Explore Hawaii's Eco-Friendly Adventures: Sustainable Travel Tips

Hawaii. The very name evokes images of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. But beneath the postcard-perfect surface, a powerful movement is taking root: sustainable travel. Far from being just a buzzword, sustainability in Hawaii is a deeply ingrained philosophy, guided by the ancient value of mālama ʻāina—to care for the land (Kamehameha Schools, n.d.).

As a conscious traveler, you likely want your adventures to enrich not only your soul but also the places you visit. The good news? Hawaii is making it easier than ever to travel with purpose. By looking for specific certifications and embracing mindful practices, you can ensure your journey contributes positively to the islands' future.

Beyond the Lei: Hawaii's Statewide Commitment to a Greener Future

Hawaii isn't just dabbling in sustainability; it's making a profound commitment. The state has set ambitious goals through the Aloha+ Challenge, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2045, increased local food production, waste reduction, and robust natural resource management (Hawaii Green Growth, n.d.). This isn't just talk; it's a measurable framework guiding policy and action across the islands.

You'll see this commitment in action everywhere, from the proliferation of solar panels on homes to initiatives like "Travel Pono," encouraging visitors to engage respectfully with the culture and environment (Hawaii Tourism Authority, n.d.).

Your Green Compass: Navigating Hawaii with Certifications

For the discerning traveler, certifications are your clearest path to identifying genuinely sustainable businesses. Think of them as your green compass, pointing you towards accommodations, tour operators, and activities that truly walk the talk.

1. Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii (STAH) Certification:

2. Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP):

3. Green Key Global:

Beyond Certifications: The "Mālama Hawaii" Experience

While certifications are crucial, true sustainable travel in Hawaii also invites you to participate. The Mālama Hawaii program, spearheaded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, encourages visitors to "give back" during their stay (Hawaii Tourism Authority, n.d.). This isn't just about charity; it's about forging a deeper, more meaningful connection with the islands.

Imagine swapping a few hours of beach lounging for:

• Planting native trees in a reforestation project, contributing directly to watershed health.

• Restoring an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, learning about traditional aquaculture and contributing to food security.

• Participating in a beach cleanup, keeping Hawaii's shores pristine for future generations.

These experiences are often offered with special perks by participating hotels and tour operators, creating a win-win for both you and the destination.

Addressing the Flight Factor: Carbon Offsets for a Truly Responsible Journey

One of the most significant environmental impacts of any trip to Hawaii comes from the journey itself. As a destination located a considerable distance from most major travel hubs, air travel is a necessity. It's important to recognize that take-off and landing are the most carbon-intensive phases of a flight (Lee et al., 2009).

To take your responsible travel plan a step further, consider mitigating your flight's carbon footprint through carbon offsetting. This involves investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere to compensate for the emissions generated by your flight.

• Airline Programs: Many airlines now offer carbon offset programs directly during the booking process. These are often partnerships with reputable environmental organizations.

• Third-Party Platforms: For a more hands-on approach, consider platforms like Cool Effect (Cool Effect, n.d.). Cool Effect allows you to calculate your flight's emissions and contribute to a wide range of verified projects, from renewable energy initiatives to forest conservation, helping you achieve a carbon-neutral journey.
  

By taking this additional step, you can extend your commitment to mālama ʻāina beyond Hawaii's shores, contributing to global environmental health and solidifying your status as a truly regenerative traveler.

Your Role as a Regenerative Traveler

Embracing sustainable travel in Hawaii means more than just looking for logos. It means adopting a mindset of respect and reciprocity:

• Protect the Reef: Always use reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate). Hawaii has legally banned these harmful chemicals, but ensuring your sunscreen is reef-safe is a simple yet powerful act of protection (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, n.d.).

• Reduce Waste: Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Many hotels offer filtered water stations.

• Respect Sacred Sites: If you visit cultural sites, stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing any artifacts, and do not take lava rocks or sand.

• Support Local: Choose locally owned businesses for dining, shopping, and activities. This directly injects your tourism dollars into the local economy.

Charting Your Sustainable Course

So, can you sell Hawaii as a sustainable travel destination? Absolutely. By focusing on Hawaii's profound commitment to mālama ʻāina, leveraging specific certifications like STAH and HGBP, encouraging participation in programs like Mālama Hawaii, and actively offsetting your flight emissions, you're not just booking a trip; you're facilitating an enriching, responsible, and regenerative experience.

For your next Hawaiian adventure, let your green compass guide you to a deeper connection with these extraordinary islands. Choose certified, give back, travel pono, and offset your journey for a truly impactful trip.

Travel consciously, travel luxuriously. Read more on planning responsible adventures in our blog.

Start Planning Today: sharon@asyouwishluxurytravel.com or 440.925.5568.

References

Cool Effect. (n.d.). Cool Effect Home. Retrieved from https://www.cooleffect.org/

Green Key Global. (n.d.). About Green Key Global. Retrieved from https://greenkeyglobal.com/about-us/

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Reef-Safe Sunscreen. Retrieved from https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/reef-safe-sunscreen/

Hawaii Green Business Program. (n.d.). About the Program. Retrieved from https://greenbusiness.hawaii.gov/about-the-program/

Hawaii Green Growth. (n.d.). Aloha+ Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiigreengrowth.org/alohaplus-challenge/

Hawaii Tourism Authority. (n.d.). Mālama Hawaii. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/malamahawaii/

Hawaii Tourism Authority. (n.d.). Travel Pono. Retrieved from https://www.gohawaii.com/travel-pono

Kamehameha Schools. (n.d.). Mālama ʻĀina. Retrieved from https://www.ksbe.edu/malamaina/

Lee, D. S., Fahey, C. F., Skowron, A., Newton, H., Danchev, S., Owen, B., ... & Lim, L. (2009). The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing. Atmospheric Environment, 43(35), 5576-5582.

Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii (STAH). (n.d.). STAH Certification. Retrieved from https://sustainablehawaii.org/certification/