responsible wildlife viewing on the Big Island of Hawaii

CommunityFirstTravel: A Guide to Responsible Wildlife Viewing on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii is home to an incredible array of wildlife, from humpback whales and green sea turtles to colorful tropical birds and rare native plants. The Big Island, in particular, offers ample opportunities for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the islands up close. However, it’s important to remember that these animals and their habitats are fragile and need to be treated with respect.

Here are some tips for responsible wildlife viewing on the Big Island:

1. Keep a safe distance: It’s important to keep a safe distance from wildlife to avoid disturbing them. This means staying at least 100 yards away from marine mammals like whales and dolphins and at least 50 yards away from sea turtles and seals. If an animal appears agitated or changes its behavior because of your presence, you’re too close.
2. Follow the rules: There are rules in place to protect wildlife and their habitats. Make sure you’re aware of these rules and follow them. For example, it’s illegal to touch or harass sea turtles or seals, and there are restrictions on where you can view them.
3. Stay on designated trails: When hiking or exploring natural areas, stay on designated trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems. Going off-trail can cause erosion and harm native plants and animals.
4. Don’t feed the animals: Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural feeding behaviors and cause them to become dependent on human-provided food. It can also attract animals to areas where they may be in danger from cars or other hazards.
5. Leave no trace: Make sure you leave natural areas as you found them by packing out all trash and not leaving any food or other items behind.
6. Support conservation efforts: Consider supporting local conservation organizations that work to protect Hawaii’s wildlife and their habitats. You can do this by volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about their work.

By following these tips for responsible wildlife viewing on the Big Island, you can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy Hawaii’s incredible natural beauty just as you have.