Long treks to distant islands and the promise of clear blue waters have only fueled the allure of visiting Hawaii.
It’s no wonder the Aloha State is a top vacation spot for both residents and visitors from all over the world. But there’s so much more to this island paradise than just amazing beaches and a laid-back vibe.
If you’re an adventurous soul who craves authentic experiences and a bit of exploration, then Hawaii is the place for you. To get the most out of your trip, you’ll need to understand a few key tips for low-impact travel in this lush and exotic locale.
Hawaii’s ecosystems have already been heavily altered by human activity, from rainforests cleared for agriculture to helicopter tourism in remote areas. While development is expected in a U.S. state, it’s important to recognize the fragility of these islands and consider what role you can play in helping to preserve them.
Here are 10 ways you can travel with greater care and lower your impact while visiting Hawaii.
1. Stay in a Hotel with Green Practices
When staying in a hotel, look for the ones that use green practices. That might mean the place uses solar energy or recycled water. Or, the hotel may be certified by a third-party organization.
These organizations recognize hotels that demonstrate responsible environmental practices and encourage guests to patronize them.
On websites like Booking.com, you can sort by properties with a sustainability certification. Here are some sustainable accommodation options in Hawaii.
2. Plan Ahead for Food and Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
If you’re eating out in Hawaii, you’ll find that the food is fresh, delicious, and often organic. It may have traveled thousands of miles to arrive at your table, though. Check the menu ahead of time and decide what, if anything, you want to order.
If you’re staying in a hotel with a kitchen, you can also cook more of your own meals. Save the fresh produce you buy in the grocery store and bring it with you as snacks. And, if you’ll be hiking in the rainforest, bring a reusable water bottle.
3. Visit Cultural Sites and Museums
Hawaii’s cultural sites, such as the Polynesian Cultural Center and the USS Arizona Memorial, are often crowded with tour groups and other visitors. But, they’re also important to the environment of Hawaii.
Cultural sites are often protected from environmental damage, which means they can be visited without excessively harming the ecosystem.
4. Biking Is a Great Way to Explore Hawaii
Biking is a fun and eco-friendly way to see the islands. Renting a bike means fewer carbon emissions and a lighter load than bringing a car with you.
5. Don’t Feed the Wildlife
Hawaii has many birds and animals that are endangered. Feeding them (and their babies) can make them dependent on humans for food and can lead to their extinction. When in doubt, don’t feed them.
6. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen
The reefs of Hawaii are delicate ecosystems that need to be protected. If you’re going snorkeling or diving in the ocean, you’ll want to use reef-safe sunscreen. This is sunscreen that’s less harmful to the coral reefs and other marine life.
7. Pack Wisely and Take a Direct Flight
You don’t want to bring your whole life with you on your trip. The best advice is to pack only what you can wear. Be sure to bring only easy-to-care-for clothes like swimsuits, lightweight hiking clothes, light sandals, and water shoes.
Taking a direct flight will cut down on your carbon emissions, and likely be more convenient too.
8. Consider a Local Guided Tour
If you’re worried about harming the environment while on vacation, consider booking a guided tour. These tours often avoid the worst environmental damage and put your money into the hands of locals who are working to make a living.
9. Be Flexible
Plan your itinerary so that you can alter your plans to incorporate popular local sights and activities that are low-impact. This will help you avoid feeling pressure to do things that aren’t necessarily your top priorities.
When traveling, it’s important to consider the environment around you and how your actions affect it. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most exquisite landscapes and wildlife.
By following these tips, you can travel here and minimize the harm done to its delicate ecosystem.
10. Support Local Conservation and Community Projects
Engage with and support local environmental or cultural initiatives. Many community groups in Hawaii focus on everything from native reforestation to marine sanctuary stewardship.
Look for beach clean-ups, tree-planting days, or volunteer opportunities at cultural centers. Your time (or even a small donation) goes directly toward preserving the places and stories that make Hawaii unique, and deepens your travel experience beyond sightseeing.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- 9 Places to Experience Amazing Sea Life Up Close
- Which Hawaiian Island is Best to Visit? A Guide to Hawaii
Author Bio: Sandy Page is a life-long adventurer. In her free time, she reads and consumes copious amounts of hot beverages.
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