Get in touch with the Islands when you sign up to donate a little bit of your vacation time to volunteer projects on Maui.
Assignments will take you to remote, off-the-beaten track locations where you'll learn about Hawaiian culture and the tropical environment. You'll work with a group and meet others who share your interest in the island environment. Individual projects that you or your family can tackle independently are also available.
Learn about Hawaiian history and culture as you help to remove invasive weeds and possibly plant native species at Hawaiian archeological sites. Get your hands dirty helping to remove invasive pine trees from Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park. Help to restore an inland fish pond, or take the family on a beach clean-up.
All projects are recommended for people ages 10 and over. For more information and to sign up for any of those programs, call Pacific Whale Foundation at 249-8811 or 1-800-942-5311.
Another way to learn about Maui's natural environment is to take a trip to the Hawaii Nature Center in 'Iao Valley is a good pick for the whole family. Geared for children, it's no less fascinating to adults. The Center's Interactive Nature Museum and guided rainforest walks have been designed to interpret and experience Hawaii's natural history in a museum setting and in the natural environment. You'll walk away with a much better understanding of nature's role in the creation of the Islands.
The museum features more than 30 hands-on exhibits and activities, all designed to tell the story of Hawaii's natural history. The Rainforest Walk is a guided excursion into 'Iao Valley. A guide will share the lore and legend of this history-rich valley as hikers follow ancient footpaths. Watch for native and introduced Hawaiian plants and the remains of ancient habitation as you move along this moderate loop trail. Reservations are required.
The Museum and Gift Shop are open daily. Rainforest Walks can be booked at 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Walkers must be at least five years old. To reach the Nature Center, take West Main Street in Wailuku to the end of the road.
