Above: Panoramic views like this are the result of respecting the land and living in harmony.

Precious views.  Priceless value.  Once you arrive in Hawaii, the spectacular island surroundings will absolutely amaze and inspire you.  Of course, this unique landscape wasn’t created overnight.  It was carefully cultivated through years of evolution, when the Hawaiian Islands were first formed roughly 4.5 million years ago.  Through plate tectonics and a series of volcanic eruptions, the Hawaiian Islands were formed by hot, molten magma.  When the lava cooled and hardened, we were rewarded with the raw beauty that is now known as Hawaii.

Interested in adding an Eco Tour to your vacation? View our collection of the Top 9 Eco Tours in Hawaii.

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Knowing the creation of the islands is
significant because it sets the stage for
wanting to protect it.  From rare black sand
beaches and towering majestic mountains,
Mother Nature has delivered an incredible
gift for all of us to enjoy.  Yet if we don’t
take care of it properly, it might not last
forever.

Most of us now realize how fragile our environment is, which is why ecotourism is more popular than ever.  Ecotourism is a way of experiencing a natural and pristine area without disturbing it.  Local islanders in Hawaii have embraced this movement by sourcing locally-grown foods and locally-made products.  Just visit any one of the neighborhood Farmers Markets and you’ll see a huge selection of fresh produce and local island creations.  Many residents now grow their own food or fish sensibly to feed their families.

Louise Pacarro loved the ocean and wanted to protect it, so she and her husband started Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

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In Hawaii, every action we take has a
subsequent action on our island
environment.  Whale entanglement with
fishing lines continues to be a huge issue
with migrating humpback whales.  Sea
turtles often get caught up in plastic bags
left floating in the ocean.  Fish are now
consuming mass amounts of micro-plastics,
which in turn, ends up in our seafood. 
Sunscreen chemicals in the ocean has
substantially damaged our beautiful coral
reefs.  And Hawaii’s native birds are disappearing each year.

These are tragic things that have occurred but we can change them by acting responsibly.  Here are some tips for being an eco-friendly visitor in Hawaii:

• Always take your trash with you and dispose of it mindfully
• Use sunscreen that is environmentally friendly to help protect Hawaii’s coral reefs
• Support local companies and purchase locally sourced products and foods
• Consider purchasing a souvenir hydro flask and take it with you wherever you go
• If you're in the vicinity of a sea turtle or monk seal, keep a wide distance and do not disturb
• Be aware of your surroundings and how you may be impacting them

So, what can you do to reduce your carbon footprint while walking in Paradise?  Tread carefully and be aware of your impact on this special place.  Always be sure to take out anything you bring in, and respect the area and inhabitants you are visiting.  After all, Mother Nature has invited you into her great big world, so be a gracious guest and always show your aloha.