Why ethical wildlife encounters matter in Hawaii

Hawaii is a place of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality. But it is also a place of amazing wildlife, with some of the most diverse and endangered species and habitats in the world. Hawaii is home to four kinds of dolphins, five species of sea turtles, 25 species of whales and dolphins, and countless species of fish and coral. These animals are not only fascinating and beautiful, but also vital for the health and balance of Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.

However, these animals are also vulnerable to human impacts, such as habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, climate change, and irresponsible tourism. Many tourists come to Hawaii to see and interact with these animals, but they may not realize the harm they can cause by doing so. That’s why ethical wildlife encounters matter in Hawaii. Ethical wildlife encounters are those that respect the animals’ natural behaviors and habitats, minimize disturbance and stress, and follow the laws and guidelines that protect them. Here are some reasons why you should practice ethical wildlife encounters in Hawaii:

1. You help conserve Hawaii’s wildlife

By practicing ethical wildlife encounters, you help conserve Hawaii’s wildlife for future generations. You avoid actions that can harm or harass the animals, such as feeding, touching, chasing, or crowding them. You also avoid actions that can damage or destroy their habitats, such as standing on coral reefs, littering, or anchoring on sensitive areas. You also support conservation efforts by reporting any injured or stranded animals to the authorities, or by joining volunteer activities such as beach cleanups or reef monitoring.

2. You enhance your own experience

By practicing ethical wildlife encounters, you enhance your own experience by observing the animals in their natural state and learning more about them. You can appreciate their beauty, intelligence, and personality without interfering with their normal activities. You can also witness some amazing behaviors and interactions that you might miss otherwise. For example, you can watch spinner dolphins perform flips, slaps, and spins in Oʻahu’s Ōneo Bay¹. Or you can join a night-time manta ray snorkel or dive on Big Island and see these gentle giants glide and feed on plankton².

3. You respect Hawaiian culture

By practicing ethical wildlife encounters, you respect Hawaiian culture by honoring the animals as part of Hawaiʻi’s heritage and spirituality. Many Hawaiians consider these animals as ʻaumākua, or ancestral guardians, who protect and guide them. They also have legends and traditions that feature these animals as symbols or characters. For example, the humpback whale, or koholā, is associated with creation, navigation, and fertility³. The green sea turtle, or honu, is a symbol of wisdom, endurance, and good luck⁴.

These are some of the reasons why ethical wildlife encounters matter in Hawaii. By practicing ethical wildlife encounters, you not only help conserve Hawaii’s wildlife, but also enhance your own experience and respect Hawaiian culture. You can enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty and diversity while being responsible and respectful towards its wildlife.