Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Hawaii: Embrace the Aloha Spirit

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re not alone. The remote archipelago in the Pacific receives flights and ships full of tourists every day – nearly 10 million per year. That number is expected to continue to grow, but as visitor numbers rise so do environmental costs.

The very elements that attract travelers to Hawaii – namely, the natural beauty and the local people and culture – are at risk of suffering under the weight of 10 million visitors. So if you’re headed to Hawaii, here’s how to show the islands some aloha.

Choose Wisely

One of the first things on a trip to-do list is securing a home away from home. It’s also one of the primary ways travelers impact a destination for better or worse. Choose ‘better’ by narrowing your search to properties that contribute to the community and respect the environment, people, and culture.

Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is an oasis of aloha amidst the concrete and chain hotels of Honolulu. It is committed to environmental and cultural conservation. Surfjack was the first hotel in Waikiki to eliminate single-use plastic, ensuring you won’t miss those wasteful disposable bottles with endless refills available at hydration stations. Additionally, you’ll find free reef-safe sunscreen dispensers, plastic-free bikini and accessories pop-up shops, and ‘talk story’ sessions on cultural and environmental topics.

Mahina & Sun’s – a sea-and-farm-to-fork restaurant serving up Hawaiian flavors, locally grown produce, and sustainably sourced seafood – is a highlight at Surfjack. The sea snapper is the obvious star, but be warned: creative side dishes like pohole (fiddlehead) salad and the ‘ulu (breadfruit superfood) with chili pepper aioli are so addictive you might find yourself filling up on them and still begging for seconds.

Spend Locally

Visitors consume resources and can create or exacerbate local challenges such as traffic and degradation of sites. However, tourism done right can create a positive economic impact. Support local businesses and ensure your spending cycles into the local economy.

Enjoy a fresh bite at a family-run restaurant like South Shore Grill, near iconic Diamond Head crater (the macadamia nut pesto is a must). For a special night out and a taste of Hawaiian cuisine, dine at Merriman’s (locations on Kaua’i, Maui, O’ahu, and the Big Island of Hawai’i). For some fun, ask your server to choose your entrée, then order an appetizer or share plate (the Farm to High Rise Kim Chee at the Honolulu location is fantastic) alongside a specialty cocktail. The No Ka ‘Oi (the best) cocktail topped with honey lilikoi (passion fruit) puree lives up to its name.

Farmers markets across the islands make it easy to buy fresh and local. Some, like Uncle Robert’s Wednesday Night Market on the Big Island, feature live music, making your shopping trip an island-style night out. Don’t worry if you dance up a sweat; you can cool off with a chilly treat from Nicoco – organic vegan gelato made from locally-sourced coconut, coffee, and cacao.

You can also tour a working farm, such as ONO Organic Farm on Maui or Kahumana Organic Farm & Café on O’ahu. Kahumana has a community-minded social mission, meaning every dollar you spend supports local efforts.

Tread Lightly

Hawaii’s natural environment is fragile, and with 10 million visitors annually, it’s at risk of being overwhelmed. There are several ways to tread lightly and aloha ‘aina (love and respect the land).

Hawaii hosted the first-ever World Reef Day and was the first U.S. state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and oxtinoxate. The law will take effect in January 2021. In the meantime, skip chemical sunscreens that pollute the ocean and harm marine life. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen like Raw Elements instead.

Additionally, carry your own reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils while refusing single-use plastics. Do not harass or touch wildlife; it’s not only disruptive and potentially dangerous, but in some cases (like endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and sea turtles) it’s illegal. Remain off the reef while swimming and stick to marked trails while hiking.

Furthermore, venture away from major tourist attractions to discover lesser-known activities like parts of Volcanoes National Park and forest bathing at Kahulu’u Gardens. Respect sacred sites by adhering to signs and fences even if other visitors choose to disregard them. Avoid desecrating a sacred site for social media posts.

Malama ‘aina

A concept in Hawaii known as malama ‘aina means to love and nurture the land. Traveling brings new experiences, friends, inspiration, memories, and more. So why not give something meaningful back?

Keep an empty bag with you to collect trash you find on trails or beaches. Join a beach cleanup event with local organizations like 808 Cleanups on the Big Island or Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii on O’ahu. It’s a fantastic way to meet and connect with a diverse mix of locals. 808 Cleanups even has an app and events calendar listing beach cleanups and activities such as wetland workdays and shoreline restoration.

Dive deeper by volunteering in the taro paddies of Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai. You’ll learn about traditional farming methods, the culturally significant taro crop, and Hawaiian history while working alongside locals. Alternatively, consider volunteering with Paepae o He’eia and engage in tasks such as trash pickup or reconstructing a fishpond wall. The work can be challenging, but the experience of teaming up with locals to malama ‘aina is unforgettable.