Not just a tropical break, Maui is a vibrant, happening place.
The juicier greenery growing along the Road to Hana as well as the unbelievable sunrise on top of Haleakala volcano are but a few things that completely place this island as a paradise. However, with the influx of more visitors, the demand for responsible and sustainable tourism also increases.
Imagine if each of your trips didn’t just save Maui but contributed to its prosperity as well.
This manual will give you insight into 9 of the simplest yet one of the most influential means of eco-friendly traveling in Maui. The travel tips would apply equally to your first and your fifth visit; use them to your advantage so that no place would be left worse off.
1. Start Smart: Travel Light & Green
Your positive influence commences from trip preparation.
Select direct flights (they use less fuel), carry no more than you need, and take reusables such as a water bottle, bamboo utensils, and a reef-safe sunscreen. Driving an electric car, pedal or use the locals’ minibuses instead of guzzling gasoline while exploring the island. All of these are compatible with the goal of lessening your ecological impact.
Fun Fact: The lighter the load, the less carbon you emit!
Local Tip: Electric vehicles and hybrid car services are available for rent if you look for them. Moreover, you can find hotels in Maui that have EV charging facilities.
2. Respect the Land: Leave No Trace
Not only is it, but also every track, beach, and waterfall in Maui contributes to a fragile ecosystem.
These examples illustrate both hiking and sunbathing, where the principles of Leave No Trace reiterate that:
- Go strictly on the indicated routes
- Take away all of the trash
- Do not ever collect the plants or disturb the wildlife.
Just as a matter of interest! It is a fact that Maui’s endemic flora is extremely scarce in a way that it can be found only there, nowhere else in the world.
Reef-safe sunblock is to be used (in Hawaii, it is a must!), and be careful not to step on the corals while snorkeling because not only is it still alive, but also it feeds the marine animals.
3. Support Local, Sustainable Businesses
Each dollar you spend is a part of Maui’s future.
One good way to shape the future of the island is by supporting local businesses. Book your snorkel trip or waterfall hike with companies run by locals who care deeply about the land.
Why it matters: By supporting the local businesses, people reduce the carbon footprint from imported goods and maintain the culture of the local area.
Searching for such places as Maui, which is marked by its own inhabitants (what is more, Hawaii is a member of the Union), and tour guides with sustainable practice certificates is a piece of good advice.
4. Be a Kind Guest to Maui’s Wildlife
Swimming side by side with sea turtles? Or are you planning to see whales in Lahaina? You are indeed lucky!
But of course, please remember not to do anything that would cause any disturbance. It is well known that handling or feeding a wild animal unnecessarily and unreasonably can affect its health and disrupt the normal natural routine in the current habitat.
5. Conserve Water Like a Local
The marvelousness of Maui hides a bitter truth: water is scarce.
Such communities, in this case, usually rely on rainfall and the delicately balanced natural world for the supply of water. What can you do to help?
- Take shorter showers
- Reuse the towels in your hotel
- Close the faucet when brushing your teeth
Little changes make a big difference. It is a fact that every two minutes spent less in the shower can save 5 gallons of water daily!
6. Volunteer for a Greener Tomorrow
Yes, if you want to seriously make an impact, reserve some time for volunteering.
One of the most effective ways to make a difference is by participating in a beach cleanup, coral reef restoration, or native tree planting. Well, a lot of organizations are ready for temporary guest volunteers without hesitation, and the experience is phenomenal.
“Besides, when the visitors help the planting of native trees, they are actually doing the work of healing Maui’s heart,” believes Koa, a conservation guide at Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration.
Discover where you can volunteer by contacting them: Pacific Whale Foundation, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, and Hawaii Land Trust.
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Places to Stay
People are now able to find on Maui very beautiful eco-lodges, locally-run B&Bs, and green-certified hotels that are sustainable. These accommodations provide the same level of comfort as any other establishment. Discover the places that:
- derive energy from the sun
- collect and recycle
- have re-usable water stations
- Sell only locally grown products
Bonus: Many of these stays are far more charming than corporate chains!
8. Honor Hawaiian Culture & Community
When you are visiting an island, it’s not like you are walking on just any ground; you are walking on a shrine.
Among the things you can do to be respectful to the Hawaiian culture are to learn and use basic Hawaiian words, i.e., aloha (love/respect) and mahalo (thank you), and also be respectful at cultural and religious sites.
Before you go into sacred areas, ask a local about it, do not be loud and disruptive, and never take lava rocks, as these are all considered to be disrespectful acts.
Go to cultural festivals, support Hawaiian artisans, and also keep an open heart in listening to any point of view.
9. Be a Voice for Sustainable Travel
Your Maui story is something that can bring hope to others.
Writing about your experience on social media, leaving reviews for the eco-friendly companies, and telling other people about how you have made a change are some of the ways you can do this.
Sharing your efforts sends a message to others, showing them what is right, and promoting businesses to continue their good practices.