Whether you’re interested in a specific cause or simply want to get involved on the island, volunteering is a great opportunity to learn about your surroundings, local culture, and promote positive change on Maui. Take a look at the following volunteer opportunities for both visitors and residents and consider joining!

Maui Volunteer Opportunities

Pacific Cancer Foundation

Mission: The mission of Pacific Cancer Foundation is to to provide access, knowledge and support to all those affected by cancer in Maui County. The Foundation focuses on providing free support services for Maui’s cancer community. Find out more information on their website.

Currently Need: Volunteers for workshops, health fairs and fundraising events (Go Pink! Campaign with MPD and MFD, Paddle for Life – Voyage to Lana’i, Aloha Kalikimaka Benefit Gala, etc.) throughout the year that benefit Maui County’s cancer community.

Hale Kau Kau

Mission: Feed the hungry and disabled residents of South Maui. Generate community awareness and solicit help from organizations to assist in the implementation of the program.

Currently Need: Volunteer drivers to deliver meals to individuals in the Kihei area. Must commit to one day per week or volunteer as an on-call sub. Must be over 21 years old.

Maui Food Bank

Mission: Help the hungry in Maui County by collecting and distributing food through community partnerships.

Currently Need: Administrative volunteers to help with clerical needs, food sorters to pack and distribute food, and outgoing, energetic volunteers to engage people during special events. Short or long term volunteer options available. Must be at least 16 years old. Respond here.

Sample Financial Counseling Services

Mission: Spreading knowledge about the basic principles of money management so that we can all live in a more fiscally responsible and stable community.

Currently Need: Roundtable speakers and participants that want to help with the Monthly Seminar series. Must be at least 18 years old and have knowledge of money management tools, tips, or general financial expertise.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Mission: Protection of humpback whales and other protected species through education, outreach, research and resource protection activities.

Currently Need: Visitor Center Docent, School Group Volunteer, Water Quality Volunteer, Community Outreach Volunteer, Marine Turtle Stranding Network Volunteer, Sanctuary Lecturer, Administrative Support Volunteer and Landscaping and Native Plant Care Volunteer. Training provided, six-month minimum commitment, and must be at least 18 years old. Respond here.

Hands on Maui

Mission: Promoting volunteerism as a means of fostering increased citizen involvement in the community and enabling public and private non-profit agencies to enhance or maintain needed human services.

Currently Need: Social Media Volunteer who is comfortable with Facebook marketing, including “liking”, cross promotion, etc. Must be at least 21 years old.

Hale Makua Health Services

Mission: Improve the well being of Maui elders through compassionate, personalized health services in your home and ours, including long term care, home health, rehab, adult day health and care homes.

Currently Need: PGA Golf Tournament Volunteer (December 31, 2013 – January 7, 2014) to help set up and tear down, do course clean-up, merchandising, assist media and distribute flyers and posters, Shopping Volunteers, Music Appreciation Teacher, and Activities Volunteer. Must pass background check, complete a TB test, and attend orientation (except for PGA Volunteer). Must be at least 16 years old.

Hana Lumi

Mission: Encourage, enable and inspire creative works through arts education and access to resources.

Currently Need: Volunteers with an interest in visual arts to help host Meet & Make workshops throughout Maui. Must be at least 18 years old.

Hali’imaile Community Garden

Mission: Building community around food self-sufficiency, providing a place where gardeners can reconnect with the land, their neighbors and practice sustainable and organic environmental practices.

Currently Need: In-kind donations, including garden tools, pick ax, chainsaw, rolls of weed mat, 20’x12’ tarps, PVC pipes and fittings (1.5” and 2”), postage stamps, envelopes, copy paper, and garden furniture (tables and chairs) as well as Garden Maintenance Volunteers to help maintain the common areas of the garden. Must be at least 18 years old.

The Maui Farm

Mission: Provide farm-based, family centered programs that teach essential life skills for self-sufficient living in a healthy neighborhood setting.

Currently Need: After School Hands-On Activities Program Volunteers, Gardening Volunteers, and a Nursery Aide. Must be at least 16 years old.

Sustainable Living Institute of Maui

Mission: Optimizing Maui’s economy by helping people build skills that are compatible with the community’s cultural choices and economic aspirations; developing Maui as an exemplary and prosperous island; sharing eco-effective methods with other communities throughout the world and serving as a living laboratory and classroom for building and managing holistic communities.

Currently Need: Community Garden Volunteers to help Maui residents and visitors learn how to grow their own organic food and meet new people. Must be at least 13 years old. Respond here.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary

Mission: Protection and preservation of threatened, endangered and distressed primates.

Currently Need: Animal Caregiver Volunteers to work directly with monkeys. AM shifts (8am – 1pm) and PM shifts (3pm – 6pm) available. Training provided, one year commitment required, must work at least one shift per week, must be at least 17 years old. Respond here.

National Remember Our Troops Campaign

Mission: Honoring all military service members, veterans and their families through recreational therapy for wounded troops and disabled veterans, employment programs for unemployed veterans, transitional housing for homeless veterans, emergency financial aid and proactively combating major stress, PTSD and suicide among service members and veterans.

Currently Need: School Outreach and Card Writing Volunteers. Must be at least 17 years old, have reliable transportation with auto insurance, a valid drivers license, internet access, cell phone and pass a criminal background check.

Na Hoaloha: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Mission: Provide compassionate care for seniors to enable them to remain in their homes and independent.

Currently Need: Friendly Visitor Volunteers to visit homebound elders and talk to them, Aloha Cruiser Volunteers to give a senior citizen a ride (will receive $0.55/mile). Must be at least 18 years old.

Mental Health America – Maui County Branch

Mission: Promote mental wellness, intervene when mental illnesses or co-occurring disorders are present, reduce stigma and improve overall care, treatment and empowerment of those with mental illnesses, including children, adults, elders and their families.

Currently Need: Volunteers to work with and support those with mental illness, General Office Volunteers, Committee Volunteers, Educational Program Volunteers, Advisory Board Volunteers and Health Fair Volunteers.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Mission: Protection of Maui Nui’s rich native plants and cultural heritage by collecting, cultivating, and distributing native and Polynesian-introduced plants.

Currently Need: Volunteers to assist Garden Staff with the beautification and maintenance of a six acre garden. Tools, gloves, sunscreen, refreshments, expertise, discounted merchandise, group field trips and free Hawaiian plants provided. Volunteer opportunities available every Wednesday from 8:30am – 10:30am.

Maui Humane Society Ambassador

Mission: Save the lives of unwanted pets on Maui, accepting all in need of shelter and working to humanely reduce the homeless pet population, rescue and protect them from suffering, promote responsible and caring treatment, and educate our community, inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Helping Paws Visitor Program, Junior Animal Advocated of Maui Volunteer Program and Maui Humane Society Ambassadors willing to help with activities such as Animal Camp, events, education presentations and shelter tours. Must be at least 15 years old, short or long term opportunities available. Respond here.

Maui Friends of the Library

Mission: Providing a place for libraries and individuals to donate their used books and using these donations as well as membership dues to fund various items and programs for Maui County Public Libraries.

Currently Need: Puunene Library Volunteers to meet and greet shoppers, operate register, sort and shelf books, and assist customers. Morning and afternoon shifts available, must be at least 18 years old. Book Shuttle Driver Volunteers to transfer 6 to 10 cases of used books once a week from the Puunene Store to new Lahaina Store. Must be at least 21 years old.

Maui Friday Town Parties

Mission: Showcase Maui’s historic towns and celebrate the unique nature of the business communities through art, music, and culture.

Currently Need: Volunteers to assist in setting up (1pm – 6pm) and breaking down (8:30pm – 9pm) the Kihei Fourth Friday Town Party. Must be at least 16 years old.

Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

Mission: Conservation of Hawaii’s native forest ecosystems by recovering Maui’s endangered birds and restoring their habitats through research, development and application of conservation techniques.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Office Assistance, Lawn Care, Mist Net Repair, Social Media Support, Graphic Design and Newsletter Assistance, Maui Vendor Support, and Fundraising. Must be at least 25 years old.

Maui County Health Volunteers

Mission: Training people for responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters, promoting emergency preparedness through outreach and education in the community.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Office Help, CPR Trainers, Research, and Social Media Assistance. Background check required. Must be at least 18 years old.

Maui Adult Day Care Centers

Mission: Providing adult day care services in a family environment that is safe and filled with love, and support to both families and caregivers.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Health Fairs held throughout the year that benefit elderly and caregivers through a daytime program, support counseling, support groups and workshops. Days and locations vary, must be 18 years old.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Mission: Protect human and civil rights of Hawaii’s aging population who reside in licensed or certified long term care settings by assisting in upholding the Older Americans Act of 1965, along with state and federal regulations, through the provision of culturally sensitive advocacy.

Currently Need: Volunteers to help with ensuring residents’ rights. Training provided, long term only, must make weekly 2-4 hour visits. Must be at least 21 years old.

Leilani Farm Sanctuary

Mission: Providing shelter and care for rescued animals and humane education to the community.

Currently Need: Volunteers to help with farm work, including cleaning the barn, fund-raising, gardening, assisting with farm tours, spreading wood chips, animal grooming, handyperson jobs, deck cleaning, tree trimming, manure collection, weed whacking, mulching, hoof trimming, window washing, cleaning rabbit pen, grass cutting, chain sawing, chipping, painting, carpentry, concrete work, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, fence repair, and more. Must be at least 16 years old.

Lana’i Art Center

Mission: Providing arts and cultural experiences for all residents and visitors through ongoing classes, workshops and studio access.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Gallery Staff to assist in greeting the public and share information about the artists. Must be at least 18 years old. Respond here.

Kanaha Pond Restoration Society

Mission: Improve and restore the habitat of the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, and Hawaiian duck.

Currently Need: Volunteers to help with removing invasive species, planting native species, and building cages to protect native plants from deer predation. Opportunities every 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the month from 8:30am – 10:30am, must be at least 16 years old.

Hoaloha’ Aina/South Maui Volunteers

Mission: Help restore dunes, maintain trails and plant native plants along the South Maui Coastal Heritage Corridor.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Dune Restoration Projects, including weeding/removing invasive plants, planting native plants, repairing access trails, and more. Opportunities every Monday from 7:30am – 9:30am in Kihei, usually at one of the Kamoaole Beach Parks, must be 18 years old.

Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Mission: Provide information and assistance to individuals, families, caregivers and agencies regarding Medicare benefits.

Currently Need: Community Presenters, Outreach Specialists, Consumer Relations Specialist, Health Insurance Counselors, and Materials Tester Volunteers to help evaluate new Hawaii Guide to Medicare. Must be at least 64 years old.

Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Mission: Provide housing to those in need.

Currently Need: Cleaning Assistance Volunteers for low income housing to help clean 20 vacant units for families in need. Saturday mornings from 8am – 12pm, must be 18 years old.

Haku Baldwin Center

Mission: Engage in charitable, educational and scientific work of a public nature involving the establishment and operation of an animal center for therapeutic treatment, education and nurturing of challenged individuals.

Currently Need: Volunteers for Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Children with Special Needs (Monday and Tuesday, 1:30pm – 4:30pm) and Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am – 1pm). Must be at least 18 years old or 14 years old with parental approval.

Habitat for Humanity

Mission: Develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses.

Currently Need: Volunteers for special Martin Luther King Day Project and other day-to-day projects, including demolition, renovation, installation, construction, organizing, cleaning, painting, unloading, sorting, stocking, pricing, etc. All tools and supplies provided, work for at least 4 hours in the morning or from 9am – 4pm on January 19^th for MLK Day. Must be at least 14 years old.

Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe (FOFA)

Mission: Continue the work and vision of David Thomas Fleming by preserving Maui’s dry land forest plant species for the restoration of watershed and native habitat on the southern slopes of Haleakala.

Currently Need: Volunteers for field work projects in the Fleming Arboretum. Training, refreshments and picnic lunch provided, opportunities every first Saturday of the month from 9am – 2pm.

East Maui Animal Refuge

Mission: Providing care for animals in distress at no financial charge to the individual or group who rescued said animal in an all-volunteer, no-kill facility.

Currently Need: Wildlife Rehabilitator Volunteers who care for orphaned, injured or ill wild birds such as the native Hawaiian owl and other varieties. Training provided, must commit to one morning or afternoon shift per week.

American Cancer Society

Mission: Dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Currently Need: Volunteers to drive cancer patients to his or her treatments, usually in West Maui and Upcountry areas to Central Maui. Must provide own car, have valid driver’s license, car insurance and take an orientation class. Gas mileage reimbursement provided, flexible hours, weekdays only, must be at least 18 years old. Look Good, Feel Better Volunteers for ladies who will benefit from appearance related support. Licensed cosmetologists or estheticians only, training provided, Monday classes, must be at least 21 years old.

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Mission: Preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the sugar industry and multi-ethnic plantation life that it endangered.

Currently Need: Volunteers to assist in gift shop, lead guided museum tours, assist with Education Program, gardening, cleaning and other necessary tasks; opportunities available Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning or afternoon, all tools and training provided, must be at least 18 years old. Museum Docent Volunteer, leading groups of students on Sugar Museum tour; opportunities available Tuesdays and Thursdays during school year, two hours per day, training provided, must be at least 18 years old.

Surfrider Foundation – Maui Chapter

Mission: Protection and preservation of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through conservation, activism, research and education.

Currently Need: Volunteers for monthly beach clean-ups on Maui every 3^rd Saturday of the month. Lunch provided. Respond here.

West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership

Mission: Protecting the Hawaiian forests of West Maui, including the water you drink.

Currently Need: Volunteers to encourage local community to get involved in protecting our drinking water, Hawaii Youth Conservation Corp. Interns. Respond here.

Sources:

https://preservehawaii.org/volunteer/