The islands of Hawaii have been able to maintain their status as world-renowned vacation destinations for well over a century, in large part because of sustainability. Sustainability efforts in Hawaii help keep these majestic islands beautiful and draw in tourists from around the world.
While extensive local campaigns to make Hawaii sustainable are in place, visitors to the islands can help by practicing sustainable tourism. Practicing sustainable tourism will not take away from the fun you will have on your unforgettable getaway to Hawaii; if anything, it will make you feel good to give back to the islands.
Sustainable Tourism in Hawaii: 4 Tips & Examples
Do you want to make a difference? Practicing sustainable tourism is easy. The team at Parrish Kauai has some examples and tips that will help you understand and participate in sustainable tourism efforts and help keep Hawaii a beautiful place for future generations.
Choose Sustainable Tours
The Hawaiian Islands are home to many tour companies. However, how many of them act sustainably? The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii certifies sustainable tour operators in Hawaii. These businesses provide authentic experiences while also taking steps to minimize their environmental impact and support the local community. By booking a tour through one of their certified sustainable tour operators, you are ensuring you are dealing with a business that is taking steps to make Hawaii sustainable.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
In 2021, Hawaii became the first state in the U.S. to ban the sale of sunscreen containing coral-harming chemicals. However, if you are traveling from elsewhere, there is a good chance you own an unapproved sunscreen. Swap your bottle of sunscreen for reef-safe sunscreen. This simple change is perhaps the easiest way to practice sustainable tourism in Hawaii. To see a list of approved sunscreens, click here.
Support Local Businesses
Another way to partake in sustainable tourism on your vacation to Hawaii is to support local businesses. Part of sustainable tourism is maximizing the impact on local communities. The easiest way to do that is to eat, shop, stay, and tour with local businesses. In addition to the social and economic influence, this also affects the environment. Small, local companies have a smaller carbon footprint than large corporations in most cases.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Three hundred million tons of plastic are produced each year, and roughly half of that is used on single-use items. Plastic bags, straws, and water bottles might be convenient, but they harm the environment. 91% of plastics wind up in landfills or the environment. Plastic threatens Hawaii’s natural beauty, with the islands’ wildlife and sea life taking the brunt of that hit. Instead of single-use plastics, use alternatives. Some ideas include packing your reusable water bottle for your trip and using reusable shampoo bottles.
Enjoy an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation
The Hawaiian word “pono” means to do what is right. You can travel pono when you practice sustainable tourism in Hawaii. The tips and tricks outlined in the blog will help you get started.
If you are looking for a local business to stay with on your next getaway to Hawaii, consider Parrish Kauai. Since 1984, we have been providing travelers with luxury vacation rentals on Kauai. We are also big on ecotourism; check out our blog “16 Things Not to Do on Kauai.” We would love to help you plan a sustainable vacation to Kauai; give us a call at 1-800-325-5701 for more information.