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.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media