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It’s no surprise that the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. While beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests and ‘Ono The (delicious) food is unforgettable, what makes a trip to the islands special are the hospitable people willing to share Hawaii and its rich culture.
However, Hawaii is not just a destination – it is home to 1.5 million people. In 2019, a record-breaking 10.4 million visitors traveled to the islands. Experts warn that it is a staggering number and unsustainable. Hawaii’s fragile environment and local communities cannot absorb the stress.
While Covid-19 has almost halted tourism in the state, critical areas such as the coral reef in Hanama Bay have begun to recover from decades of human damage. Roads, hiking trails and beaches were less crowded. Ultimately, this time of isolation allowed Hawaii to reassess how we thought about sharing our home.
Hawaii is reinventing a travel industry that is sustainable for the environment and communities. We are striving towards a renewed model of tourism that not only ensures less damage to the natural environment, but also makes great strides in protecting and restoring it. And every visitor is encouraged to be a part of it.
Hawaii is reinventing the travel industry as sustainable for the environment and communities.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco EA
In Hawaiian culture, all elements are interconnected. Mountains and oceans, streams and wildlife all play a role in maintaining the islands’ delicate natural cycle. People also have roles and responsibilities.
“We have a cultural bond and connection with this,” said Saviley Bartley, a Native Hawaiian plant technician and cultural tour coordinator at Loko Ia. Land (land) -‘āina is ours. father (Parent). We trust our supplier. Our elder brother is from Aina. if so (Taro) We are bound by family ties. It may be a strange concept to visitors, but what better way to show them than to have them here, at Aina, with us.
Loko Ea is an organization dedicated to protecting the Loko Ea fishing grounds in Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore. In addition to its conservation efforts, Loco Ia runs educational programs for students and groups. Bartley directs the Hololea program, designed specifically for travelers to Hawaii.
“The reason we do this program is to give the visitor group our full attention,” Bartley said. “If you’re visiting here, we believe it’s important to fully experience what we do.”
Each Holole program starts with it was (sing). The oli honors a sacred space and announces the intentions of those who enter it. Bartley then leads the group through the temple and explains the importance of the fish tank. After the tour, teams help tackle the day’s tasks by removing invasive grass and other plants from the pond.
Volunteering at Loko E and similar conservation sites in Hawaii provides opportunities to engage with both the land and the culture. When these organizations are staffed by volunteers, visitors gain a greater appreciation for their travel destination. For many, it’s the more rewarding way to go.
Filled with a rich history, Hawaii has a strong culture tied to its environment and natural resources.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco EA
“Connecting with ‘āina is so important. That’s what we want to instill in our visitors,” Bartley says. “You’re not just pulling weeds, you’re helping to clear space for future generations. You’re helping to clear space to plant more native plants. They’re part of building the foundation.”
Volunteers help future generations experience Hawaii, which is why keeping the beach clean is more than just beauty. The water has an amazing wildlife and coral ecosystems, all exposed to marine debris and toxins. Along with volunteering, making informed choices can help protect the health of these creatures and their fragile habitats. Hawaii is the first US state to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain chemicals that harm coral. However, the ban does not prevent travelers from bringing their own chemical sunscreen into the state. Unless visitors carry reef-safe sunscreen, they should expect to shop here in the islands. This way you can be sure it doesn’t contain any coral damaging substances.
“Besides going to a beach cleanup, one of the best ways to give back is to be careful before you leave the house,” says Barbara Widner, education and outreach chair for the Surfrider Foundation’s Kauai chapter. The chapter created an online guide to being 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 celebrating marine life, it’s a resource for all travelers to the state.
Walking along the beach near her Garden Island home, Widner says it’s a rare day when she doesn’t notice a bottle washed up on the beach. She encourages everyone to use reusable bottles while traveling. “Many visitors leave their hydro bottles at home because it involves draining and refilling your water before TSA,” she says. “One of the biggest things visitors can do is pack a reusable bottle, and it’s easy.”
Loko Ea gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Loko Ea Fish Tank.
Photo: Courtesy of Loco EA
Along with volunteering, exploring educational opportunities can strengthen visitors’ overall understanding of Hawaii. At the Kaanapali Beach Hotel in Maui, cultural advisors lead workshops open to all guests, such as lei making and the history of ancient Polynesian seafaring. Gayle Miyaguchi, cultural resources specialist at the hotel, says the program’s goal is to engage travelers with Hawaiian traditions and customs. A hula Class shows that dance isn’t just for B. Love Features: Helps preserve Hawaiian language, history, and antiquities.
Miyaguchi hopes education will lead to a better understanding of Hawaiian culture and environment. “We hope guests learn to respect places,” she says. “We teach them about Puu Kekaa (commonly called Black Rock). We want them to learn that it’s a sacred place and they’re not going to jump on it.
Bartley said he sees many visitors who volunteer with Loco Ia returning later to contribute more to restoration efforts. Time and time again, visitors are heard to say that they are amazed by the ingenuity and importance of the aquarium. “When they come here, they are shocked,” he said. “They are very grateful to be in this position and to learn the importance and practicality of it.”
Hawaii is more than paradise. Full of rich history, the islands have a strong culture connected to nature. From learning about the development of traditional Hawaiian music to participating in a conservation project, when visitors travel respectfully to Hawaii, great experiences follow. Bartley as “Important Intentions” In Hawaiian, pono signifies righteousness and responsibility. Visiting with pono intent is a way for visitors to say mahalo to the people and land of Hawaii.
This story was originally published in our Spring 2022 issue. Buy a copy here.
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