A Month in Maui – Volunteering and Living Locally

Spending the summer of 2024 on the island of Maui is not what I had expected to be in the cards for me last year, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The once in a lifetime opportunity I had to volunteer in Maui for a month and give back to the community I was fortunate to immerse myself into is a unique experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

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Over the past several months since returning to the mainland, back to my home in Kansas City, Missouri and now having returned to where I grew up in Kansas (not a sports fan but … go Chiefs) I have been going back and forth on how exactly to put my experience into words that properly portrays the whole story.

While writing this, I have yet to find those exact words, and I don’t think any words will ever completely quite express this experience of mine. My time in Maui was one that was truly transformative and I couldn’t recommend an opportunity like this one enough, or any volunteer travel for that matter.

If you’re like me and interested in exploring the world while giving back and learning from others, or just here to read about my experience, you’re in the right place. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world we are all a part of contributing to, and this opportunity has allowed me to step into doing just that.

I do want to initially acknowledge my awareness of the fact that not everyone has the means to spend 5+ weeks in Hawaii. For this, I do want to make my sincerest gratitude and appreciation clear, for everything and everyone that helped to make this possible and supported me along the way. If you’re reading this, you know who you are, and I again thank you for everything!

But an experience like this can really be in the cards for anyone! Don’t be discouraged, because volunteer travel is more possible than you might think.

Choosing and Applying For the Right Program

One of several volunteer travel platforms is Worldpackers: a site available to each and every one of you who may be looking to have life-changing experiences, travel safely as a volunteer, and make a positive impact. For a small annual subscription fee, you are given the ability to apply to a wide variety of volunteer experiences all around the world!

The site has an academy and community blog available to learn from other travelers, by watching videos and reading posts that encompass any kind of travel tips or advice you could want to learn about.

Once you’ve explored around the site and learned from other volunteers, finding the best opportunity for you is not a hard task! With the variety of search filters and recommendations, you can find an opportunity that best fits your needs. Whether this is a certain destination, length of stay, program type, or the purpose of your trip, Worldpackers will help to find the best fit for you.

All volunteer opportunities have their own description, rules, and accommodation listed so that you know exactly what is expected and what you receive in return. Upon applying, you are required to list your available dates and answer certain questions that the host will review to make sure you are a good fit for the position. This makes the application process so simple and ensures that both you and the host are on the same page!

As a solo female traveler, of course safety is a top priority and concern. With Worldpackers, each and every host is verified so that you can be confident in your safety when applying and of course during your stay. Many hosts will also request a video chat with you prior to arriving in order to get to know each other better!

The WP team also has dedicated support there for you in the off chance something may go unexpectedly during your trip.

And, you have the ability to contact fellow volunteer travelers from all around the world who already volunteered where you are planning to go or will be there with you! This is such a great resource to take advantage of while preparing for your trip, and helped me to overcome some fears I had before even stepping foot on the plane.

Preparing for the Experience

Even before I had confirmed my stay in Maui, I had reached out to a previous volunteer who told me about her experience, what to expect and how to prepare, which was incredibly helpful in easing my nerves I felt about taking this big trip.

I reached out to my fellow volunteers who planned to be there around the same time I was as well, and got to know them both before even arriving. Taking the initiative to get to know each other and chat about our excitement and our nerves, while also making plans for our stay, was a great way to prepare further and form an initial bond with each other!

So once my trip was confirmed and I was ready to book my flight, as a 20-something woman, I felt that my parents should be aware. In short, my parents are supportive while also realistic of what I choose to do, and I’m grateful and fortunate to have their support and help. They know that I’ve wanted to travel for a long time, and that I’m following my dreams to do so.

For a bit of backstory, growing up my family and I didn’t travel much. The farthest we have traveled together is to Galveston Texas, where we had actually gone for vacation as a family only a few days before I left for Maui. While they were nice trips and the first beach I’ve been to, travel was simply never prioritized in our family. And so it has been and become more of a priority for me.

As you can probably imagine, telling my parents that I was going to Maui for a month to to volunteer was a bit of an uneasy conversation to have, but at that point I had confirmed my stay and couldn’t give up to the fear and doubt that I felt. It’s inevitable to feel fear when doing anything new, intimidating or unknown. Trust me, I’m still tackling those fears often. But we can’t control the outcomes, only our actions and how we respond to any given situation.

Traveling With a Career

Now, you might be wondering how exactly I was able to afford this trip or take enough time off of work to leave and go to Hawaii for a month. And if you’re not wondering, you’re about to learn!

At the time, I was working as a leasing agent at an apartment community and had been there for a little over a year. (my longest job ever) After speaking with my boss about my plans, I was able to request a leave of absence for my time off, and also had several vacation hours accrued which helped my case.

For about three out of the five weeks while I was away, I was still making an income from my job back home, paying my rent there, and covering expenses in Maui including my rental car, food, and extras.

Don’t get me wrong, Maui is an expensive island, as is Hawaii in general. But with a career back home, savings and a United Airlines credit card (to get those points!) I was able to make it work.

In order to tell the whole story, now might be a good time to mention that while I was away, I also happened to receive a promotion for my job back home. As one probably would, I took the job offer, but only after some hesitation of staying with the company at all.

Throughout my time spent in Maui and even before I had left the mainland, I was at a point where I really had the urge to travel and figure out my career along the way. Ultimately, this is what led me to leaving that job a few months after returning back home.

All of this is to say that I encourage you to trust yourself and your gut. You know what’s best for you, and no one else can figure that out on your behalf! No matter what happens, you will always be led along the path meant for you.

Life can sometimes seem to have a weird way of teaching you what you need to know, but every relationship, career and experience can teach you a lesson if you allow it to. That’s just life!

This is a big chapter of my story, but this blog isn’t all about quitting my job. Leave a comment or contact me if you’d like to know more about that and we can talk again later. Now back to what we’re here to read about: my trip to Maui!

Preparing for My First Big Trip

Packing and planning for Maui was an exciting yet intimidating time. I had so many feelings at once: hope, anxiety, doubt, and joy, but the primary feeling I had was pride. I was so proud of myself for even getting the trip confirmed and booked, without having left home yet. That’s how I knew this was what I needed to do at that moment.

This had allowed me to mentally prepare for being away from home for an extended period of time, since I was already out of town for a few days and at the beach. Before even leaving for Texas, I made sure to physically prepare what I could for Maui as well, and planned for what needed to be done.

I had my cats things ready for my parents to watch her while I was away, and my bag ready to go with everything and more recommended by Black Swan Temple, where I was set to volunteer in Haiku, Maui. I did feel some guilt for leaving my cat behind and I missed her throughout my time away, but I knew she was in good hands. Plus, there were cats I met during my stay that kept me great company 🙂

Packing and Planning for the Island Life

Since this volunteer experience was located more off-grid in the jungle of Maui, there were a few items in particular that were important to pack. Especially with the islands tropical climate and the work I would be doing around the retreat, there was some planning and thrifting to do before arriving.

Thankfully I enjoy thrifting, so over time while at the local thrift store I shopped for long pants, shirts, and skirts, all of the necessities in order to keep myself covered from the sun and pokey pineapples while I worked in the gardens. A sun hat and summer clothing was also necessary to have since I was there around peak summertime from June to July.

It’s worth noting that Maui is always subject to trade winds because of its location. They are especially prevalent in the summer months of June through September, when you will likely be coated with sand and salt if you are visiting the northern or eastern shores like Kapalua and Paia. However, the southern and western shores including Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, and Ka’anapali can tend to be calmer and are popular locations for tourists, home to the Grand Wailea and other luxury resorts and shopping centers.

Before arriving in Maui I also did my research and took advantage of the resources Black Swan Temple and Retreat offered, including tips for finding a rental car to travel the island, and recommendations for popular sites and places to visit during my stay.

I was able to book a rental car through a kind local family and planned excursions through Viator such as the Haleakala sunrise tour and snorkeling at the island of Molokini, which were just two of the many highlights of my trip.

Life as a Volunteer – Work and Accommodation

But of course, I wasn’t only on the island to explore for a month! As a volunteer through Worldpackers, I was given accommodation including a room of my own to sleep, a shared bathroom, an outdoor shower (which was only challenging at first) and a volunteer kitchen, including all of the resources I could need to live sufficiently and sustainability during my time in Maui.

Upon my arrival and with pickup from the Kahului airport (included in my accomodation) I met Heather and Donny, the cofounders of Black Swan Temple and Mystical Alchemy Sound Healing. I continued to meet others at the retreat and throughout my stay who are a part of the Ohana (a Hawaiian term meaning family, and from the classic Disney movie ‘Lilo & Stitch’) ☺️

Black Swan Temple and Retreat includes a spa, sauna, cold plunge, meditation and yoga centers, and more! Along with my accommodation, I was given access to these amenities which I spent time in before and after my volunteer hours and even during their events, which I will share more of shortly.

Throughout my stay, I had a pretty consistent schedule about every weekday morning to afternoon of 4 to 5 hours spent volunteering at the retreat. My responsibilities varied, but mostly consisted of cleaning the main house, guest spaces, or the spa rooms.

I also spent many of my hours in the gardens as well, whether weeding around plants and crops, or the occasional planting of an herb, fruit or vegetable.

My time spent volunteering was truly a unique and incredible experience! Within the environment of Maui and the retreat itself, I felt grounded and at peace throughout my volunteer work, whether outdoors or inside, and truly in awe of the once in a lifetime opportunity I was experiencing. Especially while being in such a spiritual and magical environment like the Black Swan Temple.

Local Events and Cultural Immersion

As I mentioned, events were also frequently hosted at the retreat which I was fortunate enough to take part in while offering a helping hand as a volunteer during some of these times.

For each new and full moon, a moon and spa temple mini retreat was hosted, bringing in others near and far to collectively realign and harmonize with the energy of the moon’s phases. A few aspects of these rituals included breath and movement practices, a sound healing meditation, sacred cacao offerings and use of the temple spa. These events and others were hosted, also including an aerial yoga and immersive sound healing retreat.

I was given the chance to spend time connecting with those who had come together from all corners of the world, to be part of one collective community. It was an amazing opportunity to share and gain knowledge and to come together regardless of any demographic differences in age, gender, or our backgrounds as a whole. It truly felt like a safe space to be authentically ourselves and connect with a universal higher power.

During one event in particular, I spent time at the spa with a few others who had joined the retreat. I was speaking with a couple and happened to mention my excursion I had planned for the next morning to see the sunrise on Haleakala. The gentleman, older and wiser than myself, then mentioned his experience there for sunrise many years prior, and the idea he had to set one time bound intention for his future as the sun rose.

I’m going to refrain from sharing my intention here now, and am going to treat it like a birthday wish if you will. You may wonder what my point was in sharing this story if I’m not going to tell you my intention, but I feel inspired to tell you this in order to share how one simple conversation with another can deeply inspire and transform the trajectory of your life. I believe this gentleman saw my potential and the best in me, and through intention setting he encouraged me to believe in my own self and chase my dreams more than ever before.

Adventures Around the Island

During my time spent outside of volunteering and enjoying events at the retreat, I had the opportunity to explore so much of what the island has to offer. While I was exploring solo for the first few weeks, I spent lots of my free time driving to nearby waterfalls and trails, such as Twin Falls in Haiku, and exploring the beaches and towns of Kahului, Paia, Ho’okipa and other surrounding areas.

My fellow volunteer friend Nicole then arrived after a few weeks after my arrival, and so during our time outside of volunteering we explored the island together. This was a great opportunity for us both to explore and have each other to share such incredible experiences with. We went on several hikes – most notably (and brutally) the Lahaina Pali trail – which led us up to the windmills on the Southwest shore of Maui.

With the car, we were able to explore freely and take many road trips. For one trip in particular we drove the Road to Hana, a famous 64-mile scenic drive with many hair-pin curves and one-lane bridges. This was an intimidating drive at first, but after a few miles of controlling my speed and slowly turning around corners, I felt like a pro! With the number of tourists and narrow roads, this can make for a long travel day and lots of patience. But the stops along the way including Wai’anapanapa State Park (with the black sand beaches) waterfalls to swim in including Wailua Falls, and the beautiful Hamoa Beach, just to name a few, made it all well worth it.

We spent lots of our free time in Westside Maui, home to Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Wailuku and more. Although Lahaina tragically experienced a series of wildfires in early 2023, and was still rebuilding and recovering during my time spent there, we noted this Southwest shore to be our favorite.

The Westside included the most beautiful beaches we had found yet, particularly at Ka’anapali. This area of Maui is home to many resorts and tourist attractions including Whalers Village, a large shopping district full of shops and delicious foods. Since this area of the island doesn’t tend to get as many strong winds, this allows for lots of sun-tanning, snorkeling and surfing with the calmer waves.

One of my main bucket list items on this trip was to surf for the first time, which I succeeded in learning! I’m not any pro by any means, but with the help of a talented surf instructor, I was able to stand up a few times and ride some waves. I never wanted to leave the board that day, but my dream of learning to surf for the first time was fulfilled. And maybe one day I’ll have the chance to get back on a board and practice again!

On my last day, we then visited the second of the three Maui Brewing locations perfectly located at Ka’anapali beach, where we enjoyed more live music and the gorgeous sunset. I couldn’t have asked for a better last day on the island, with my friend, good food, and a beautiful view!

Skills Gained from Volunteering

Throughout my five weeks spent volunteering in Maui, I built skills and gained knowledge that I couldn’t have expected to throughout my time there. I went into my trip trying not to have any specific expectations, and wanted to simply make the most of every moment and contribute to making a positive impact while I was there.

Through volunteer work in particular, with not having done much volunteering in the past and especially not in a location like Maui, I was able to gain and strengthen valuable life skills, some of which including my discipline and communication. During my stay, I was to focus on the task at hand and complete the work to be done efficiently and in the hours given.

Doing so allowed me to improve my self-discipline while working, and manage my time and any distractions I may have. This came only after some practice of silencing my phone and waiting to complete work or take a break in order to communicate with family and friends back home in a different time zone, as they were 5 hours behind me.

Since I was a volunteer and working for accommodation while I was there, I was in a position that required intent listening and completion of the work expected. This did come easily to me and I listened and took action successfully. However, along with doing so came the need to improve my own communication, and ask questions when unsure or needing clarification.

In a few instances I happened to do the work incorrectly, having not thought through specifics I wouldn’t have known without asking. For one project in particular, I was asked to plant a few herbs in the garden. I dug and planted them as asked, however when my hosts noticed the plants distance from each other, I was told they were far too close to grow healthily. This was my mistake, and so I returned to separate the plants farther apart in order to allow them to thrive.

In retrospect, this mistake could have been avoided by asking where and how far apart the herb was to be planted, and even asked for specifics or a demonstration if needed. But ultimately, it was planted and hopefully harvested successfully.

Once Nicole had arrived and we were to help each other on certain projects, my teamwork skills had also been put to the test, but ultimately improved. Through volunteering and living together, we were able to learn each other’s personalities and work styles in order to complete the tasks and spend quality time together. We worked well as a team, although we had just a few tasks to be completed with each other.

Nonetheless, I learned through the new experience of living and volunteering both solo and with a friend, and grew more confident in my ability to do so!

Learning About Hawaiian Culture

The Spirit of Aloha

Being in Maui for an extended period of time also inevitably allowed me to experience and learn about the Hawaiian culture I was involved in. From the very first moment I arrived in Maui, I was greeted by an ‘Aloha!’ sign while exiting the airport, the same “aloha!” exchanged in meeting my hosts and others for the first time, and throughout the duration of my stay. Many may know the term aloha commonly used as a greeting, or a ‘hello!’

However, there is a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to Aloha. It is a beautiful term that is used to define a force that holds together existence. Its literal translation is “the presence of divine breath.”

Aloha can also be interpreted as an energy exchange, since the giving and receiving of positive energy IS the spirit of aloha. It has been described as the coordination of the heart and mind to foster connectivity and peace.

The University of Hawaii’s Center for Labor Education and Research breaks down the concept into an acronym using each of the letters of the word:

“‘Akahai,’ meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

‘Lōkahi,’ meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;

‘ʻOluʻolu,’ meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;

‘Haʻahaʻa,’ meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

‘Ahonui,’ meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.”

Isn’t that just beautiful?! Hawaiian culture truly encompasses much more than what we tend to see at face value.

Hawaiian Language and Practices

A traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness I learned about is known as Ho’oponopono. This can be translated into English as ‘correction,’ and involves expressing remorse, gratitude, love, and asking for forgiveness.

The practice of Ho’oponopono involves repeating the four phrases: “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” and “I love you.” This mantra can be used as a deeply healing practice which prioritizes taking responsibility for everything that happens in your life, and helps to create an ability to forgive yourself and others.

Another aspect of Hawaiian culture is a popular hand gesture known as the shaka, made by extending the thumb and pinky while curling the three middle fingers. This gesture symbolizes aloha, love, and local pride. It’s also well known to mean ‘hang loose’ or ‘right on!’ In Hawaii, nearly everyone (and commonly surfers) will give the shaka, expressing friendship, gratitude, encouragement and unity.

Maui’s culture is known as a blend of ancient Polynesian traditions and modern influences. It’s rooted in the customs, language, and traditions of early Polynesian settlers who reached the islands, and influenced by Hawaiian core values such as the Aloha spirit and Mahalo – an expression of gratitude.

While in Maui, the room I stayed in had a banner right above my bed, pictured below. For each color, there was a native Hawaiian word listed with an image and corresponding meanings to follow.

Beginning on the red banner is the word Ohana, followed by the meaning: family, binding, and unforgotten. In orange is Mālama: caring, serving, protecting. Next is Pono in yellow: goodness, uprightness, and morality. ‘Āina follows in green: land, living, and nature. Lókahi seen in blue: unity, harmony, and peace. And the last two banners, Mana in purple: lifeforce, spirit, will, and Aloha in lavender to end: connecting, breath, and love.

Throughout my stay, these words served as a daily reminder of the Hawaiian culture I was a part of learning and living.

Making an Impact Through Volunteering

Through my time volunteering in Maui, I ultimately left feeling accomplished in making a positive impact and immersing myself in the Hawaiian culture. For this and for all opportunities, encounters and experiences that I had, I feel extremely blessed and grateful.

Five weeks on the island gave me sufficient time in order to integrate myself into the culture and lifestyle of Maui. I nearly felt like a local, having had my rental car and freedom to explore, while of course giving back to the community and Ohana I was a part of.

Through my volunteering efforts, I felt that I had contributed in a positive way to the land and community of Black Swan Temple. During my stay I felt fulfilled and purposeful in the work I was doing, and believe I did make an impact no matter how small it may have seemed. I’m especially grateful with the help of the Ohana and Maui as a whole, to have been able to make an impact on my own being in developing my personal growth and ambitions.

Discovering Awe and Purpose

We all have a part to play in this world we live on, and this evoked a sense of awe for me. During my month in Maui, awe became apparent to me and I found this feeling nearly everywhere I was. If each and every one of us works to discover and acknowledge our own unique existence and meaning on this world, I believe we would all be in true awe of ourselves, and the planet as a whole.

It’s true that all of us have a unique purpose and path of our own, and through volunteering I was able to discover a part of this in myself. Beforehand I felt burnt out, stuck in my career and personal life, and didn’t know what I was meant to do moving forward. I kept telling myself and my closest friends “I’m just hoping this will allow me to discover my purpose and give me some path to follow.”

Although on the surface this is a high hope to have, looking back I can see that my month in Maui did in fact allow me to uncover some of that unique path for myself. This experience was a stepping stone into my dream of traveling, giving back to the world and making an impact. If you want to read more about awe in particular, you can click here 🙂

Reflections and Takeaways

It’s an ongoing journey of learning, rediscovering ourselves and forging our own path in life. But what are we here for if not to be our destined selves and fulfill our true potential?

As I learned in Maui through Donny, cofounder of Black Swan Temple, ‘destiny is the belief that you are a central character of which something great and inevitable will occur.’ We all do have a destiny of our own, divinely meant for us and waiting to be fulfilled.

Everything and everyone serves as an experience and teacher in life, and so it’s important to give thanks for everything. In everything, there is an opportunity to be found if we look for it.

Life, as it is, is really one big experience. And we can choose to gain knowledge and grow from each and every experience throughout our lives, in order to find ourselves.

Home, Wherever We Are

There is one song throughout the month I spent in Maui that I acknowledged as a sign, divinely guiding me. I continued to hear it on the radio and nearly came to tears each time it played. This song encouraged me along my journey from the moment I heard it, throughout each day.

The artist, Jack Johnson, is from the Hawaii islands and is well-known for his songs “Upside Down” and “Banana Pancakes”, which I had first heard as a child. His acoustic song “Home” discusses the meaning of life, through things that Jack discovers about nature. His chorus is sung:

I found Maui to be my home away from home, full of love from my Ohana and the island itself.
Home IS wherever we are, if there’s love there too.
And home can always be found within us.

My Encouragement To You

Through volunteering, and as I reflect it seems to be an inevitable realization that I was contributing in a positive way to the world and beginning to make a positive impact.

Volunteering is one of many ways to do this, and so I encourage anyone interested or inspired to make their own impact to look into volunteer traveling. There are so many opportunities for each and every one of us, and the world needs us to play our part.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

We all can collectively do our best, follow our path, and ultimately become our destined selves. Do it for yourself and for the world you walk on.
If you think you, or no one else does, know that I believe in you!

1. 

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2. 

   Such an inspirational post! I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without solo travelling when I was younger. I…

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   Exactly! It was a walking, informational tour held both underground and on the streets where I learned more about the…

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   These postcard cabins sound like a wonderful concept and great way to escape the city for a weekend getaway.

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