Volunteering on Maui
So you come to Howzit and meet tons of cool people— including the staff at the hostel who are leading hikes, hosting margarita and trivia nights, and driving the Road to Hana tour.
“That’s such an awesome job. How did you land that?” you ask. And that’s when you find out that they are living and volunteering here! And for many of them, this is how they afford their travels around the world, connecting with tons of different people and seeing incredible sights!
Here at Howzit Hostels, we do have a volunteer program that is essentially a work trade exchange. If you’ve ever thought this could be for you, read on!
Why Volunteer?
Work trade positions allow individuals the opportunity to truly connect to a place by actually living there for a longer duration of time (1-3 months for example, as opposed to a typical 1-2 week vacation), immersing themselves within the culture and community.
It’s also a terrific way to secure accommodation without paying for long stays in hostels, AirBnbs, or the like.
How to Volunteer
Ever heard of WorkAway, Worldpackers, or HelpX? These are popular platforms through which individuals looking to volunteer can find available volunteer opportunities (or hosts looking for volunteers can post them) in whatever area of the world they are located!
Memberships cost $49 for an individual account and $59 for a couple’s account (or two friends) for WorkAway and $49 or $99 (depending on the plan) for Worldpackers and are valid for one year. Premier memberships for HelpX are 20 euros and valid for two years. WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is also an option- linking visitors with organic farmers. There are single or joint account options that range in price dependent on the country.
After registering with these platforms, you can simply create your profile highlighting the skills and interests you have and search for available hosts in whatever region of the world you’re looking to travel to!
Alternatively, if you are already traveling, you can stop by hostels in person (or the one you are staying at!) to see if they have any available positions.
Who Can Volunteer?
While some hosts have certain age requirements or restrictions (no couples, ages 18-35 only, etc.) most of the time, anyone can volunteer!
We all have gifts and talents to share with the world, and the best part is that everyone, no matter their background, religion, language, or race, can bring their uniqueness to the experience and truly make a difference!
What You Can Expect
To wonder why you never started earlier! But seriously, although work exchange opportunities are not always perfect and seamless experiences without challenges, you are guaranteed to have an eye-opening experience full of lots of learning, growing, and good times!
Again, the requirements of each work trade are different and all dependent on the host or particular job position, but here at Howzit, we typically do 3-4 days per week, or 18-21 hours, and offer accommodation as well as some prepared meals and groceries included. Positioms range from housekeeping to early morning host (chocolate chip pancakes, anyone?!), and also daytime or overnight reception.
With only a few shifts a week, there is plenty of time to explore the island during your free time or hit the beach after your shift!
Check out our “Day in the Life” of one of our housekeeper volunteers here!
We can’t wait to have you experience Maui for yourself!
Looking for a little more guidance? Feel free to stop by the Howzit Hostel reception desk. Or shoot us an email at Info@howzithostels.com Our staff can provide more customized tips to help you make the most of your Maui vacation.