Mālama Maui: Mindful and unique things to do in Maui
Help care for, protect, and preserve the beauty of the Valley Isle with volunteer opportunities, conscious travel choices, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | January 16, 2026
Maui’s story today is one of resilience, renewal, and community care. In Hawaiian, mālama means to care for, tend, preserve, protect, and cherish. As you plan your visit, consider choosing experiences that honor the island’s natural beauty and support local recovery from the 2023 wildfires. This guide blends iconic things to do in Maui with simple ways to give back, plus ocean-safe tips and top nature adventures. Whether you’re volunteering for a morning beach cleanup or exploring Upcountry’s vibrant markets, your choices directly impact Maui’s environment and local communities.
Know before you go
Since the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, West Maui’s recovery is still ongoing, so respectful travel is essential. Many businesses have reopened, but some areas remain reserved for local access or recovery efforts. Before you visit, check the latest local advisories for updates. Support West Maui’s small businesses by dining, shopping, and booking experiences — always with sensitivity to local needs. Hilton Vacation Club Kaʻanapali Beach Maui offers direct access to the renowned Kaʻanapali Beach with oceanfront suites, lush tropical gardens, and a market serving Hawaiian specialties like loco moco. Stroll the Kaʻanapali Beachwalk to explore local shops and appreciate Maui’s natural beauty.
Mālama Maui and giving back
Meaningful travel starts with giving back. Help restore native habitats, clean beaches, and support local nonprofits with volunteer options through Mālama Hawaii, Maui Cultural Lands, Kīpuka Olowalu, and sanctuary projects. Every hour spent volunteering helps Maui’s ecosystem recover and connects you with the island’s spirit of aloha. Come prepared with closed-toe shoes, water, and sun protection. For a comfortable home base near Central and South Maui’s volunteer sites, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas features spacious suites with ocean or garden views, a tranquil lagoon-style pool, and easy access to beaches and local dining.
Protecting the oceans and marine life
Protecting Maui’s reefs starts with choosing the right sunscreen and practicing wildlife etiquette. Hawaii Act 104 bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and Maui County prohibits non-mineral formulas. Choose mineral-based sunscreen and apply before heading outdoors, then reapply after swimming. When viewing marine wildlife, follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines: stay at least 100 yards (90 meters) from humpback whales, 50 yards (45 meters) from dolphins, 50 feet (15 meters) from monk seals, and at least 10 feet (3 meters) from sea turtles on land and in water. Limit viewing time and never touch or feed wildlife. For effortless beach access and thoughtful amenities, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides mineral sunscreen stations, direct entry to Wailea Beach, and plenty of ways to explore the ocean, including scuba diving, paddleboarding, and traditional outrigger canoe tours.
Conscious cultural experiences
Maui’s cultural experiences invite you to connect with local makers, artists, and traditions. Browse Upcountry farmers markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts, or attend a live performance at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Many state parks, including Waiʻānapanapa, ʻĪao Valley, and Haleakalā, require advance reservations, so plan ahead to secure your spot to enjoy these quintessential experiences. Shop local, join guided tours, and ask about reservation-only activities to support Maui’s creative community. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort also offers cultural programs on-site, from the traditional Grand Lūʻau and signature Hawaiian spa rituals to the Kilohana Cultural Resource Center’s crafts, dance, and ukelele lessons.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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