Environment

Top ecotourism destination: Hawaii

Published

10 years ago

September 28, 2014

Blue & Green Tomorrow

The US state, a dream destination for those wanting some peace and a place to relax in the Pacific, has become a leader in green tourism, promoting eco-friendly activities and structures that aim to preserve the country’s fragile and unique ecosystem.

Blue & Green Tomorrow is currently running a crowdfunder to ensure its survival. Please pledge.

One the most popular holiday destination among the Americans, the small state lying in the Pacific Ocean has always charmed tourists with its tropical climate, volcanoes, beaches and biodiversity.

It has one of the most peculiar ecosystems and climate diversity in the world and several protected national parks. Because of its natural environment, locals quickly understood the tourism sector had to take steps in order to preserve the archipelago.

Since the 2000s, Hawaii has seen an increase of visitors coming from all over Asia and North America, pulling in more than 7.6 million tourists every year.

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA), which aims to “protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs relating to sustainable tourism for residents, businesses and visitors”, offers information on the various possibilities green travellers can have.

These include eco-tours such as whale watching, surfing, hiking volcanoes and more, which are led to make sure the state’s natural beauty is preserved.

Responsible travellers can also stay at eco-resorts, present in various locations, such as the solar-powered Mauna Lani resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii or the Fairmont Kea Lani resort, which promotes water and energy conservation programmes and serves sustainable food.

Photo: Ricardo Mangual via flickr