Turning blue Hawaii green

Kalalau Valley, Kauai, Hawaii

Article by: Jeff Campbell, August 2008

Been to Hawaii and hoping to return to that same paradise some day? Hawaii's environment is groaning under the strain of over 7 million visitors a year, but here's some ecofriendly strategies you can adopt to practise 'sustainable tourism' right now. 

Silver birds, metal beasts

There's no green way to get to Hawaii, or get around it once you're there, unless you've got oodles of time on your calloused hands. Ancient Polynesians originally paddled outrigger canoes to the islands, but funnily enough almost no one does this anymore. Consider donating to a carbon-offset program (such as climatecare.org) to balance your aeroplane's exhaust.
All the main islands run public bus systems, but only O'ahu's system is convenient enough for travellers to do without their own wheels. You can minimise transportation impacts by just sticking to one island. If you do want to island-hop, use ferries and not planes.
If you decide you really need your own wheels, rent a hybrid vehicle (where available). If you're on Maui, book through Bio-Beetle, whose cars run on 100% biodiesel (mostly used cooking oil). Mmm, is that deep-fried mahi mahi you're driving?

A green night's sleep

Many Hawaiian hotels do little ecofriendly things, like letting you decide how often to wash your linens, but very few go that extra mile. Check the hotels certified by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association and the Green Hotel Association and ask about environment-friendly practices when reserving.
The Big Island's Mauna Lani Resorts & Bungalows are considered one of the world's most ecofriendly resorts. They use solar power and brown water on their golf courses, and run a sea turtle conservation program. Big Island B&B Kalaekilohana and Hana Maui Botanical Gardens on Maui emphasise Hawaiian culture and the environment.

Loving nature

Akaka Falls, Hamakua Coast, Waimea Reagion.

These days, the mantra for Hawaiian nature lovers should be 'take only pictures, leave no footprints'. Hawaii has one of the planet's most diverse and unique ecosystems, but it's under siege from development, invasive species and human impact.
Before arriving in Hawaii, clean your boots, packs, and tents to avoid introducing non-native species. Always practise 'leave no trace' ethics: stick to established trails and campsites; don't pick flowers, step on live coral or take lava rocks. Admire the sea turtles and dolphins but don't approach them.
When choosing activities, opt for non-motorised ones: kayak and sail instead of motorboating; dive and snorkel from shore; go surfing; hike and bike rather than ride in ATVs and helicopters. 
The Hawaii Ecotourism Association certifies outfitters and tours committed to ecotourism and sustainable travel. Visit the state-run, statewide Na Ala Hele, which maintains nearly 100 hiking trails and also keeps a list of approved outfitters. The Sierra Club and the Hawaii Audubon Society are very active environmental organisations that host recommended hikes and events on all the main islands.

Here are a few island-specific recommendations:
O'ahu: Take the plunge with Deep Ecology and hike with the Hawaii Trail & Mountain Club. Visit the Hawai'i Nature Center on O'ahu and Maui - particularly good if you have kids.
Maui: Watch whales with the Pacific Whale Foundation and sail a catamaran with Trilogy Excursions.
The Big Island: Hawaii Forest & Trail and Hawaiian Walkways are both award-winning ecotour companies, while Aloha Kayak is both eco-friendly and Hawaiian-owned.
Kaua'i: Hike with Kaua'i Nature Tours and learn to paddle that outrigger canoe with the folks at Kamokila Hawaiian Village.

Hula, lei and slack-key guitar

'Sustainable travel' means travelling in a way that supports local culture and communities as well as nature. Make a point to learn about Native Hawaiian traditions and arts from those who practise them, and buy local! 
When shopping, look for the state-sponsored 'Hawaii Seal of Quality', which denotes island-made products, and visit Made in Maui and Kaua'i Made for a list of merchants.
To immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and history, visit O'ahu's Bishop Museum, the Big Island's 'Imiloa and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. All have events and classes, as does O'ahu's Native Books Na Mea Hawaii and the Big Island's Volcano Art Center. O'ahu's Mauka Makai Excursions runs fantastic culture-focused tours with Hawaiian guides.

The extra mile

'Malama 'aina.' This Native Hawaiian phrase means 'care for the land'. It's a deeply-felt sensibility and call to action among Hawaii's residents, and visitors keen to have a direct, positive impact on Hawaii should consider joining them. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful and easy to arrange, and many allow for just an afternoon or day's commitment.
Malama Hawai'i is a partnership network of over 70 community groups and non-profits, which covers every type of volunteer opportunity, including trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, education and animal counts. Their website also lists events and fundraisers. Check out Volunteer Zone for more opportunities, plus ways to donate.
To volunteer in a state or national park, contact the Division of Forestry & Wildlife and the National Park Service. Looking for a volunteer-based trip? Consider joining the Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana on their five-day visits to rehabilitate uninhabited Kaho'olawe Island.

Locavore - Hawaii-style

Hawaii imports around 90% of its food. Thus, becoming a Hawaiian locavore is key to sustaining island agriculture - and surprisingly easy. Each island has several farmers' markets, with hours that vary throughout the week. One of the largest and best is in Hilo on the Big Island. For food events and agriculture tours, contact one of Hawaii's slow-food conviviums on the Big Island, O'ahu and Kaua'i.