From the moment you arrive, Kauaʻi feels different. It’s not just the scenery—though the waterfalls, jagged cliffs, and turquoise water are unforgettable. It’s a feeling. A sense that this island is alive, and that you want to give back for what she's sharing with you...
That’s why thoughtful travelers to the Garden Isle ask themselves: What does it mean to visit Kauaʻi with care?
The answer begins with a powerful Hawaiian value: mālama.
🌿 What Mālama Means
In Hawaiian, mālama means to care for, to protect, to preserve. But it’s more than a word—it’s a mindset.
To travel with mālama is to see your trip not just as a break from everyday life, but as a chance to give something back. It's about enjoying paradise without leaving a footprint that burdens the land or the people who call it home.
🌈 5 Simple, Meaningful Ways to Mālama Kauaʻi
These aren’t complicated. They don’t require major effort. But they do help ensure your trip makes a positive impact—and often create your most memorable experiences along the way.
1. Support Local Over Chain or Mainland-Owned
Kauaʻi has a vibrant local economy—if you know where to look. Choose independent shops, restaurants, and tour companies that are rooted in the community.
2. Adopt a Dog for the Day 🐾
One of the most beloved ways guests at Hale i Lani give back is through the Kauaʻi Humane Society’s “Adopt a Dog for a Day” program. You can take a friendly, adoptable shelter dog out on a hike or beach adventure for the day.
You get companionship. The dog gets exercise, fresh air, and love. And sometimes… a forever home.
3. Help Keep the Beaches Beautiful
Even one piece of trash removed from the beach makes a difference. Whether you're walking Hanalei Bay or relaxing at Pu‘u Poa Beach, a super simple way to show mālama is to bring along a small bag and pick up any trash you see, especially plastic waste.
4. Give Where It Counts
At Hale i Lani, an amount equal to 1% of every stay goes to Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi that protects the island's ocean and coastlines, and to Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank the provides food for families across the island.
Consider matching that 1% with a personal donation—or simply spreading the word. Or do your own research and give to a cause that speaks to your heart. Your generosity supports real people and real impact...
5. Be a Mindful Natural Steward
Kauaʻi’s beauty is fragile, and even small actions can help protect it. Use reef-safe sunscreen, never touch coral or marine life, and keep a respectful distance from sea turtles and monk seals. Stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing native plants or wildlife habitats. There are so many simple ways to protect and conserve Kaua'i's natural environment and inhabitants.
A vacation can be both luxurious and thoughtful and it doesn’t take much. A bag of trash collected. A day spent with a shelter dog. A thoughtful choice about where you spend your money. Or a donation to an impactful local non-profits. There are so many ways to have an amazing trip while leaving the land and the community a little better than you left it...