Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has added an ecotourism option for guests visiting Hawaii by participating in the “Malama Hawaii” campaign, an initiative of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB).By booking Outrigger’s “Malama Hawaii Experience,” guests have a unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on, two-hour voluntourism activity at Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve. Outrigger guests will then receive every third night free when staying at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort or Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger.
Malama in the Hawaiian language means “to take care”. As such, guests will embark on an eco-adventure at Kualoa Ranch, immersing in various types of community service and cultural learning, including the importance of caring for the upland ʻahupuaʻa streams as they feed the loʻi down the valley.
Guests will learn about micro-plastics and their negative effects on the ocean, the importance of using reef-safe sunscreen and Kualoa Ranch’s efforts to monitor coral health. Guests will venture through ancient fish ponds and farms, delivering a unique opportunity to participate in something great — safeguarding the beauty of Hawaii.
“Outrigger’s corporate culture is centred on caring for the guest, the host and the place; Malama Hawaii is impeccably aligned with our values and we’re grateful to be part of a platform that encourages mindful, ultimately regenerative, travel,” said Monica Salter, Outrigger Hospitality Group’s vice president of corporate communications. “From mauka to makai (mountain to sea) – Kualoa Ranch is a breathtaking destination and we trust that our guests will return from this eco-adventure inspired, invigorated and with a deeper connection to Hawaii.”
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is home to 4,000 acres (1,619 hectares) from mountain to the sea on the windward side of Oahu. Its goal is to protect and enhance the natural beauty of these lands while developing sustainable, recreational, agricultural and aqua-cultural enterprises that are compatible with the environment.
Guests partaking in the “Malama Hawaii Experience” will be kept in group sizes that are compliant with the current state, city and country health restrictions. Kualoa Ranch has comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols in place that include mandatory masks, social distancing, contact tracing, intermittent sanitation procedures and temperature checks for all visitors and employees, as required.
Outrigger joins a statewide alliance of private industry partners including hotels, airlines and volunteer organisations, that have pledged to encourage mindful tourism by giving travellers an opportunity to experience a deeper connection with Hawaii and stay an extra day at no charge, if they participate in a voluntourism activity.
For more information and booking details surrounding the Malama Hawaii Experience, please visit www.outrigger.com/
