recently partnered with nonprofit youth organization Kupu to host a Kewalo Sunset Dinner for a group of HGV Owners and Club Members. The evening was filled with great food, drinks and dancing, with music courtesy of renowned Oahu performer Eric Lee. Proceeds from the event went toward creating paid job training opportunities for Hawaii’s youth.
“We received exceptional feedback from Owners and Club Members, who found such value in this intimate event that connected them to the community,” says Dennise Watanabe, Director of Marketing – Hawaii Pre-arrival at HGV. “This event is one of many examples that points to HGV’s commitment to the initiative.”
Musician Eric Lee graced the Kewalo Sunset Dinner organized by HGV and Kupu
Hawaii is open and welcoming visitors, including nonessential travelers. All incoming guests, regardless of vaccination status, must comply with the state’s Safe Travels program. This includes the completion of pre-travel forms and, in some cases, reporting of a negative pre-test taken with a trusted travel partner and uploaded to the state’s Safe Travels website prior to departure. Any incoming guest who does not comply with the pre-test or meet the vaccination requirements must observe a mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Find out more here.