Tourism has been found to have a negative effect on local ecosystems, as thousands of people visiting a tourist attraction can easily cause damage. Since this damage is often preventable, it's important that you do your part and participate in sustainable travel. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii without leaving a mark if you utilize these eco-friendly practices. 

How to Visit a Tourist Attraction Sustainably

1. Shop Local

When buying anything, whether it's a tour package or a souvenir, patronize a local business or artist. Avoid imported and mass-produced souvenirs. You'll get a much more unique and high-quality souvenir that was made ethically when you shop local. 

When booking experiences and lodging, book directly with the business rather than using websites or travel agents. This ensures the small business gets the money rather than the large non-local businesses that can take a large cut. 

2. Choose Ethical Activities

The activities you participate in should benefit the local people, ecosystems, and wildlife. Select a tour operator who offers only ethical and sustainable services. For example, they shouldn't provide any adventures that involve touching wildlife; they'll warn their guests to keep a distance to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. These reputable operators should also give back to the community, hire locals, and contribute to conservation projects.

3. Look, Don't Touch

Approaching, feeding, or riding animals can harm them. Enjoy seeing them from a distance, and don't get close enough that they feel they need to move away from you. 

Touching plants or taking "souvenirs" may seem harmless, but when thousands of tourists do it, it has a significant impact on the ecosystem. For example, coral reefs are delicate living creatures. Touching the coral, breaking it, or standing on it can kill it. 

3. Give Back

A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated “there is no going back from some changes in the climate system. However, some changes could be slowed and others could be stopped by limiting warming.” (Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC ) Carbon offsets are a practical and effective way to address climate change and encourage the growth of native forests.  By planting trees, you can counteract your personal carbon emissions—your “carbon footprint”—while contributing to a more 

 sustainable future. Waimea Valley offers a tree conservation program where anyone can donate $30 per tree to be planted as part of Waimea's reforestation project above the mountains of this majestic valley. The benefits of donating trees to be planted include carbon sequestration, freshwater capture, and wildlife habitat creation. Learn more about their tree conservation program by visiting their website. 

Enjoy eco-friendly adventures at Waimea Valley in Haleiwa, HI. This sacred and historic cultural site features a 1,875-acre park, a 45-foot waterfall, a botanical garden, archeological sites, and a wildlife refuge for many endangered animals. There is plenty to do for the entire family, and visiting this tourist attraction supports natural preservation and ecological diversity. Find out more about their activities and missions on their website, or call (808) 638-7766 with any questions.