New Friends in the 808

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while staying active? Join us as a volunteer guide for Travel Visions Aloha Walk/Run Club!

This is more than just a walk/run club—it’s about empowerment, connection, and breaking barriers together. Our trained guides support blind and visually impaired (BVI) participants as they walk, jog, or run, ensuring safety, confidence, and inclusion. No prior guiding experience is needed—we provide full training so you can make a difference from day one!

🌟 Why Volunteer?

✅ Learn a Valuable Skill – We’ll train you on guiding techniques, safety, and communication.
✅ Make an Impact – Help someone regain confidence and independence through movement.
✅ Be Part of a Supportive Community – TVA Run Club is about friendship, inclusion, and limitless possibilities.

🚀 This is the type of impact we make:

💬 “I wasn’t sure how the tether running would work, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was! It was so liberating to run again and feel safe. This experience shifted how I view myself and what’s still possible.” – Rose, TVA Participant

💬 Luis ran his first mile in 25 years after vision loss and is now training for his first 10K in March!

📍 Where & When?

🗓 Every Saturday at Magic Island (With occasional Sunday meetups!)
📍 Meet by the Handi Van drop-off near the main parking lot and accessible bathrooms. Look for our big branded pop-up tent!

⏰ Schedule:
• 7:45 AM – Volunteer Guide Training
• 8:00 AM – Participants Arrive & Get Matched
• 9:30 AM – Wrap-up

🌟 How to Get Involved?

RSVP today and be part of something empowering, inclusive, and truly life-changing! Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or just someone looking to make a difference, you can help create a space where anything is possible.

📢 Please register in advance at www.travelvisionsaloha.org so we can get a head count and ensure easy pairing for all participants! Make sure you scroll down to register for the date you're available to join us!

See you at Magic Island! 🏃‍♀️🌴✨

It's Memorial Day, where we as a nation pay tribute to our fallen military men & women. But lucky, you live Hawaii. You can also pay tribute to a family member, or friend as well, by participating in this solemn ceremony. You can float a lantern, sharing your hope for peace.

I first attended this event in 2017, to honor my brother, then in subsequent years (2018 & 2019) to honor my parents.

Due to COVID-19, this event was postponed, instead being held as a pre-recorded telecast (2020); and privately, over several days at the Shinnyo-en Hawaii temple (2021 & 2022). This year, as with last few, the event can be attended in person.

I'll be at the event, but I'll be wandering around.

You can simply attend the event, participate by floating a lantern, or submit your group remembrance.

OPTION ONE

If you plan to attend the event:
Think of this as one huge Memorial Day beach party. Ala Moana beach will be incredibly crowded. You can come early, or just for the lantern lighting. Lantern floating will start at 6:30, and end at 7:30.

OPTION TWO

If you want to float a lantern:
Those wanting to personally float a lantern during the ceremony may receive a single Individual Lantern per family or group, on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Lantern Request tents at Ala Moana Beach on the event day:

1. Pickup starts from 10 am - 4 pm, or until lanterns run out (Memorial Day);
2. Plan on waiting in line, bring a hat/umbrella & some water;
3. You will receive a lantern kit that you will be able to share your memories/thoughts of your loved ones, by decorating your lantern;
4. Assemble your lantern & bring it to the beach;
5. Floating starts at 6:30;
6. Don't forget to bring something to light your lantern.

OPTION THREE

You can submit your remembrances, without attending:
Through Thursday, May 22, 2025, you may visit the Shinnyo-en Hawaii temple located at 2348 S. Beretania to write your remembrances on the specially prepared paper that will be placed onto a Collective Remembrance Lantern. The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when it is scheduled to be open. (View the temple schedule).

Collective remembrances will also be accepted at the beach on the ceremony day from 10 am – 5 pm at the Collective Remembrance Tent located next to the Lantern Request tents.

(more info):
website | remembrances | ceremony history

Please follow these steps to volunteer at the Pantry:

1. If you have never volunteered at the Pantry, FIRST register by creating an account here (upper right corner);

2. Once logged in you can check the availability on the date you want to volunteer. If there is space, you can sign up. If there is no space, check back frequently because a space may become available;

3. If the shift you want ends up being full, please sign up for a future date;

4. Sign up for the event on meetup for the date you volunteered;

5. You can also sign up to volunteer in advance, once logged in.

The Pantry provides free groceries for the working poor of Oahu.

Shift Times: 9:00 am to 12:15 pm & 12:00pm to 2:30pm.

Every Wednesday and Friday The Pantry provides groceries for over 500 needy families on the island of Oahu.

Volunteer Roles Available:

Running Orders - Clients show up to the warehouse with order numbers. Runners help to locate the client's orders on the warehouse shelves.

Shopping - volunteers will help fulfill client orders.

Pre-loading - Every order receives a set of daily specials, which are made up of vegetables, bread, eggs, etc... We strive to ensure that the client's nutritional needs are taken care of. Pre-loaders help to make sure that the runners already have at least one set of specials ready to share with incoming clients.

Loading - Loaders are responsible for handing over the completed orders. Hand-offs may be in person, or loading clients' cars.

Training will be provided, but you'll catch on quick.

Please wear comfortable clothing, shoes and face mask.

Basic agenda of how the day will proceed is as follow:

9:00AM: Volunteers arriving and general preparation for the day is taking place, including being given assignments. If we need to pre-package produce, it will be done in this time.

9:15AM: Huddle time - general announcements are made, assignments called out.

9:30AM: We begin assisting our walk-in customers

10:00AM: We begin assisting our drive-up customers

12:00PM-12:30PM: Shift change

12:30PM-2:00PM: Orders filled until close

2:00PM-2:30PM: Clean up

Please register for which shift you would like to work here.

Please remember the following:

1. We will be in a warehouse and it gets hot, so please be sure to bring water in a refillable water bottle so you can remain comfortable. We do have a water cooler and fizzy water on site, in case you forget. We just find most of our volunteers like to bring their own.
2. Be sure to wear comfortable breathable clothing; also wear comfortable closed toed shoes.
3. Please make sure to have sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with you should you be assigned to assist with loading customer orders into their cars outside.
4. Please register in advance, especially if this is your first time volunteering;
5. If you're new to the Pantry, please ask for the Volunteer Coordinator. She will give you your work assignment.

For any questions please contact the Pantry at (808) 620-2576

🅿️

There is parking available on-site towards the top/back of the property. When you drive in go all the way up and we would suggest backing in the "alley" that will be on your right.

If you need to leave at 12:30, please park on the fence side (green arrow) or in the middle (orange arrow) if the fence side is full. If you stay for the full day, please park along the wall side (red arrow). We also have overflow parking available on the corner of Meyers and Rose if need be. It's a short walk to the warehouse from there.

🚌

2: Middle St. & Rose; one block

(more info):

Phone: (808) 620-2576‬

The Pantry | Registration