How to Protect Big Island Hawaii’s Environment and Still Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Big Island Hawaii is a tropical mini-continent with a great variety of physical features, including snow-capped peaks, pasture lands, sugarcane fields, active volcanoes, and rain-swept valleys. It is also home to some of the most diverse and unique flora and fauna in the world, with about 40% of the species being endemic to the islands. However, this natural beauty and biodiversity are under threat from various environmental issues, such as marine debris, plastic pollution, tourism, invasive species, and sea level rise. How can we protect Big Island Hawaii’s environment and still enjoy outdoor activities? Here are some tips and suggestions:

• Reduce your waste and plastic consumption. One of the biggest sources of pollution in the oceans is plastic, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. When you visit Big Island Hawaii, try to avoid single-use plastics such as bottles, bags, straws, and utensils. Instead, bring your own reusable items or buy locally made products that are biodegradable or recyclable. Dispose of your waste properly in designated bins or take it with you when you leave. You can also join beach clean-up efforts organized by local groups or agencies to help remove marine debris from the shorelines².
• Choose eco-friendly transportation and accommodation. Another way to reduce your environmental impact is to choose green modes of transportation and accommodation when you travel to Big Island Hawaii. For example, you can bike, walk, or take public buses instead of driving a car. You can also stay in eco-lodges, campsites, or homestays that use renewable energy sources, conserve water, and support local communities. By doing so, you can lower your carbon footprint and contribute to the island’s sustainability⁵.
• Respect the wildlife and habitats. Big Island Hawaii is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, such as the nene (Hawaiian goose), the silversword (a spiky plant), and the honu (green sea turtle). When you encounter these creatures in their natural habitats, be respectful and keep a safe distance. Do not feed, touch, or harass them. Follow the signs and regulations in protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Do not pick flowers, fruits, or seeds from native plants. Do not introduce any non-native species to the island that could become invasive and disrupt the ecosystem³.
• Enjoy outdoor activities responsibly. Big Island Hawaii offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stargazing. However, these activities can also have negative effects on the environment if not done responsibly. For example, when hiking on trails, stay on marked paths and avoid trampling on vegetation or eroding soil. When surfing or snorkeling in the ocean, avoid stepping on coral reefs or disturbing marine life. When kayaking or boating on lakes or rivers, avoid spilling oil or gas into the water. When stargazing at night, use red lights or filters to minimize light pollution⁵.

Big Island Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is also a fragile and precious environment that needs our care and protection. By following these tips and suggestions, you can help preserve Big Island Hawaii’s environment and still enjoy outdoor activities.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/22/2023
(1) About the Island of Hawaiʻi. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/prospective/bigisle.php.
(2) 3 Big Island Records that Amaze us | Climate, Volcanoes and Nature. https://www.lovebigisland.com/island-of-extremes/.
(3) Hawaii | Facts, Topography, History, & Volcanoes | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Hawaii-island-Hawaii.
(4) Environmental issues in Hawaii – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_Hawaii.
(5) 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island (2023). https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/big-island-hawaii-activities-things-to-do/.
(6) Weather on the Big Island, Explained (Hawaiʻi Climate Guide). https://www.lovebigisland.com/weather/.