Hawai'i Big Island: Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation & Snorkeling

GIVE makes ethical tourism & travel easy and accessible for anyone dedicated to making a positive impact. From the moment I arrived in Hawai’i, my GIVE guides welcomed me with open arms and wide smiles—they made traveling alone less frightening and helped me make memories I’ll never forget. Not only were the excursions to snorkel at the coral reefs, hiking through a volcano, and crawling through caves spectacular experiences—each project brought new and important lessons. Through our project partners we learned about the negative impact mainstream tourism has on Hawai’i, we learned about caring for the āina (land) through an indigenous perspective, and supported projects that directly helped the community. Yes, I spent a week in paradise, but this GIVE trip gave me so much more than pretty pictures. I can say that I am leaving a better person than when I came. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life-changing experience!

My trip to the Big Island of Hawai’i changed my life and the way that I connect with my inner humanity. Yes, I got to go on amazing adventures like snorkeling with sea turtles, climbing a volcano and seeing it actually erupt, chasing waterfalls, exploring caves and black sand beaches, and so much more. But what made it all worth it was the relationships that I created and the wisdom that I received by living and working alongside the locals. Our project hosts gave me so many life tools with the completion of every project and our guides, Traven, Jordan, and Liv, where there to help our group every step of the way. Every time I pulled an invasive species out of the Earth, I pulled invasive thoughts out of my head. Every time I removed waste from the coastlines, I removed waste within myself. And every time I learned more of the Native’s wisdom, I unlearned the American norm of making a living and relearned the human beauty in making a life. I recommend this life altering trip to anyone and everyone. I felt so safe, so guided, and so changed the entire time. Thank you to the locals of the Big Island for welcoming me as family, my new ‘ohana that I found in my fellow volunteers, and GIVE for helping to make a trip like this possible.

The trip has taught me a lot about Hawai’i but also the relationship between the land and people. I found the work that we were doing to be helpful to our project partners and was glad to help. I learned so many new things about the Hawaiian culture that I would not have learned without GIVE volunteers. I am thankful for meeting new people and working with them to help our project partners with what they need. I enjoyed the guides and project partners energy and explanations during the trip. They made the trip enjoyable and comfortable. I am thankful to have met so many people and learn from them this trip was very special.

I got to learn how to make plant based burgers based off of what we had from the land. I got out of my comfort zone and hung out with people I don’t usually hangout with. I was able to try new foods and make new foods. You get to learn how to work together with people. In a way it reminded me of the breakfast club because people from all over with different personalities all come together. If I could I would go back it was a life changing trip and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to go.

My experience with GIVE was truly amazing. Leading up to my trip to Hawaii, GIVE communicated clearly and consistently, making sure we knew exactly what needed to be done to ensure everything went smoothly. They responded to emails and texts promptly and were always friendly and supportive. My time in Hawaii was life-changing. I learned so much and came home feeling completely fulfilled. The guides were incredible and made everyone feel comfortable and included. I formed lifelong connections and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I would highly recommend going on a trip with GIVE. It was, without a doubt, the best week of my life.

Traveling with GIVE was a unique experience unlike any other. My trip to Hawaii left me filled with abundance of gratitude, connection, self-reflection, empathy, and compassion for myself, others, and the land we get to inhabit. It took me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and we learned so much about living life with giving more than we take in mind. It’s a great opportunity to build new friendships, learn to let go, and learn about Hawaii and what it means to travel sustainably and to respect our land and all its creatures. I can’t wait to sign up for my next trip!

I am so grateful for my second trip with GIVE Volunteers on the Big Island Hawai’i 💚 🌊 🌺 🌅

The people of Hawai’i have endless stories to tell that most people will never hear (or listen to). I’ll never forget the moment after a beach cleanup with the Hawaiian Wildlife Fund, when a local told us, “You have two eyes two ears and one mouth…what that means is you should look and listen twice as much as you speak.” As he spoke, he looked over his ancestors’ land while the powerful waves of Kawa Bay crashed behind him.

Our guides taught us just a few Hawaiian words, but the one that resonated with many of us throughout the trip was mana. Mana is the universal life force that moves through everything, and it is deeply powerful on this island. Mahalo nui loa to our wonderful trip guides for their open hearts, guiding us on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. And of course, I could never forget to mention the loving ohana of my fellow volunteers—these are the most wonderful, like-minded people, all dedicated to our work each and every day.

Traveling to Hawaii with GIVE was one of the best experiences of my life. The people I met on the trip, ranging from the incredibly down-to-earth guides and the other passionate volunteers, are some of my dearest friends and I hope to stay in touch with them for the rest of my life. Immersing myself in the local culture of Hawaii’s big island allowed me to embrace a new cultural environment and learn from the steward and caretakers of the beautiful āina. Having been on this trip and making so many incredible friends, I would definitely recommend going on a GIVE trip to anyone and everyone who’s even slightly interested. It may just change your life forever. I know it did for me. Thank you Liv, Jayden, Carly, and Traven for welcoming me to go on this wonderful journey and allowing me to learn more about the people and culture of beautiful Hawaii.