The history and archaeology graduate student from Northern California planned to spend a lot of time reading and relaxing on the beach during her two-week Maui vacation. Little did she know that the highlight of her trip would be pulling invasive plants and studying ancient sites in Honokowai Valley as a volunteer for Malama Honokowai.

More than 500 years ago, Honokowai was home to a thriving Hawaiian community. Malama Honokowai's goal is to restore the ancient heiau (place of worship), living quarters and taro and sweet potato patches in the valley, which lie hidden beneath a tangle of debris and overgrown weeds and brush.

“;Our new friend had an amazing time with us,”; recalled Ekolu Lindsey, president of nonprofit Maui Cultural Lands, which spearheads the weekly Malama Honokowai project. “;In fact, she enjoyed it so much she worked in Honokowai twice during her stay on Maui. We provide visitors with hands-on experiences in archaeology, engineering, Hawaiian values and history, endemic and indigenous plants, and medicinal and practical uses of those plants. In the process, they live and understand the real meaning of malama (to care for) and aloha. Our volunteers learn to be responsible stewards of Hawaii's fragile natural resources.”;

In 2007 the Pacific Whale Foundation partnered with Malama Honokowai and six other organizations to launch Volunteering on Vacation. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, PWF has earned accolades worldwide for its efforts to protect whales, dolphins, coral reefs and oceans by conducting research and offering educational activities that promote sound eco-tourism practices. Volunteering on Vacation complements that mission.

“;Visitors get off the beaten path to meet, work with and form bonds with local residents,”; said Ashley Justice, PWF's outreach and events coordinator. “;They also learn about Hawaii's culture and environment, thereby enhancing their visit and experiencing Hawaii in ways that more traditional vacation activities do not allow.”;

Options vary in terms of days, duration, locations and scope of work, which includes removing invasive plants, replanting native species, picking up litter on beaches and preserving cultural sites. Visitors select the activity that best suits their interests and schedule. Last year more than 1,000 people contributed 3,500 hours of labor to Volunteering on Vacation programs.

“;Many people thank us for giving them a chance to give back to Maui and to increase their awareness of environmental issues,”; Justice said. “;They often tell us that Volunteering on Vacation inspired them to modify their lifestyle to reduce their impact on the environment where they're from.”;

Every hand, every helper, counts. “;If just one new volunteer each day sees the value of our program, we'll feel we're making a difference,”; Justice said. “;Big changes often come through little steps.”;

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Bulletin have won multiple Society of American Travel Writers awards.