Just a five-hour nonstop flight from the West Coast, Hawaii’s archipelago of volcanic islands is one of the most easily accessible yet otherworldly destinations for residents of the Bay Area — and it doesn’t take much to sell potential vacationers on the idea of a week or two spent in balmy weather on the state’s white sand beaches.
But of course, the impact of a tourist-driven economy on the islands creates its fair share of issues for the very same natural resources that the islands are known for: their spectacular waterfalls, pristine beaches, lava fields, perfect waves, and fresh fish and fruit. Fortunately, there are fantastic ways to experience all that Hawaii has to offer while minimizing your footprint on the islands.
Even better, being an environmentally responsible tourist in Hawaii goes hand-in-hand with supporting the local economy as well. By choosing local food sources, supporting local adventure businesses, and selecting eco-minded accommodations, it’s entirely possible to take your long-awaited tropical vacation and also support local Hawaiians.
And not only is it possible, but we’ve made it easy: Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to take a sustainable trip to the Big Island of Hawaii you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Travel to Hawaii via Hawaiian Airlines.
mixmotive/Getty ImagesHow to get to Hawaii
Hawaiian Airlines
If there were a more sustainable way to get to Hawaii, it would go here — as it is, our options for going to these islands are pretty much limited to flying. That being said, you can book your travel through Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines, meaning that at least your money goes to a company from the islands. Hawaiian Airlines flights from San Francisco International Airport to almost all of the islands take off regularly, and you won’t be sitting on the plane for the better part of a day, either: A nonstop flight from SFO takes roughly five hours.
Plus, time(zone) travel is on your side: You’ll gain three hours on the way there, so you can maximize your time on the front end and get a full day out of your vacation on your first travel day (some of that famous Kona coffee might help if it’s been an early flight).
Where to eat
With locations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the “Big Island” of Hawaii proper, Merriman’s is committed to sustainability. Its food is sourced from local farmers and ranchers, and the Big Island outpost is even going carbon-neutral. This location offers a fixed gourmet menu, while the other three locations feature food that’s just as delicious, minus the higher price tag.
Located on the Big Island, Kilauea’s catchphrase is “locally sourced, internationally influenced.” The hotel restaurant is worth a stop even if you’re not staying onsite, thanks to a mouthwatering menu that features local and seasonal meats and vegetables as well as fresh, unique takes on familiar flavors. For a taste of the remote Pacific, order the Daily Catch and enjoy the fresh fish, served alongside native macadamia nuts, capers, and deliciously sauteéd cauliflower.
This luxury restaurant, situated right on the ocean celebrates farm-to-table dishes with Japanese inspiration. Start with the Kahuku Corn “Ribs,” sourced from the North Shore of Oahu, and complete your meal with the Broiled Kona Kampachi, a white fish found almost exclusively in coastal Asian countries and the Hawaiian islands. The Kampachi is paired beautifully with native ali’i mushrooms.
The pool at Kai Malolo awaits you.
vrbo.comWhere to stay
Kai Malolo Eco Home
Your stay at Kai Malolo Eco Home is powered by panels collecting the strong solar rays of the islands. With incredible views of the ocean, this strip of shoreline is a departure from the sandy beaches you see on postcards and is home to lush greenery that gives way to royal blue water. Although the waves out front aren’t conducive to an ocean dip, you can relax on the oceanfront lanai at your rental, and let the lack of swimming on the property ignite your adventurous spirit to get in the car and explore the unique black (and even green) sand beaches that encircle the islands.
Volcano Eco Retreat
This eco-boutique hotel is one of Hilo’s most unique accommodations. This stunning retreat takes sustainable travel to a whole new level. The Eco Retreat makes a true effort to reduce the property’s carbon footprint through LEED-certified bamboo construction of the property, the use of filtered Hawaiian rainwater for all water resources, natural ventilation without the use of A/C, and the service of entirely plant-based meals. The staff also promotes forest bathing, and by the time you leave this experience, you’ll be wishing there was a hygienic and socially acceptable way to bathe in the forest back home.
Hulili Tropical Fruit Farm
Have a true island escape in this quaint rental property, which is located on a private farm with sweeping views of the Pacific. This fruit farm offers an abundance of lemons, limes, and oranges that are literally there for the picking. The abundance is truly lush: Pineapples grow on one side of the property, and a stalk of “apple” bananas hangs off the lanai. Supplement the farm-fresh fruits with some groceries from nearby markets for a whole vacation’s work of memorable and sustainable meals.
Kilauea erupting at Volcanoes National Park
Art Wolfe/Getty ImagesWhat to do
Swim with the manta rays with Big Island Divers
Big Island Divers is a family-owned dive shop based in Kona. Among their popular outings, such as scuba dives, snorkeling, and scuba certification courses, Big Island Divers offers a sunset boat ride to a nighttime swim with Hawaii’s famous 10- to 12-foot-wide, yet harmless, manta rays — an activity that can only be done in a very limited number of remote locations. If you choose to snorkel with the Mantas, you’ll float on the surface as a spotlight illuminates the water below you, attracting dozens of these truly otherworldly sea creatures. You also have the option to dive with the Manta Rays. In this experience, you’ll gather on the seafloor around a “campfire” of LED light to attract the Mantas and watch as they swim and flip around your circle of divers.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This extraordinary National Park is home to two of the world’s most famous active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk on lava fields and take in the verdant scenery of the island from above. Protecting the environment is especially important here: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park faces difficulties with non-native species, so make sure to clean off your shoes before entering so you don’t contaminate the soil with invasive seeds tracked in from the mainland — and be sure to follow the golden Scouting rule of leaving no trace of your presence by packing out any trash from your day of exploration.
Go surfing with Kahaluu Surf & Sea
What’s a trip to Hawaii without an attempt at surfing? Kahalu’u Bay Surf and Sea offers a plethora of options for surf lessons, surfboard rentals, and SUP rentals. In business since 1997, this classic surf shop also has a friendly staff happy to dispense advice for catching your first wave — as well as time-tested, local knowledge as to where to find the best surf for your skill level.
