Five ways to support conservation during your trip to Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a destination that will leave you speechless. It is a destination that will make you marvel at the power and beauty of nature. It is a destination that will make you appreciate the diversity and richness of life. It is a destination that will make you fall in love with the island and its people.

But Big Island Hawaii is also a destination that needs your help. It is a destination that faces many environmental challenges and threats, such as climate change, invasive species, pollution, overdevelopment, and human activities. These challenges and threats affect the island’s ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as its economic and social well-being. If we don’t take action to protect and preserve Big Island Hawaii, we risk losing its priceless and irreplaceable assets.

One of the ways that we can take action to protect and preserve Big Island Hawaii is by supporting conservation during our trip to the island. Conservation means protecting and preserving the natural resources and cultural heritage of the island for the benefit of present and future generations. Conservation also means enhancing our own travel experience by learning from and engaging with the island.

Here are five ways that we can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii.

1. Choose eco-friendly accommodation and transportation.

One of the ways that we can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii is by choosing eco-friendly accommodation and transportation. This means staying at hotels, resorts, or lodges that have green certifications or policies, such as using renewable energy sources, recycling waste, saving water, or supporting local conservation projects. Some examples of eco-friendly accommodation on Big Island Hawaii are Volcano Village Lodge, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Kona Coast Resort.

Another way is by using public transportation or alternative modes of transportation whenever possible, such as buses, shuttles, bikes, or walking. This reduces our carbon footprint and also allows us to experience the island more authentically. If we need to rent a car, we can opt for a hybrid or electric vehicle and drive responsibly. We can also join organized tours or activities that use eco-friendly vehicles or methods, such as electric bikes, kayaks, or sailboats.

2. Support local businesses and products.

Another way that we can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii is by supporting local businesses and products. This means buying souvenirs, food, or services from local vendors, artisans, farmers, or cooperatives that use sustainable practices and materials. This helps the local economy and preserves the island’s culture and traditions. Some examples of local products that we can buy on Big Island Hawaii are Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, honey, chocolate, soap, jewelry, or art.

We can also support local businesses and products by eating at local restaurants or cafes that serve authentic Hawaiian cuisine or dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. This reduces our food miles and also allows us to taste the island’s flavors and specialties. Some examples of local restaurants or cafes that we can eat at on Big Island Hawaii are Hilo Bay Cafe, Island Lava Java, or Merriman’s.

3. Respect the wildlife and their habitats.

Another way that we can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii is by respecting the wildlife and their habitats. This means observing the wildlife from a safe distance, not feeding, touching, or harassing them, and following the guidelines and regulations of the wildlife authorities or experts. This protects the wildlife and their habitats from harm and stress and also ensures our safety and enjoyment. Some examples of wildlife that we can see on Big Island Hawaii are sea turtles, dolphins, whales, manta rays, birds, or insects.

We can also respect the wildlife and their habitats by avoiding activities that damage or disturb them, such as littering, trampling vegetation, making loud noises, or using flash photography. We can also join activities that help conserve or restore them, such as volunteering for beach cleanups, reef surveys, or native plantings. Some examples of organizations that offer such activities on Big Island Hawaii are Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Malama Maunalua, or The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.

4. Learn about the culture and history of Big Island Hawaii.

Big Island Hawaii has a rich and diverse culture and history that reflects its natural and human heritage. It has a culture and history that we can learn from and appreciate, and that we can also help preserve and promote. We can learn about the culture and history of Big Island Hawaii by visiting various cultural sites, museums, or monuments that showcase the island’s heritage and diversity, such as Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hulihe’e Palace, or Imiloa Astronomy Center. These places can teach us about the island’s ancient and modern history, its native and immigrant cultures, its arts and sciences, and its legends and stories. We can also learn about the culture and history of Big Island Hawaii by interacting with the local people, especially the native Hawaiians, who have a deep connection and respect for their land, their sea, and their sky. They practice traditional customs and rituals that honor their ancestors and their environment. They also share their stories, legends, music, dance, art, and cuisine with visitors who want to learn more about their rich heritage.

5. Donate or volunteer for conservation organizations or projects.

The final way that we can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii is by donating or volunteering for conservation organizations or projects. There are many conservation organizations or projects that are working to protect and preserve Big Island Hawaii’s environment by conducting research, monitoring, education, restoration, or advocacy. These organizations or projects are vital for the island’s environmental health and sustainability but they often need funding, resources, or manpower.

We can donate or volunteer for conservation organizations or projects by giving money or resources; offering our time or skills; joining or forming groups or networks; or participating in campaigns or actions. Some examples of conservation organizations or projects that we can donate or volunteer for on Big Island Hawaii are The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Malama Maunalua, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or Kilauea Visitor Center.

Conclusion

Big Island Hawaii is a destination that will leave us speechless but it is also a destination that needs our help. Its environment is under threat from various environmental challenges and threats that affect its ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as its economic and social well-being. We can help protect and preserve its environment by supporting conservation during our trip to the island. Conservation means protecting and preserving the natural resources and cultural heritage of the island for the benefit of present and future generations. Conservation also means enhancing our own travel experience by learning from and engaging with the island. We can support conservation during our trip to Big Island Hawaii by choosing eco-friendly accommodation and transportation; supporting local businesses and products; respecting the wildlife and their habitats; learning about the culture and history of the island; donating or volunteering for conservation organizations or projects. By doing so, we can help ensure that Big Island Hawaii remains a destination that will leave us speechless for generations to come.