It’s no surprise that the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. scenic beaches, lush rainforests, Ono The (delicious) food is unforgettable. Kind people willing to share Hawaii and its rich culture are what make a trip to the islands so special.
But Hawaii is more than just a destination. It is a place where 1.5 million people live. In 2019, her record-breaking 10.4 million visitors visited the island. Experts warn that this is a staggering and unsustainable figure. Hawaii’s delicate environment and communities cannot withstand stress.
When Covid-19 halted nearly all visits to the state, critical environments such as the reefs at Hanauma Bay began to recover from decades of human impact. Roads, hiking trails and beaches are less congested. Ultimately, this period of isolation has allowed Hawaii to reassess how we share our homes.
Hawaii is reimagining a sustainable travel industry for the environment and communities. We strive towards a regenerative tourism model that not only causes less harm to the natural environment, but also makes great strides in protecting and restoring it. You are encouraged to become a part.
Hawaii is reimagining a sustainable travel industry for the environment and communities.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco Air
All elements are intertwined in Hawaiian culture. Mountains and seas, streams and wildlife all play a role in maintaining the island’s delicate natural cycles. Humans also have roles and responsibilities.
Savili Bartley, Native Hawaiian botanist and cultural tour coordinator for Loko Ea, explains: Aina (Land)—’Aina is our Makua (parent). We believe it is our provider. Our brother is from Aina and caro (Taro). We are bound by family ties. The concept may be unfamiliar to visitors, but there is nothing better than having Aina come with us. ”
Locoea is an organization dedicated to protecting the Rocoea Fishpond in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu. In addition to conservation efforts, Loko Ea runs educational programs for students and groups. Bartley heads the He Holole’a program, a project designed specifically for travelers to Hawaii.
“The reason we did this program was to give our group of visitors a lot of attention,” says Bartley. “I think it’s important for anyone visiting here to get a full picture of what we do.”
Each Holole’a program is Ori (chant). Ori pays homage to sacred space and announces the intentions of those who enter it. Bartley then guides the group to the reserve and explains the importance of fishponds. Following the tour, the group will help tackle the day’s tasks, including removing invasive grasses and other plants from the pond.
Volunteering at Locoea and similar protected areas in Hawaii provides opportunities to engage with both land and culture. While these organizations benefit from volunteers, visitors also have a stronger appreciation for the destination. For many people, it is the more rewarding method.
Rich in history, Hawaii has a strong culture tied to its environment and natural resources.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco Air
“Creating a connection with Aina is so important, and that’s what we want to instill in our visitors,” says Bartley. “You’re not just pulling out weeds, you’re helping to clear the space for the next generation. You’re helping clear the space to plant more native plants. They’re building that foundation.” It’s part of building.”
Volunteers help enable future generations to experience Hawaii. So keeping the beach pristine goes far beyond aesthetics. Underwater is a glorious world of wildlife and vibrant coral ecosystems, all threatened by sea debris and toxins. In addition to volunteerism, making conscious choices can help keep these creatures and their fragile habitats healthy. First US state to ban it. However, the ban does not prevent travelers from bringing their own chemical-based sunscreens into the state. Unless visitors already have reef-safe sunscreen, they will have to wait to purchase one on the island. This way, you can be sure that it does not contain ingredients that decompose coral.
“One of the best ways to give back, besides attending a beach clean-up event, is to take care of yourself before you leave your home,” says Barbara Weidner, Chair of Education and Outreach for the Kauai Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. I suggest paying.” In this chapter, we have created an online guide to becoming an ocean-friendly visitor to Kauai. Featured on the group’s website (kauai.surfrider.org/ocean-friendly-visitors-program). From participating in beach cleanups to respecting marine life, it’s a resource for every traveler visiting the state.
Wiedner says it’s rare to not notice a bottle washed up on the shore while strolling the beach near her Garden Isle home. She encourages everyone to use reusable bottles during her travels. “Many visitors leave their Hydro Flasks at home because they need to pour out the water before TSA and refill it afterwards,” she says. “One of the biggest things visitors can do for her is to pack reusable bottles. It’s easy.”
Locoea offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Locoea fishponds.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco Air
Alongside volunteer work, seeking out educational opportunities can enhance visitors’ understanding of Hawaii as a whole. At Maui’s Kaanapali Beach Hotel, cultural advisors open workshops to all guests on topics such as lei making and the history of ancient Polynesian voyages. Gail Miyaguchi, the hotel’s cultural resource specialist, says the goal of the interactive program is to educate travelers about Hawaiian traditions and customs.a hula Class reveals that dancing is more than just Luau Show: It also helps preserve Hawaiian language, history, and ancient stories.
Miyaguchi hopes that education will lead to a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s culture and environment. “We hope our guests will learn to respect the place,” she says. “We teach them about Pu’u Kekaa (commonly called Black Rock).
Bartley says he finds many visitors who volunteered at Loko Ea later come back to further contribute to the restoration work. He often hears visitors say they are amazed at the ingenuity and significance of the fishponds. “When they come here, they’re really shocked,” he says. “They really appreciate being in this space and learning about its importance and functionality.”
Hawaii is more than just a paradise. Rich in history, the island has a strong culture linked to nature. From learning about the evolution of traditional Hawaiian music to participating in conservation projects, a formative experience follows when visitors travel to Hawaii with respect. Bathory called it “pono intention. Pono in Hawaiian means justice and responsibility. Visiting with Pono intent is how visitors say Mahalo to the people and land of Hawaii.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue. Buy a copy here.
