An Eco-Friendly Side of Honolulu, Hawaii

Of course sun worshipping, long walks on the beach, and becoming one with nature are at the top of your to-do list in Honolulu, the gem of Hawaii. This breathtaking spot will remind you of all the reasons we need to protect and preserve our planet as we enjoy the privilege of traveling it.

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Ramirez Flickr

Learn About the Land

Education is the key to responsible travel; learn about the natural beauty and bounty of Honolulu through a multi sensory exploration of the island.  A perfect day begins with a farm to table tour: tracing your food to its roots. You shouldn’t miss the chance to come face to face with sharks while learning about how to best care for their habitat with Hawaii Shark Encounters. There are a plethora of ocean activities in Honolulu, including swimming with the turtles. This is an eco-friendly activity as long as you remember to enjoy their company without touching them!

You’d be hard pressed not to notice beautiful whales, gracefully playing in the ocean as if they were weightless ballerinas. On lucky days you will be treated to shows of breaching as well as the migration of these gentle giants. It’s natural to want to get closer; to make the most responsible decision about how to interact more closely with whales check out the WDC for information on how to choose the best whale watching option for you.

Photo courtesy NOAA National Ocean Service – Flickr

Stay, Play, and Eat Locally

Another great way to be a more responsible traveler in Honolulu is to help the local economy by staying in homes using websites like Airbnb. You’re able to control exactly how much electricity and water you use and you’re going to appreciate the prices if you’re planning a visit Honolulu on a budget. Local hosts always help you make the most of your trip by immediately integrating you into their routines and routes. If you’d rather not stay in someone’s home though, there are many Honolulu hotels that you can choose from.

Self catering means that you are able to choose local, organic ingredients at the farmer’s markets. This makes your visit to Honolulu even more beneficial for both yourselves and the local people. Speaking of markets, the Honolulu Night Market is a place where you’ll find pop up markets, food trucks, handmade clothing, and jewelry vendors as well as music and traditional performances.  Take note though, the market is only open once per month on a Saturday, but hopefully with more support they will be able to expand the event.

Support Green Businesses

The Equus Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is setting a wonderful example for other hotels around the world with their conservation efforts. All lighting is energy-efficient, they have a Green Star energy system, recycling is used throughout the hotel and they even offer electric car rental on property. Their slogan Malama the ‘Aina! (care for the earth) is one we can all take to heart!

There are many beautiful sights to see in Honolulu, but make sure you try your best to take advantage of eco-friendly options. From relaxing in the sun to whale watching, you are bound to have the perfect trip when visiting Honolulu.