Issue 112 - September 2024

Sustainable Tourism in Hawaii: How to Travel Responsibly

A unique natural oasis, the Hawaiian archipelago has been attracting leisure-seeking travelers for over a century. And this is not much of a surprise. Considering the attractiveness of the islands, coupled with a hefty marketing spend, Hawaii regularly tops the list of the most desired holiday destinations for US tourists.

Yet, the popularity of the destination comes at a considerable price.

Recent studies have shown that the number of people flocking to Hawaii is far too big to make the practice sustainable. In 2019, the number of visitors reached 10.4 million people, with over 70% being US travelers. To put the number into perspective, US tourists outnumbered Hawaiians 5 to 1.

This type of over-tourism is far from sustainable. While it does generate tens of billions of dollars for the state (which is essential, considering that tourism makes up roughly one-quarter of Hawaii’s economy), there are clear signs that something has to change.

A Plan for Change

For the archipelago, the road to solving the issue of over-tourism evidently requires forward thinking. European destinations have been (successfully) experimenting with capping visitor numbers, charging tourist access fees, and restricting opening times.

Still, the measures in Hawaii need to focus on more than just limiting the number of visitors. Far more important for the islands is the effort to regenerate the environment that’s been so negatively impacted by development, pollution, and the introduction of non-native invasive species threatening the island’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) developed a strategic plan for the period between 2020 and 2025, with its main focus being destination management. Taking into consideration the extent to which Hawaii relies on tourism for its income, the organization’s agenda rests on the idea of attracting high-spending, low-impact visitors through marketing and attractive incentives.

But the truth is that local action alone — no matter how remarkable — is not enough to make a positive change. Instead, the key to sustainable tourism in Hawaii rests on collective efforts involving tourists themselves.

How to Travel Responsibly in Hawaii

Considering the negative impact of over-tourism in Hawaii, eco-conscious travelers may think a trip to the islands is impossible — at least if the goals involve sustainable and ethical practices. But, considering that the locals heavily rely on the travel industry from an economic perspective, that’s not entirely true.

Instead, the solution to sustainable tourism in Hawaii could lie in well-thought-out individual behavioral changes. Ones, of course, that go further than the basic tenets of bringing a reusable water bottle, not littering, and respecting wildlife.

So, what practical (and genuinely impactful) tactics can you follow to enjoy a Hawaiian adventure without negatively affecting the archipelago’s nature (or, even better, leaving a positive impact during your stay)?

Consider Your Travel and Accommodation Arrangements

No matter your destination, how you get there and where you stay will have the most severe impact on your eco-footprint. So, while there’s no way for your vacation not to affect your destination, you can minimize the negative aspects of your stay by making eco-conscious decisions regarding the most basic elements of your travel arrangements.

When visiting Hawaii, you only have two options regarding how you get there — boat or plane. While air travel (justifiably) gets a bad rep, it’s probably the better option. And that’s not only because it’s faster but also because most big vessels emit as much toxic greenhouse gasses as planes. Plus, they generate copious quantities of solid waste and contribute to ocean acidification.

So, when visiting Hawaii, the first eco-conscious step you can take is to offset your carbon footprint. The budget-friendly way to do this is to try to keep your airfare costs in check so that it doesn’t create an unnecessary financial burden and stop you from adhering to sustainable practices on-site.

Moreover, do your best to choose sustainable accommodations for your stay. Whether your ideal choice includes an off-the-grid inn or a beach resort, explore opportunities to ensure your stay gives back — something you can achieve by booking a Mālama Hawaiʻi package with one of the participating hotels. Try to prioritize hotels that employ Native Hawaiians and stay away from short-term rentals. They are exacerbating the housing crisis (already made worse by last year’s Lahaina wildfires).

Volunteer with Local Non-profits

The second best way to travel responsibly to Hawaii is to give back to the community and the land.

There are numerous opportunities to participate in sustainable activities across the islands. For example, 808 Cleanups is a non-profit aiming to remove litter from trails, beaches, and reefs, educate local communities, remove invasive species and replace them with native ones, and support local arts and culture through stewardship programs.

Or, if joining one of the many events doesn’t align with your schedule (although there’s an activity happening almost every day of the week), then at least do your best to make your small personal contribution to the islands’ ecosystem.

Pick up any litter you come across — even if it’s not yours. Use mineral reef-safe sunscreen. Clean your shoes before your hikes to prevent the spreading of invasive plant species. Most importantly, book activities that benefit the local community (like a farm-to-table tour or a luau at a Native Hawaiian-owned organization).

Finally, be willing to spend generously at local businesses, especially by choosing family-owned restaurants instead of big chains.

Be Respectful of Efforts to Curb Over-Tourism

Lastly, as you explore tips on how to make your trip to Hawaii more sustainable, understand that the islands still get too many visitors — even after the COVID-19 drop-off in global travel rates.

So, if you want to visit responsibly, you must accept that you may not get to see everything you intended. Numerous attractions in Hawaii now require reservations (with most charging for entrance and parking). And with tickets selling fast, there’s a good chance you won’t manage to get in.

If this happens, one of the worst things you can do is park illegally and try to search for hidden gems. It’s not only dangerous — it also creates new problems for the community and ecosystem, which are already stretched too thin by the sheer number of visitors.

Is Ethical Tourism Possible in Hawaii?

Even though there are ways to travel to the islands responsibly and in a sustainable way, the fact is that Hawaii, as a destination, can be problematic from an ecological and ethical perspective.

So, when planning your trip, prioritize supporting local communities and conservation efforts. Show respect toward the land and its people.

If you find that an ethical vacation to the archipelago isn’t possible for you due to budget restraints, perhaps it’s better to consider an alternative destination. That can be somewhere closer to where you live, which is an exceptional way to minimize your carbon footprint. Or, if you’re looking for adventure, perhaps you can pick a less popular destination whose local community and economy could genuinely benefit from your visit without the detrimental effects of over-tourism.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Up Next

Feature Destination: From Coral Reefs to Tropical Forests, Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Cayman Islands

Don't Miss

Feature Destination: Cayman Islands CCMI Festival of Seas

Issue 112 - September 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – September 2024 – Issue 112

Easter Island, Hard Work & Good Cheer for a Changing Climate-Challenged World

The anchor chain clinked and clanked through the hawsehole on the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde until the large anchor set into white coral sands turned periwinkle blue by clear ocean waters. Read more…

New Seamount & Previously Unknown Species Discovered in High Priority Area for International Marine Protection

A team of oceanographers led by Schmidt Ocean Institute has discovered and mapped a new seamount on the Nazca Ridge in international waters, 900 miles off the coast of Chile. Read more…

The Wildlife Photographer of The Year in Milan Will be Even More Special This Year

‘The most prestigious nature photography exhibition in the world, featuring the 100 winning shots from the 60th edition of the competition organized by the Natural History Museum in London, will be presented for the first time in Milan. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Media Takes a Stand Against Shark Fin Consumption in Thailand

Despite global awareness of the devastating impact of shark finning on marine ecosystems, the practice continues, driven by outdated traditions and misconceptions about status. Our campaign is dedicated to educating and empowering the younger generation to take charge of changing these harmful habits. Read more…

Guy Harvey Foundation Announces Educational Partnership with Florida Fin Fest

Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), the non-profit organization that promotes marine conservation, funds innovative scientific research, and develops cutting-edge educational programs for students, has announced a partnership with Florida Fin Fest. Read more…

Announcing a New Partnership Between SEVENSEAS Media and Deep Sea Reporter

Areal view of a fishing boat hauling in a net

Together, by pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to amplify our shared message, that a healthy ocean is crucial to life on Earth. This collaboration enables us to reach broader audiences and present richer, more comprehensive content than ever before. Read more…

Visual Storytelling to Feature at CCMI’s Festival of Seas: Coral Reef Horizons Gala

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; 3^rd September 2024: It’s no secret that coral reefs and other ocean habitats are having a hard time as our planet faces unprecedented challenges and rapidly changing conditions. The need to protect and restore coral reefs has never been more urgent. The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is using the annual Festival of Seas gala in November as a way to prompt public interest in taking positive action for coral reefs at what is a critical time for the ocean. More info…

Feature Destination: The Cayman Islands

Boat on the horizon of the Cayman islands

The Cayman Islands, a collection of three small but ecologically rich islands nestled in the Caribbean Sea, offer more than just a tropical escape. Known for their crystalline waters, vibrant coral reefs, and steadfast commitment to environmental preservation. Read more…

Calling All Photographers to Celebrate the Natural Beauty of the Cayman Islands

On June 7^th, 2024, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) launched the Coral Reef Horizons photography competition, inviting photographers of all abilities to submit their images that celebrate the vibrant coral reefs of Cayman and the diversity of life that relies upon them. See more…

Feature Destination: Cayman Islands CCMI Festival of Seas

Join the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) as we look toward the horizon, the future, and what it means for coral reefs. The heating and disease events of last summer suggest that the impacts of climate change on coral reefs are intensifying. Read more…

Guy Harvey and 4ocean Release New Limited Edition Product Line

Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist, has once again partnered with 4ocean, a global leader in ocean cleanup, to introduce two limited edition t-shirts and a braided shark bracelet, available exclusively on 4ocean.com. Read more…

Guy Harvey Partners with Ukes USA to Launch Premium Sunglass Straps Collection

World-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, has partnered with Ukes USA, an innovative eyeglass retainer brand known for uniquely designed products in vibrant colors. See more…

Sustainable Tourism in Hawaii: How to Travel Responsibly

Bait Ball Massacre – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, September 2024

Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here, or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email Here.

=[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Issue 112 - September 2024

Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are open now through November 18th. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley, a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the renowned author of the iconic novel Jaws. Founded to recognize individuals across an array of fields that impact the ocean, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ honor those providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate. Award categories include:

Excellence in National Leadership – Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made an exceptional contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our global ocean.
Excellence in Policy—Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
Excellence in Action—Awarded to a marine grassroots organization, team, or individual that has made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Excellence in Science and Exploration—Awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge marine science and/or bold exploration and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
Excellence in Media – Awarded to an individual or media outlet that showcases an exceptional ability to communicate ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions – Awarded to a business that helps find or create sustainable solutions to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our ocean.
Christopher Benchley Youth Award – Awarded to a young person who, early in life, has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our ocean.
Ocean Hero—Awarded to an individual who shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act.

The selection process for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is overseen by a respected committee of ocean conservation leaders, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process that upholds the high standards and values of the awards. The 2025 Selection Committee includes:

Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
Jasmin Grahm – CEO and Co-Founder, Minorities in Shark Sciences
Dr. Sylvia Earle – Pioneering Oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Founder of Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
David Helvarg – Author, Founder and Executive Director, Blue Frontier
Kim McIntyre – Executive Director, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
Sean Russell – Director of Youth Engagement, EarthEcho International
Dr. Enric Sala – National Geographic Explorer in Residence
Vikki Spruill – CEO, New England Aquarium
‘Aulani Wilhelm – Chief Strategy & External Relations Officer, Nia Tero

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ mark their return in collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) on May 1, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD in time to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the original release of the movie Jaws. Past honorees can be found here.

About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards was co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg and named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley Awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals committed to ocean conservation excellence. https://peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/

About ACP:

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 31 members in 21 states and Canada welcome over 35 million visitors a year. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices. Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact. https://www.aquariumconservation.org/

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Conservation Photography

Bait Ball Massacre – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, September 2024

A sure death for this small fish, as the marlin jumped out of the water, spearing the little fish as it landed. Here, striped marlins congregate near a sea lion colony where they bring fish up from the depths, corral them into tight balls, and pick them off one by one. I spent three days documenting these feeding frenzies- watching countless terrified fish caught in the frays of nature’s greatest challenge. Low on the food chain, the fish’s best hope of survival is in the safety of numbers, but when dozens of apex predators gather, that can be their downfall. Many times a bait ball of fish is hunted down to the very last fish, leaving only the shimmering scales floating in the blue.

A terrifying scene for the small fish, fleeing for their lives as a striped marlin hunts them. Here, the slightest mistake means life or death as the marlin’s bill slices through the water during a high-speed hunt. These fish have very little respite, as birds try to hunt from above, and more than a dozen other marlin and sea lions all attack the same small ball of fish. Marlin is one of the fastest fish in the world, a terrifying predator for a small fish in the great blue desert. | When photographing wildlife moving at high speed such as fish or birds, it’s important to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion.

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people on small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com