Islandwise
A Conscious Traveler's Guide to Hawaii
Hawaii holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband grew up, and we often find ourselves drawn back to this enchanting destination as a stopover on our way to Asia. As a plant-based traveler with a passion for sustainable living, I’ve crafted my Hawaiian adventures to be both fulfilling and respectful of the island’s unique environment and culture. Here’s a glimpse into how we navigate Hawaii through a mindful and sustainable lens.
Mindful Travel Practices
There is a reason people love the Hawaiian Islands. It’s one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Because of this, we need to take great care in visiting such a place. Little decisions have large impacts. If you don’t listen to anything else I have to say, remember this: Hawaii is not your home. You are a guest. There is a reason why locals don’t always like visitors.
Shop small/local
Aside from photos and videos, souvenirs can be the best way to remember a vacation. When looking for something to take home with you, remember to shop small, buy things produced on the island and purchase from local artists or vendors. I usually advise you to buy vintage, etc, but second-hand is a bit limited, at least on the big island, but it doesn’t hurt to try . See my Souvenir blog for more tips on deciding/finding what to take home.
Mindful exploring
Everyone visits Hawaii to explore both the land and the sea. Make sure to pack out everything we bring in, leaving no waste behind. some things create waste that you wouldn’t normally think about. Things like sunscreen, if not reef-safe can leave a residue in the water that damages sealife. Everything you bring, consider, will this damage the sensitive environment I am entering? When in doubt the “Leave No Trace” principle is our guiding light. For more on this, you can explore these principles here.
Eating
One of the best things about travel is the food you get to try. Eat at mom and pop restaurants, buy from local farmers, and grocers. I personally like to practice a plant-based lifestyle but traveling can present challenges. Thankfully, Hawaii’s bounty of local fruits and vegetables makes it a breeze. By choosing local, plant-based options, it is easy to support sustainable agriculture and reduce your carbon footprint.
Water
As tourism’s high demand for water puts strain on local resources, we make a conscious effort to minimize our water usage. Supporting initiatives that prioritize local needs and being aware of the environmental impact of tourism is crucial. Take short showers, don’t support golf courses, and again, eat plant-based when/if you can. Plant-based eating contributes to lower water usage compared to animal-based diets. However, it's important to note that much of the island’s water is allocated to landscaping.
A Call for Mindfulness in Travel and Living
It’s important to remember that as visitors, we play a significant role in the impact on the islands. If you choose to visit, do so mindfully and respectfully. Educate yourself beforehand about the culture, history, and current issues facing the islands. Spend your money on local and small businesses that contribute directly to the community, and support ethical tourism practices that help preserve what makes Hawaii so special.
But perhaps the most important reminder: after visiting, leave. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of the islands, but remember that moving to Hawaii isn’t the solution to the challenges it faces. Let’s honor the land and its people by being responsible guests. Respect Hawaiian culture/heritage, and support its ecological restoration, recovery, and survival.
