The Heart of Protecting Maui’s Ocean Environment
April is the time to celebrate Volunteer Month! We are beyond grateful to all the volunteers who give their energy to create positive change. At Pacific Whale Foundation, volunteers are at the heart of protecting Maui’s ocean environment. Every cleanup, research observation, educational experience, and community event helps create a healthier future for ocean life. Let’s jump into the ways our volunteer efforts make a difference!Mālama Pono
This community stewardship initiative welcomes residents and volunteers on vacation. Mālama pono reflects the Hawaiian values of caring responsibly for people, place, and natural resources. Volunteers take part in hands-on conservation while fostering a deeper connection to Maui. These frequent events remind us that caring for the ocean is a shared responsibility for kamaʻāina and visitors. Participants work together to:- Support environmental restoration projects with partner organizations
- Protect Maui’s natural heritage and strengthen community connections
Marine Debris Rapid Response Volunteer Team
Maui’s location in the central Pacific makes it especially vulnerable to debris carried by ocean currents. Much of this debris originates from international fishing activity and has serious local impacts. Pacific Whale Foundation’s Marine Debris Rapid Response Team mobilizes volunteers through a text alert system to remove derelict fishing gear, often called “ghost gear” from coastal ecosystems. Recovered marine debris are sent to our partners at the Center for Marine Debris Research who research and recycle what they can into infrastructure.
Marine Debris Rapid Response volunteers help:
- Remove large fishing nets from beaches and ocean
- Sort, categorize, and record collected materials
- Protect wildlife such as humpback whales, monk seals, seabirds, and sea turtles from entanglement and ingestion
Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program
Volunteer anytime to help remove, track, and monitor pollution trends. Participants collect data about debris types, quantities, and sources to better understand how pollution enters Maui’s ecosystems. This information helps guide future conservation strategies and policy decisions. Free Marine Debris Kits can be picked up at PacWhale Eco-Adventures and participating organizations across Maui.
Volunteers:
- Clean up Maui beaches and documenting marine debris data
- Support scientific monitoring efforts and conservation research
Adopt-A-Beach Program
The Adopt-A-Beach Program empowers individuals, families, schools, and organizations to take stewardship of Maui’s shorelines. Volunteers commit to helping care for a specific beach through regular cleanups and monitoring, building long-term relationships with the places we care about most.
Participants help:
- Remove marine debris and track pollution trends monthly for one full year
- Protect coastal ecosystems and restore Maui’s natural beauty
Reef Cleanup Dive Program
Some marine debris sink below the surface, where it damages coral reefs and marine habitats. This program allows certified volunteer divers from PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Pacific Whale Foundation to remove underwater fishing debris from highly concentrated debris areas like Keoneʻōʻio (La Perouse Bay) reef. Volunteers can also help with sorting recovered debris.
Sorting volunteers help:
- Document and sort abandoned fishing gear and marine debris found on the reef
- Sorting volunteers can be added to our text list for schedule
Māʻalaea Harbor Cleanup
Pacific Whale Foundation’s headquarters are at Mā‘alaea Harbor. Keeping this location clean helps protect the ocean and wildlife that makes this place special. Picking up trash prevents it from entering the water, harming marine life, and impacting the harbor so many depend on every day. It’s an impactful way to give back and helps keep it beautiful for our community and visitors.
Volunteers help:
- Remove marine debris and trash from the harbor
- Protect marine ecosystems and keep the harbor clean for residents and visitors
Great Whale Count Volunteers
Every winter during peak whale season, Pacific Whale Foundation in partnership with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s Ocean Count hosts the Great Whale Count that brings volunteers together to monitor humpback whale activity across Maui. Volunteers gather at scenic shoreline locations to help record whale sightings on the last Saturday of January, February and March each year.
Great Whale Count volunteers:
- Observe and document humpback whale behaviors
- Record whale sightings and environmental data
- Participate in long-term whale monitoring and community science efforts
Marine Research Team Volunteers
Pacific Whale Foundation has conducted marine mammal research in Hawaiʻi for more than four decades, contributing to the global understanding of humpback whales and other marine species. Volunteers support these efforts by assisting with data processing, photo-identification matching, and cataloging sightings, contributing directly to projects that track long-term population trends and responses to environmental and human pressures.
Research volunteers may assist with:
- Field data collection from our Research Vessel, Kaiao
- Data entry and quality control
- Photo identification of cataloging
- Community science initiatives
- Submitting photos of dolphin dorsal fins and humpback whale flukes
Ocean Camp Volunteers
Ocean Camp connects Maui’s youth with the ocean through hands-on marine science education. During school breaks, this camp inspires keiki to understand and respect the ocean while learning about marine biology, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers support educators by helping facilitate engaging activities and chaperoning on field trips.
Ocean Camp volunteers assist with:
- Outdoor learning activities and environmental education programs
- Ensuring camper safety on fieldtrips and traveling in vehicles
- Youth mentorship and stewardship projects
Keiki Whale Watch Volunteers
Keiki Whalewatch gives Maui students the opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat while learning about marine science and conservation. Volunteers support educators and help create an engaging learning experience for participants. For some students, this experience sparks a lifelong connection with the ocean.
Volunteer responsibilities:
- Ensure student/group safety while onboard
- Escort student groups to and from the dock
- Encourage curiosity about marine life
Development Volunteers
Behind every successful nonprofit program is a dedicated fundraising team. Though much of the work happens behind the scenes, volunteer support helps ensure that projects run smoothly, and we stay connected with the donors who make our work possible.
Administrative volunteers may help with:
- Entering and updating information to help maintain accurate databases
- Event preparation, logistical, and onsite support assistance
- Reaching out to donors through thank-you calls and written notes
- Organizing and file materials
Ocean Ambassador Program
Ocean Ambassadors are advocates for ocean conservation. They help extend Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission by sharing knowledge about marine life, promoting responsible ocean practices, and inspiring others to get involved.
Ocean Ambassador volunteers:
- Represent Pacific Whale Foundation at outreach events
- Promote ocean conservation initiatives and volunteer opportunities
- Educate others about wildlife in the store and on boat tours
Cliff House Naturalist Volunteers
One of the most unique volunteer opportunities in Maui is serving as a Volunteer Naturalist. Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaiʻi’s warm waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. Volunteers help share this incredible story with visitors from around the world at Montage Kapalua Bay.
Naturalist volunteers help:
- Lead land-based whale watches and educate visitors about humpback whales
- Educate others about dolphins, sea turtles, coral reefs, and Maui Nui
Mahalo
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back. Beyond its impact, volunteering is also about connection to a community that believes in protecting the place we all love. Whether you’re educating visitors, supporting marine research, restoring the land, removing debris, or inspiring our next generation, your time and passion truly matter.
Pacific Whale Foundation gives a huge mahalo to the many individuals, families, friends, companies, schools, and community groups who choose to volunteer!
Not yet involved?
Sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter or email [email protected] to set up a time to connect with volunteer opportunities.
