The future of conservation: The long-term impact of sustainable tourism and responsible travel on Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii is facing a critical moment in its history. As a popular tourist destination, it attracts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy its natural and cultural attractions. But this also puts a strain on its fragile environment and resources, which are already threatened by climate change, invasive species, development, and pollution. How can Hawaii balance the needs of its tourism industry and its local communities with the protection of its unique biodiversity and heritage? The answer may lie in sustainable tourism and responsible travel.

Sustainable tourism and responsible travel are not new concepts, but they have gained more attention and momentum in recent years, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted the global travel industry and highlighted the need for more resilient and ethical tourism practices. Sustainable tourism and responsible travel are based on the principles of minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive benefits for the environment, the people, and the culture of a destination. They also involve engaging travelers in learning about and respecting the place they visit, as well as supporting local conservation and development efforts.

On Big Island Hawaii, there are many examples of sustainable tourism and responsible travel initiatives that aim to create a more harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between visitors and hosts. These include:

• Eco-friendly accommodation: Hotels and vacation rentals that use renewable energy sources, compost waste, provide organic and locally sourced meals, and participate in conservation programs. For example, the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo is an off-the-grid property that uses a waterfall and solar panels to power everything, collects and filters rainwater for drinking and bathing, and offers activities such as farm-to-table cooking classes, waterfall rappelling, and native plant restoration¹.
• Local businesses: Restaurants, shops, tours, and activities that offer authentic and sustainable products and services that support the local economy and culture. For example, Fair Wind Cruises provides eco-friendly snorkeling trips in Kealakekua Bay, where visitors can see colorful fish and coral reefs while learning about their importance for the marine ecosystem². Or Mahina & Sun’s, a sea-and-farm-to-fork restaurant that serves Hawaiian flavors with locally grown produce and sustainably sourced seafood³.
• Nature-based tourism: Hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, or other outdoor activities that allow visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of Big Island Hawaii. But while doing so, visitors should also follow some guidelines to reduce their impact on the environment and wildlife, such as staying on marked trails, keeping a safe distance from animals, using reef-safe sunscreen, disposing of trash properly, and participating in volunteer activities such as beach cleanups or native plant restoration⁴.
• Carbon footprint reduction: Low-emission transportation options such as public transportation, bike or electric car rental, or flying with Hawaiian Airlines, which reduces fuel consumption by lightening cargo on their flights. Or carbon offsetting by donating to organizations that plant trees or support renewable energy projects in Hawaii.

By adopting these practices, visitors can not only enjoy a more authentic and meaningful experience on Big Island Hawaii but also contribute to its long-term conservation and well-being. The benefits of sustainable tourism and responsible travel are manifold:

• For the environment: Sustainable tourism and responsible travel can help protect and restore Big Island Hawaii’s natural resources, such as its volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches, coral reefs, plants, and animals. They can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
• For the people: Sustainable tourism and responsible travel can help support the local economy by creating jobs and income for local businesses and communities. They can also help empower the local people by respecting their rights, values, customs
• For the culture: Sustainable tourism and responsible travel can help preserve and promote Big Island Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing its art, music, dance, language, legends, and traditions. They can also help foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation between visitors and hosts.

The future of conservation on Big Island Hawaii depends on the actions of both visitors
and locals who share a common vision
and responsibility for this beautiful
and precious place. By embracing sustainable tourism
and responsible travel,
we can all play a part in ensuring that Big Island Hawaii remains a paradise for generations to come.

Source:
(1) Is Responsible Travel to Hawaii Fun? – The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/27/travel/hawaii-sustainable-tourism.html.
(2) Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii | Hawaii STAH Tours & Education. https://www.sustainabletourismhawaii.org/.
(3) 10 BEST ECO-RESORTS IN HAWAII: SUSTAINABILITY MEETS LUXURY. https://www.journeyera.com/eco-resorts-hawaii/.
(4) GIVE Hawaii Forest Conservation & Responsible Tourism Excursion. https://www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad/united-states-america/program/268746.