The Hawai'i Tourism Authority is committed to regenerative tourism for Hawai'i, seeking to balance the economics of tourism with the wellbeing of our communities, natural resources, and culture. This includes attracting and educating positive-impact travelers who are mindful of how they respect and interact with residents, of how their movement through Hawai'i impacts the environment positively and of how they value and respect the Hawaiian culture and other cultures of Hawai'i. This commitment to regenerative tourism advocates for solutions to overcrowded sites, overtaxed infrastructure, and other tourism-related issues; and works with responsible agencies, community, and stakeholders to improve natural and cultural assets valued by Hawai'i's residents.

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority in partnership with the counties, respective island visitors bureaus and community stakeholders, developed Destination Management Actions Plans (DMAP) for Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui Nui and Hawai'i Island. Learn more at: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/destination-management-actionplans/.  For the Hawaiʻi Island DMAP, visit https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/destination-management/island-of-hawai-i/.

Mālama Hawai'i, Mālama Hawai'i Island

In the Hawaiian culture, caring for the ʻāina (land) is not just a responsibility for all who live on it, but is expected of guests to our islands. It is an act that connects to life itself, as the 'āina and people are connected. As visitors plan their travel to the Islands, participating in opportunities to mālama (care for, protect and preserve) Hawaiʻi while traveling and visiting Hawai'i will provide a profound connection to our natural world, culture and communities. Volunteer organizations and travel partners statewide are offering a range of experiences for visitors to engage in mindful travel. Visitors can respect our island home by giving back and enjoying experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

• Stewardship at the Summit is helping remove invasive plants from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's tropical rainforests. Loppers and gloves are provided. Work to the sweet melodies of native honeycreepers. The hike is around 1 mile, a moderate round trip, leaving from the Kīlauea Visitor Center. This unique volunteer opportunity usually takes place twice a month. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm
• Keep Puakō Beautiful reminds all that marine debris affects all. In Hawaiʻi, we share our ocean with more than 7,000 species of marine life. Of these species, almost 25 percent are found nowhere else in the world. Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean. They are living animals that eat, grow, reproduce, and provide food and shelter for fish and other marine life. Volunteer with Keep Puakō Beautiful on your next trip to Hawaiʻi Island and help us mālama (take care of) this special place. Visit https://keeppuakobeautiful.com.
• 'Āina Hoʻōla Initiative helps to restore the wetland habitat for endemic waterbirds that are endangered or threatened art Lokowaka, Kiʻonakapahu, and ʻAkahi fishponds in Hilo. Weekly community workdays involve removing invasive non-native plants and replacing the area with native ones. Watch a news clip here: https://bit.ly/44TdxPx, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/aina.hoola.initiative/.
• Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative hosts volunteer opportunities throughout the year on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve encompasses 275 acres of lowland dry forest and protects some of the last remaining native trees in the region. With an average annual rainfall of only 12 inches, Waikoloa is one of the driest places in Hawaiʻi. For more information on volunteering, visit https://www.waikoloadryforest.org/malama-aina-volunteer/. To watch a video visit https://bit.ly/3LZxkUY.

Buy Local, Support Local

Buying local and buying from local businesses is a sustainable and responsible way of traveling by supporting communities, local industries, agritourism, and cultural artisans. Support local and Hawaiian businesses which are dedicated to creating economic diversification, high-quality jobs, givebacks, investment, and a regenerative culture of entrepreneurship.

• There's no better way to experience the amazing diversity of Hawaiʻi Island products than to visit one of the many farmers' markets that take place all around the island. You'll not only find fresh produce and fruits and prepared foods, but crafts, fresh flowers, and more! Our local farmers' markets are a great place to pick up handmade artwork, unique gifts, and foods and strike up a conversation with the person who made them! Visit Hawaiʻi Farm Trails or download their free app at: https://www.hawaiifarmtrails.com/farmers-markets
• Enjoy the video then take the Pono Pledge (www.ponopledge.com). Bookmark this site are it is also an excellent resource for:
  • Safety information (https://ponopledge.com/safety/):
  • A list of lifeguarded beaches and ocean warning signs
  • What to do in the event of a large earthquake
  • Volcano safety
  • Rules of no trespass
  • Emergency number
  • Environmental threats and things you can do to kōkua (help) (https://ponopledge.com/environmental-threats/):
    • Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death or R.O.D.
    • Little Fire Ants
    • Himalayan Ginger
  • Some of Hawaiʻi's Protected Species (https://ponopledge.com/protected-species/):
    • Hawaiian Monk Seals - ʻīlioholoikauaua
    • Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles – honu and ʻea
    • Spinner Dolphins – naiʻa
    • Humpback Whales - koholā
    • Hawaiian Goose – nēnē
    • Hawaiian Hoary Bat - ʻōpeʻapeʻa

Events

• Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds (Oct. 21) is a celebration of native birds presented by the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center and Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi. The 2023 Festival will be a full-day event focused on community, culture, and conservation efforts to save Hawaiʻīʻs native birds and include a hōʻike, expert guest speakers, and a bird fair. Proceeds benefit native bird hospital care and conservation efforts. www.birdfesthawaii.org
• Upcoming Events include: 61st Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Aug. 5-13; Queen Liliʻuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4; Women's VinFast IRONMAN World Championship, Oct. 14, and Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Hawaiʻi's Oldest Food Festival), Nov. 3-12. For more information on other events on Hawaiʻi Island, visit the event calendar on gohawaii.com.