Beloved for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests and active volcanoes, Hawaiʻi is often described as paradise on Earth. To avoid this popularity taking a toll, responsible travellers can help preserve and protect what makes the Hawaiian Islands one-of-a-kind through eco-tourism.
Here’s four easy ways your clients can make a positive impact on the local environment, culture and communities by travelling pono (responsibly) on their next trip to Hawaiʻi.
Delight your tastebuds (and conscience) with sustainable produce
Hawaiʻi’s farmers markets are not just a cornucopia of delicious eats and a fun outing, it’s sustainability in action. The markets support local producers, create jobs in the community and stimulate local economies with money reinvested into other businesses.
As we know, seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Plus, purchasing and eating fresh, locally grown produce helps reduce the carbon emissions from the long-distance transportation of food. Win-win!
Try locally grown organic coffee on the island of Hawaiʻi, traditional plate lunches at Oʻahu markets and island snacks such as lilikoʻi (passionfruit) butter and huli huli chicken (rotisserie chicken) from Maui’s roadside snack stands, to name a few!
Enlighten your soul with sustainable culture
Our hopes for a better future are intertwined with our understanding of the past – and there’s no better way to explore Hawaiʻi’s rich heritage and history than at its cultural institutions and attractions.
Hawaiʻi’s museums educate visitors about the importance of preserving natural resources and promote a greater understanding of the local culture. Exhibits and programs highlight sustainable practices and conservation and offer cultural demonstrations to promote local performances and preserve traditions.
View the cultural exhibits at Oʻahu’s Bishop Museum, learn about Maui Ocean Center’s conservation efforts and see how wayfinders navigated at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on the island of Hawaiʻi.
Shop local for a sustainable souvenir
Find one-of-a-kind gifts and support a local business at the same time when you shop locally. It supports the designer and the economy and preserves the culture with products that reflect traditions and history.
By buying locally, shoppers understand how items are sourced and produced, which also helps maintain sustainable and ethical practices.
In Waikīkī, take a break from the beach and get your retail fix on Kalākaua Avenue with everything from international luxury brands to unique boutiques. Our pick of gifts to take home? A handmade surfboard (of course!), vintage Hawaiian prints and locally made organic skincare that smells like a holiday.
Mālama: Give back for a sustainable future
In Hawaiian culture, mālama (giving back) is the belief that everything is connected and people are responsible for maintaining the balance and harmony of the natural world.
This includes taking care of the land, ocean and all living things and preserving cultural traditions and practices. Initiatives range from adopting wildlife to replanting trees and cleaning up the beaches.
Give your clients the gift of practising mālama on their next visit to Hawaiʻi for a fulfilling experience with positive impacts that will last for generations.
Need to know more about what’s on in Hawaiʻi in 2023? Read the lowdown here.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Hawaiian Island happenings? Head to gohawaii.com/au
Advisors can also access destination updates via agents.gohawaii.com
