Hawaii’s Big Island Visitors Bureau has launched a sustainable travel section on their Web site. Perhaps the term sustainable travel is a new one for you. I like how the Big Island Visitor’s Bureau defines it.
On Hawaii Island, as elsewhere, sustainable tourism today means:
- Minimizing negative impacts on the environment
- Promoting the local culture, including heritage, history, arts, crafts, and more
- Supporting island businesses, hiring locally and buying locally
- Recycling, reusing and reducing use of limited resources
- Offering authentic experiences which sustain the environment and local people
- Preserving the geographical character of this place
The Web site has several good articles that will help visitors understand more about the complex and somewhat fragile eco-system in Hawaii. Visitors can learn how they can make choices that will promote sustainable travel. For example, visitors can support hotels, tour companies, and restaurants that have integrated eco-friendly practices. I’d also like to point out the eco-adventure volunteer page that lists some of the projects that you can support while you are on your Big Island vacation.
I do encourage visitors to Hawaii to be good stewards while they’re there. You may also like to read my article on tips for being eco-friendly on your Hawaii vacation
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Great Campaign! Without our Hawaiian culture & natural beauty... Hawaii just wouldn't be the same. Everyone over here knows this but it's easy to forget sometimes.
Hawaii also has a LOT of laws restricting outdoor signs. Most people never notice that there are NO billboards. They just notice the nice scenery that would otherwise be obstructed if billboards were allowed.
I wish that more places across the world would use a "sustainable tourism" policy. It's so eco-friendly - it definitely makes you feel less guilty about traveling.
@ Dave - I'm glad people have taken the initiative to preserve Hawaii's culture and beauty. It is to be treasured for sure!
@ Ami - I know what you mean about the travel guilt thing. It's a tough balancing act. The good news is that many resorts and businesses in Hawaii are making earnest efforts to reduce energy dependence, improve recycling programs, etc. I think/hope that these types of sustainable tourism initiatives will grow.