A Sustainable Travel Guide to Hawaii

The first thing to do when planning a visit to Hawaii is to choose which island to visit. Oahu is the most popular island and a great choice for first-time travelers, in part because Waikiki has the most hotel options. If you can, book a locally-owned hotel, like one of the Seaside Hotels, which are owned by a Native Hawaiian family and include properties on both Hawaii Island (aka the Big Island) and Maui.

For other properties, do your due diligence and your research, and book a spot with programs that prioritize giving back to the islands and properly representing Hawaiian culture. For far too long, the media has exploited Hawaiian culture, advertising the region with false images of hula dancers in grass skirts and coconut bras; avoid any spots that lean into these tropes.

The good news is that more and more hotels across the islands are now employing cultural advisors who are deeply rooted in Hawaii and can educate people about Hawaiian practices and values. These advisors also ensure that hotels are respectful and accurate in the way they portray Hawaiian culture. The Grand Wailea—a Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui—for example, offers cultural events that guests can participate in to get a closer, more authentic look at Hawaiian culture.

Sustainable tip: Many hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, are now partnering with local nonprofits to offer guests incentives such as a free night for doing volunteer work.

Eating and drinking in Hawaii is one of the best parts of being here. There’s traditional Hawaiian cuisine, such as poi (pounded, baked, fermented taro root), but most of the local food is a mix of cuisines that is completely specific to this area. Over the years, immigrants from both Asia and Europe have brought their own traditions, and those have blended together to create unique dishes such as spam musubi and loco moco (a hamburger patty served with an egg and gravy over rice).

When choosing where to dine, invest your money in local businesses such as farm-to-table restaurants and mom-and-pop shops. This helps keep the local economy strong and supports communities.

On Oahu, make sure to stop at Merriman’s Honolulu, where local agriculture is spotlighted through dishes such as taro hummus. If you’re on Hawaii Island, go to Village Burger for a patty made with beef from ranches right on the island. On Maui, the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill celebrates Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) heritage with locally sourced meats including beef and elk. On Kauai, go to the old-school Hamura Saimin for saimin (a noodle soup) and a slice of lilikoi (passionfruit) chiffon pie.

Sustainable tip: Almost 90 percent of the food in the islands is imported. Do your part to support local agriculture and book farm tours in places like Maui’s upcountry to get up close and personal with the people who work hard to feed Hawaii. You’ll be supporting local farmers and getting a unique perspective at the same time.

Learn about Hawaiian history

Make time in your itinerary to learn more about Hawaii’s unique history and heritage so you have a deeper understanding of the islands—beyond which beach you think is the prettiest. Visiting historically significant spots as you make your way through the islands, and reading up on the region’s history, can help you learn about colonization, the tragic overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, and the years since the islands joined the US. If you’re on Oahu, stop by the Bishop Museum, the largest museum in the state, to learn about Pacific cultures. You should also consider visiting the Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor.

Visit the beach

If you’re visiting Hawaii, you’re likely planning to spend a lot of your time enjoying the islands’ natural beauty and warm weather—especially the beaches. Each island boasts lots of beautiful beaches and great hikes for all levels. If you want to see these spots through a local’s perspective, book a tour with a locally owned tour company; some include stops at a variety of different spots, including both beaches and other highlights, so you can scout out options for future day trips while supporting local businesses.

Sustainable tip: Please be sure to follow the Hawaiian value of Malama Aina, which means to care for and honor the land. Pick up any trash you see while you’re hiking and leave no trace of your stay when you’re done with your beach day.

Take a dip

You’ll also want to get in the water—and below it—to see the islands’ vibrant marine life, including many endemic species such as the Hawaiian green sea turtle and the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (reef triggerfish). There are many great snorkeling and diving spots, from Molokini Crater near Maui to Hanauma Bay on Oahu, and it’s easy to book a tour with a knowledgeable company.

Sustainable tip: Always, always use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii became the first state to ban sunscreens that have chemicals harmful to coral reefs, including oxybenzone and octinoxate. Picking a reef-safe sunscreen, such as the locally owned brand Kokua Sun Care, can help preserve marine wildlife.