Discovering the Benefits of Community Tourism in Big Island Hawaii’s Remote Communities

Discovering the Benefits of Community Tourism in Big Island Hawaii’s Remote Communities

Big Island Hawaii, also known as the Island of Hawaiʻi, is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world’s different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa ⁴.

While many visitors flock to popular tourist destinations such as Waikiki Beach on Oahu, there are many remote and less-visited communities on Big Island Hawaii that offer unique and authentic experiences through community tourism.

Community tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on engaging with local communities and supporting their economic, social, and environmental well-being. It provides travelers with an opportunity to learn about local cultures and traditions while also giving back to the communities they visit.

One way to engage in community tourism on Big Island Hawaii is by participating in voluntourism opportunities. For example, traveling volunteers can live and work within an intentional organic community such as Kalani Oceanside Retreat or Hedonisia Hawaii Sustainable Community. These communities offer visitors and guests the opportunity to work, learn, and embrace an organic farming and co-existing experience in Hawaii, including yoga and other educational workshops ⁶.

Another way to engage in community tourism on Big Island Hawaii is by supporting local businesses and initiatives. This can include staying at locally-owned accommodations, eating at locally-owned restaurants, and participating in tours and activities led by local guides.

By engaging in community tourism on Big Island Hawaii, travelers can help support the local economy while also learning about the rich history and culture of the island. It provides a more authentic and meaningful travel experience while also benefiting the communities visited.

In conclusion, community tourism on Big Island Hawaii’s remote and less-visited communities offers travelers a unique opportunity to engage with local cultures while also giving back to the communities they visit. By supporting local businesses and initiatives, travelers can help support the local economy while also learning about the rich history and culture of the island. So why not consider adding some community tourism experiences to your next Big Island adventure? #BigIslandAdventure

Source:
(1) Hawaii Island Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information …. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island.
(2) Hawaii Voluntourism | Hawaii.com. https://www.hawaii.com/things-to-do/voluntourism/.
(3) Can Hawaii reset its stressed out tourism industry after the pandemic …. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/21/hawaii-tourism-industry-after-covid.
(4) Hawaii Is Rethinking Tourism. Here’s What That Means for You. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-12-30/hawaii-is-rethinking-tourism-here-s-what-that-means-for-you.
(5) Fact Sheet: Benefits of Hawaii’s Tourism Economy. https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/4167/hta-tourism-econ-impact-fact-sheet-december-2019.pdf.
(6) Love Big Island: Local Travel + Vacation Guide for Hawai’i island. https://www.lovebigisland.com/.
(7) Big Island towns | To-Hawaii.com. https://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/cities/.
(8) Big Island Guide – Ultimate Travel Guide for Hawaii’s Big Island. https://bigislandguide.com/.