5 Easy Ways to Give Back When Visiting Kauai

If you’re looking for ways to give back when visiting Kauai, then this post is for you! I know many times as visitors we would like to help out and possibly volunteer, but there aren’t always options that allow you to just help out on a whim without a lengthy sign up process.

So I’ve come up with a few simple ways you can give back, do your part and be a good human while you’re vacationing on the beautiful Garden Isle.

5 Easy Ways to Give Back When Visiting Kauai

Take a Dog on a Field Trip

The Kauai Humane Society has a great program that allows you to take a dog on a field trip. This not only gives you a furry friend to pal around with during a day of your trip, but it allows the dogs to get out of the shelter for the day.

The big bonus is that many more people will get a chance to see the dog out and about around the island. This greatly increases the chance of him/her being adopted.

A donation of $75 is requested to help with running the program and providing for the needs of the dogs in the shelter. Learn more about the Field Trips for Shelter Dogs program or schedule a pick up when you visit their website.

Help Feed Residents

There are several programs that help feed Kauai residents, but probably the most recognized is Kauai Independent Food Bank. I spoke with Jennifer Harper, the development coordinator, and she said they love to have visitors volunteer. Visit the Kauai Food Bank website to fill out a volunteer application.

If you’re already on island and don’t have the time or ability to fill out the application, simply email your dates and times available to: kmoniz@kauaifoodbank.org . Whether you come for a day or an hour or two, any and all help is appreciated!

Another way we try to help is when we have food left from a restaurant visit we always take it to go. We are usually able to find a homeless person to give it to. This might not be a popular option for helping but I feel like throwing food out that we aren’t able to eat is wasteful, especially when there are people around who can use it. We’ve never been turned down when we offer food, and the people always seem grateful.

Keep the Beaches, Trails and Parks Clean

The rule in Hawaii is if you pack it in, pack it out. This means don’t leave trash and waste behind. But you can go a step further and pick up any trash left behind by others.

There are organizations that regularly do beach clean up, such as The Surfrider Foundation. You can find more information and learn about their Ocean Friendly Visitors Program by visiting their website.

Tip well

This is probably my favorite way to give back when visiting Kauai. I absolutely love being able to not only tip, but tip well.

Now I’m not saying you have to do this every single meal. I mean, do tip, yes. But as much as I wish we could leave a large tip every single time, sadly, we can’t. But we can certainly do it a couple times (or more) during our trip.

I look at it like this: The residents are working their tails off, and in doing so, those in the service industry are allowing us to have a better trip. So the least we can do is make sure to show how thankful we are.

The look of surprise in their eyes when given an above average tip says it all. I’ve even had people say “Are you sure?” once they realize the size of the tip. I love that feeling, like I’ve definitely made a difference in the life of that person, at least for the day.

I challenge you to be radically generous. Don’t just give 15-20 percent, give 50-100 percent! Now I know you might not be able to do it when having an expensive meal (or maybe you can, good on you!). But when you’re having breakfast or lunch and your total is 50 bucks, leave a hundred and watch the servers eyes light up! It’s truly amazing!

Another sweet way to give back when you leave a tip is to include a small note of appreciation. It doesn’t have to say much, just a few heartfelt words to recognize the efforts of the people who assist you during your stay.

To help you do just that I’ve created Tip Notes, a small but mighty printable containing 48 small notes of appreciation. Use them at restaurants, hotels, food trucks, or anywhere else you receive service on the island. Super simple to use, simply cut along the dotted lines and bring them along on your next trip.

Click on the picture below to purchase and download Tip Notes!

Share the Love

This is by far the easiest way to give back while on the island, and even when your trip is over. When you have a delicious meal, stay at a wonderful resort, or experience something truly special, share it on social media and through recommendations to friends and family. Local businesses appreciate the shout out online and word of mouth referrals are some of the best.

After all, that’s kind of why I started this blog was to share some of the awesome places in Kauai with other visitors!

I hope you find these 5 easy ways to give back when visiting Kauai not only helpful, but that they have inspired you to take action and help out the next time you visit the Garden Isle.