Going Green on the Island of Hawaii

Bicycling. Photo by Kirk Lee Aeder, Big Island Visitor Bureau

To have the most enriching, enlightening and enjoyable experience on the Big Island and Hawaii, whether you are here for three days or three weeks, there are a number of small and simple actions you can take.

Here are some we suggest to support sustainable tourism here.

1. Driving. Take it slow. Not only will you see more and see it safely, you’ll use far less gasoline. Consider taking tours or hotel vans or some other form of transit if at all possible. Or consider using the Free Hawaii County bus service, Hele On. In addition to conserving gas, you’ll meet locals and other visitors, and enrich your stay.
2. Offset your carbon footprint at www.evolutionsage.com or http://www.doyourpartparks.org/havo.php
3. Water. The water here is good and safe to drink. Not buying bottled water will help keep plastic out of our waste stream.
4. Shop sustainably. Find out if your intended purchase is made or created here. This supports local artisans and encourages local arts and crafts. Find out more about the local artisans and where on this island that items were made.
5. Eat sustainably. Agriculturally-rich Hawaii Island is the largest producer of locally-grown food in the state. There a lots of wonderful foods from the land and from the sea everywhere on this Island. When eating in restaurants ask what local foods or dishes are on the menu; in markets ask which products come from Hawai‘i Island. Visit the many farmers markets.
6. Save energy. Turn off your air conditioner. Take short showers. Use few lights. Enjoy the cooling breezes, sunlight and moonlight.
7. Recycle. Many visitor accommodations around the Island provide in-room or on property means for you to recycle plastic, glass, paper and other waste. Use them and visit Recycle Hawaii for recycling program details.
8. Be thoughtful. Think about this place while visiting. What does this land, this Island mean to the native culture? What are the positive and good things about the Island? What could be improved here? Ask smart questions. Make polite and well-considered suggestions. These will all contribute to helping conserve and enhance this island for future visitors.
9. Read the “Do The Right Thing” articles on this Big Island website.