With a ticket booked and a room reserved, your first trip to Hawaii may seem closer than ever. However, before you start packing, it’s important to consider the lasting repercussions of your adventure. When your vacation tour is over, how will you leave the islands? If you’re hoping to both enjoy and preserve their natural beauty, use the following tips.

3 Ways Tourists Can Help Keep Hawaii Beautiful 

1. Use the Right Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen before heading to the beach will protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. However, while the sunscreen protects you, it may endanger the natural ecosystems you swim through. Some common sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone can stunt the growth of coral reefs. Instead, look for sunscreens in which zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the only active ingredients, such as Badger or Stream2Sea.

2. Leave the Land as You Found It

When you first visit the Hawaiian Islands, you might be tempted to take back a piece of their beauty with you. However, the only souvenirs you should take home are those produced by local businesses. Don’t pick up rocks, flowers, coral, or other natural items. Not only are there native legends warning against this, but pocketing these natural wonders will also prevent future visitors from enjoying them at all.

3. Research Sustainable Tourism Companies

Before your Hawaii vacation, you’ll likely conduct plenty of internet searches to plan out your to-do list of meals and attractions. During your research, look for vacation tours with companies that practice sustainable tourism. This means they don’t harm or displace natural flora and fauna to impress tourists. Instead, they focus on preserving both natural and cultural wonders throughout the islands.

If you’re looking to book a vacation tour with a responsible crew, turn to North Shore EcoTours of Haleiwa. This local small business is proud to practice sustainable tourism. Whether you’re in the mood for an off-road ride or a private hike, you can explore O‘ahu from an intimate, native perspective. To learn more about their group adventures, visit the website, or call (877) 521-4453 to schedule your next excursion.