Give back on your next vacation with Travel2Change

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Whether you’re doing a staycation on a neighbor island or visiting Hawaii for the first time, there’s always lots to do during the summer. Take your next family vacay to the next level by creating a positive influence and leaving a lasting impact on the surrounding community. 

Travel2Change offers free or discounted activities that families can enjoy, with a mission to connect travelers with their local community by giving back through fun, interactive activities. 

In July and August, here’s what you can look forward to on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island.

OAHU

Prince Lot Hula Festival

When: July 21-22, 2018

Where: Iolani Palace, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (July 21) and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (July 22)

Info: The largest noncompetitive hula event in Hawaii honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa, who reigned as Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872. The free event will showcase 20 of Hawaii’s finest halau hula, and food vendors will offer a variety of local specialties including shave ice, plate lunches and more. During the festival, admission to the first floor of Iolani Palace will be free. The event will also feature a Hawaii-themed craft fair and demonstrations of traditional Hawaiian arts, including lauhala weaving, feather lei making, ukulele making, poi pounding and more. 

36th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Waikiki Style”

When: Aug. 11, 2018

Where: Waikiki Aquarium

Info: Celebrate the last great guitar tradition of the world at this concert on the grounds of the Waikiki Aquarium. The festival will feature some of the top artists in the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar genre and different styles of slack key guitar from traditional to contemporary. Local food, art and crafts will also be featured during the six-hour performance.

Sunset Yoga & Food Drive 

When: Every Monday

Where: Magic Island

Info: Enjoy a beautiful sunset on Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park while stretching to the vibes of a unique yoga flow (this activity is part of Travel2Change). 

MAUI

Paddle a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe & Experience the Wonders of the Ocean

When: Daily

Where: Begin in historic Lahaina town

Info: See Maui’s unique sea life up close, while learning more about the island’s history, culture and traditions. This adventure’s perfect for families with children ages 6 and up — you’ll get to see Lahaina from the unique vantage point of the ocean (this activity is part of Travel2Change). A portion of the proceeds goes to Maui Cultural Lands, a Hawaiian nonprofit organization. 

KAUAI

Cultivate Breadfruit & Beautify a Botanical Garden

When: Every Friday 

Where: National Tropical Botanical Garden

Info: Have a green thumb? Learn about agroforestry land use management techniques and growing technique benefits that you can apply to your garden at home, while cultivating a breadfruit agroforestry project (this activity is part of Travel2Change). Your volunteer efforts will contribute to the well-being and maintenance of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. 

Koloa Plantation Days

When: July 20-29, 2018

Where: Koloa and Poipu

Info: Koloa Plantation Days — held annually on Kauai’s south shore — celebrates the ethnic groups that came to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations. This highly anticipated festival includes costumes, dance, music and food. Festivities include:  

• July 20: Friday Night Bash, 7th Annual Music in the Country: Food Truck Frenzy & Barrel Racing
• July 21: Festival Opening & Sunset Hoolaulea
• July 24: Polynesian Revue & Fire Dancing
• July 25: Plantation Cooking at Kauai Culinary Market
• July 27: Flavors of Kukuiula 
• July 28: Annual Historic Koloa Plantation Days Parade

HAWAII ISLAND

Hands On History at Kona Coffee Living History Farm

When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Where: Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Info: Participation in activities is free with purchase of admission to the farm. Events include:  

• July 18: Home Grown Remedies: Kona’s Traditions of Medicinal Gardening 
• July 23: Beans in the Skillet: Coffee Roasting at Home
• July 25: Balanced Bento: Pickles as a Mainstay of the Japanese Table
• July 30: Backyard Groceries: Sustainability in the Kitchen Garden