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 and group attendees 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 for Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui Nui and Hawai‘i Island. Learn more at: www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/destination-management-action-plans/
As part of a statewide effort to promote regenerative tourism, counties and state agencies in Hawaiʻi are actively managing hotspot attractions by implementing advance reservation systems. These systems are instrumental in managing visitor capacity, protecting Hawai‘i’s natural environment and cultural sites, improving experiences and allowing us to better steward the Hawaiian Islands. Educate and advise your attendees on the importance of making advance reservations so they can better enjoy Hawai‘i and mālama (care for, protect and preserve) Hawai‘i.
- (Kaua‘i) Entry into Hā‘ena State Park (which includes Kē‘ē Beach as well as access to Hanakāpī‘ai Falls and the Kalalau Trail) requires an advanced-paid permit at www.gohaena.com and are available up to 30 days in advance. Parking Passes sell out extremely quickly. The Kaua‘i North Shore Shuttle pass (also available on gohaena.com) includes entry into the park and is a good option for those who were unable to secure their parking pass.
- (Kaua‘i) Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge & Daniel K Inouye Kīlauea Lighthouse requires visitors to make a reservation at www.recreation.gov.
- (Oʻahu) Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve has implemented an online reservation system that allows visitors to select a show time up to 48 hours ahead of their planned visit. Reservation time slots are available in 10-minute increments, beginning from 7 a.m. until 1:40 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Reservations can be made for up to 10 people at a time—no more than five children and/or five adults. Entry and parking fees will be collected upon arrival. www.honolulu.gov/parks-hbay.html
- (O‘ahu) In May 2022, the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources established an online advance reservation requirement for out-of-state visitors at iconic Lē‘ahi – Diamond Head State Monument. As one of Oʻahu’s most sought-after attractions with stunning views along its hiking trail, the new reservation system will mitigate environmental impacts sustained by foot traffic, reduce vehicle congestion in the park and surrounding neighborhoods, and help preserve this landmark for future generations. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Visitors parking vehicles in the crater will be required to book in two-hour time slots, which begin at 6 a.m., while walk-in and drop-off visitors are subject to one-hour time slots. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
- (Maui) Advance reservations are required for out-of state visitors at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Parking is $10. Visitors making parking reservations will be required to select a time slot to spread out visitation across the day. Reservations can be made within 30 days at www.gowaianapanapa.com
- (Maui) Haleakalā National Park is a special place that renews your spirit amid stark volcanic landscape. Reservations are required to enter the park for sunrise from 3 am – 7 am. Reservations can be made online up to 60 days in advance at recreation.gov and are only valid for the day reserved. Visitors may only purchase one sunrise reservation per three-day period.
Corporate Social Responsibility – Mālama Hawai‘i
In the Hawaiian culture, caring for the ʻāina (land) is not just a responsibility for all who live on it, but is expected of those who visit. It is an act that connects to life itself. Hawai‘i’s corporate social responsibility program allows groups an opportunity to donate their time and mālama (care for) Hawai‘i for all. By making a positive impact through unique and enriching volunteer projects, groups will experience a deeper connection to our people, place and culture. Following are a few examples of volunteer experiences, but visit www.meethawaii.com/csr for a full list of community organizations offering a variety of volunteer opportunities appropriate for groups of all sizes.
- (Kaua‘i) Every Saturday from 8:30 am – 10:30 am, the Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Beach Park get together to clean Lydgate Beach Park. Exclusive outings can be arranged with advanced notice. Participating in a beach clean-up is wonderful expression of aloha and mālama toward this special place. https://kamalanius.wordpress.com/
- (Kaua‘i) Kaua‘i Surfrider implements the Ocean Friendly Visitor Program designed to encourage and provide visitors with ways they can be an ocean friendly visitor while on Kaua‘i. Participate in a weekly beach clean-up or arrange your own. The website also provides a list of Ocean Friendly Restaurants on Kaua‘i. https://kauai.surfrider.org/ocean-friendly-visitors-program/
- (O‘ahu) Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve’s vision is to steward its 4,000 acres of sacred land. Kualoa’s hands-on Mālama ‘Āina experience offers guests opportunities to learn to protect and create sustainable practices preserving the land. The eco-adventure voluntourism tour includes knowledge of the cultural importance of kalo (taro); cleaning, planting and harvesting kalo; and helping mālama (“care for”) laʻau lapaʻau (medicinal plants) growing in the area. This year, the experience will expand to include native Hawaiian tree planting to support reforestation efforts. www.Kualoa.com
- (O‘ahu) Mālama Maunalua is a community based stewardship organization committed to conserving and restoring Maunalua Bay, just east of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head). The main goal is to clear the area of invasive algae and restore the marine habitat with healthy, native seagrass and algae. Visitors are welcome at their Community Huki (“pull” in Hawaiian) volunteer events where they help restore the bay and learn about the three main types of invasive alien algae that must be removed. https://www.malamamaunalua.org/
- (Maui) Spend the morning with Kipuka Olowalu and connect to the Hawaiian culture in a hands-on way. Plant native plants, remove invasive species, help restore a lo‘i kalo (taro patch) and learn about the importance of fresh water flow and connectivity to the ocean. www.kipukaolowalu.com
- (Maui) Visit the Maui Sewing Hui located in the charming upcountry town of Makawao to enjoy a free catered lunch by a local chef. Flex your sewing skills or learn your way around a sewing machine to create masks, lap blanket and cloth bags for the elderly or for the more experienced, ballet costumes for youth performing arts on Maui. Sewing enthusiasts and people with a heart for the community are encouraged to come! www.thesewinghui.com/mauivisitors
- (Maui/Lānaʻi) The Mālama Lāna‘i Day Trip offers a unique way for groups to experience another island. Hop aboard Sail Trilogy for an unforgettable adventure departing from Lāhainā Harbor (Maui) for the island of Lānaʻi! Learn about the unique history, culture and ecology of Lānaʻi through a hands-on ecological activity on private property then shop, stroll and lunch in the charming, historic town of Lānaʻi City. www.mauitourism.org/Videos/lanai-day-trip.htm
- (Hawai‘i) Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is dedicated to conserving and supporting native plant resources and the associated traditional land use and cultural practices. Assist with light gardening and weeding while enjoying the beautiful grounds. www.amygreenwell.garden/get-involved/volunteer/
- (Hawai‘i) Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative is a commucommunity-drivenprofit that cares for the dryland forest of Waikōloa. Leave a legacy in the dryland forest by helping to restore this special ecosystem through native planting, seed collection, and weed management. Volunteers will spend the morning learning about the unique history and ecology of Waikōloa and lending their energy and hands to the restoration efforts that are ongoing in the preserve. www.waikoloadryforest.org/