A beginner’s guide to eco-tourism on Big Island Hawaii

A beginner’s guide to eco-tourism on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a paradise for eco-tourists. It is a paradise where you can enjoy and explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the island while minimizing your environmental footprint and maximizing your social and economic benefits. It is a paradise where you can practice eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism is a form of tourism that involves traveling to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of the local people. Eco-tourism follows some principles and criteria that ensure its sustainability and responsibility, such as:

• Minimizing the negative impact and increasing the positive impact of tourism on the natural environment and its resources.
• Respecting and supporting the cultural heritage and identity of the local people and their rights.
• Providing financial and technical support for conservation and community development initiatives.
• Educating and raising awareness among tourists and locals about the natural and cultural heritage and the current issues and challenges.
• Providing authentic and meaningful experiences for tourists and locals that foster appreciation and connection with nature and culture.
• Enhancing the quality and value of tourism products and services that meet the needs and expectations of tourists and locals.

If you are interested in practicing eco-tourism on Big Island Hawaii, here are some tips and suggestions for you:

• Choose eco-friendly transportation options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. Some examples are public transportation, bike rentals, or electric vehicles. You can also walk or hike to some destinations if possible.
• Choose eco-friendly accommodation options that reduce waste, water consumption, energy use, and carbon footprint. Some examples are bed and breakfasts, cottages, cabins, hostels, campsites, or eco-lodges. You can also look for accommodations that are certified by reputable organizations such as the Hawaii Green Business Program or the Green Hotels Association.
• Choose eco-friendly tours and activities that showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the island while respecting and supporting the environment and the community. Some examples are hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, stargazing, cultural workshops, volunteer programs, or eco-adventures. You can also look for tours and activities that are certified by reputable organizations such as the Hawaii Ecotourism Association or the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii.
• Buy local products that are made from locally sourced, organic, or recycled materials. This can reduce the environmental impact of transportation, packaging, and waste. It can also support the local economy and create jobs for local residents. Some examples of local products are coffee, macadamia nuts, honey, chocolate,
  soap, jewelry, art, and more.
• Eat local food that is grown, harvested,
  or prepared by local farmers, fishermen, or chefs. This can reduce the environmental impact of food production, processing,and distribution. It can also support the local food system and culture, and promote food security and sovereignty.
  Some examples of local food are fruits, vegetables,herbs,fish, meat,cheese, bread, poi, laulau, poke, and more.
• Follow the rules and regulations that are in place for your safety and the protection of the environment and its inhabitants. Obey the signs, warnings, instructions, and advice that are given by authorities, guides, rangers, or locals. Stay on designated trails, paths, roads, or areas. Do not enter restricted or prohibited zones. Do not touch, feed, disturb, or harm any plants, animals, or cultural artifacts. Do not litter, graffiti, vandalize, or damage any property or resource.
• Be mindful and considerate of your impact and your role as a visitor.
  Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home. Respect the land
  and its living beings. Respect the culture and its people. Respect yourself
  and others. Be aware of your actions
  and their consequences. Be humble and grateful for the opportunity to enjoy and explore the island. Be generous and supportive of the efforts to conserve and improve it.

By following these tips and suggestions, you can practice eco-tourism on Big Island Hawaii in various ways. You can also enhance your experience and appreciation of the island. You can also contribute to its sustainability and resilience.

Big Island Hawaii is more than just a paradise for eco-tourists. It is a responsibility that we have to fulfill and support. Let us all practice eco-tourism on this island.