How to Travel More Sustainably in Hawai’i

Home to some of the most vivid coral reef systems on the planet, it is imperative that we as visitors do our part to help preserve Hawaii’s reefs for future generations. Doing so can be as simple as applying reef-safe sunscreen. In fact, the Hawaiian Government has recently banned the use of chemical sunscreens that can pollute the ocean and harm marine life.

In addition, you should also avoid making physical contact with the reef – touching and standing on the reef is not only destructive but can also cause injury to yourself. And this ‘no touching’ rule doesn’t just apply to the coral. With 400 threatened and endangered species in Hawaii, we also implore that you don’t get too close to the wildlife. It is far more ethical to simply admire from a safe distance.

Home to some of the most vivid coral reef systems on the planet, it is imperative that we as visitors do our part to help preserve Hawaii’s reefs for future generations.

Ensure that the community, rather than a big corporation, benefit from your visit to Hawai’i by choosing to shop with local businesses. After all, many small, local businesses have suffered during the pandemic and now need our support to help rebuild.

There are so many ways to spend locally. Dine at family-owned restaurants, find fresh produce at farmers’ markets or go straight to the source by touring a local farm. And when searching for a souvenir, opt for something handmade and unique (preferably from a native Hawai’ian artisan) instead of something cheap and mass-produced. By choosing local, you can trust that your money cycles back into the local economy.

Ensure that the community, rather than a big corporation, benefit from your visit to Hawai’i by choosing to shop with local businesses.

When visiting Hawai’i, be careful to take only memories and leave only footprints. If you find any rubbish lying around, take the initiative to pick it up, even if it’s not yours. It’s a small act that makes a huge difference in preserving the unspoiled beauty Hawai’i is so famous for.

And while we may be unable to eradicate all the rubbish in the world, we can make a conscious effort to reduce any further creation of litter. An easy way to do this is to carry reusable water bottles, shopping bags and even utensils with you, so you can refrain from purchasing single-use plastics while in Hawai’i.

When visiting Hawai’i, be careful to take only memories and leave only footprints. If you find any rubbish lying around, take the initiative to pick it up, even if it’s not yours.