Maui is no ka oi!
Whether you are planning a trip to Maui to get some much-needed R&R on one of the many pristine beaches or to fulfill your sense of adventure with the abundance of activities the island has to offer, one prevailing theme remains the same: you are likely visiting to enjoy the surroundings. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that in 2017 Maui received nearly 3 million visitors. So how can a tiny island in the most remote archipelago in the world handle the influx of guests without degrading its precious outdoor resources? It cannot really. Sounds heavy, but rest assured, the good news is that there are some simple changes we can all make to greatly reduce our impact. through eco-friendly travel. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites.
Plastic
Have you ever thought about where all the trash goes when you visit a remote island? Maybe not, but you can imagine there are not many places to put it. Shipping anything that doesn’t fit in a US Postal Priority box is pretty cost prohibitive. Our friends in China recently stopped accepting plastic recycling from other countries which has limited the options. It is hard to find someone else who wants to take garbage (Does your hometown want to take our trash?). We have been regularly seeing remnants of the ocean gyre the size of Texas known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch show up on our once pristine beaches. Unless we want our beaches one day to be completely made up of microplastics instead of sand, we can all do a little to mitigate our impact on the Hawaiian islands by reducing our plastic consumption. Here are some ideas.
Going out to eat? Look for restaurants with the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurant designation. The Surfrider Foundation has a list of criteria for a restaurant to qualify for the designation. The following is a sample:
- No polystyrene (Styrofoam)
- No plastic bags
- Re-usable tableware for in-dining
- Recycling practices in place
- Disposable utensils, straws etc provided by request only
- Energy efficiency and low flow water standards observed
Consider a reusable straw. By now most people reading this blog post have seen the image of a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose. We probably don’t need to tell you why that is detrimental to the health of the animal. According to the National Park Service, Americans alone use an estimated 500 million straws per day. Now think about the last time you used a straw and estimate how many minutes it conveniently delivered your drink before being thrown in the trash. Ten, twenty minutes tops? Each straw takes 200 years to break down. As you can see, there’s a long window of opportunity for a plastic straw to cause great harm to the environment while it is ever so slowly breaking down and brings us convenience for such a short span of time. Reusable straws come in all shapes and sizes from bamboo, pasta, metal, plastic (if you must) pyrex, and glass. Some restaurants have even started carrying paper straws. If you didn’t bring your own, ask the restaurant staff if they have alternatives to plastic or consider going without. After all, people drink beer and wine without straws. For a list of reusable straws, check out this post by our friends from TheLastPlasticStraw.org
Spork it up! Vacation on Maui can be fairly on the go. Many people who come here are in it for the adventure and with that comes traveling. If you are planning on getting to go food fairly regularly or even if you pack a lunch, consider picking up reusable flatware. Even better, buy it when you get here for a great cause! The #sporkitup campaign is a combination film and social media campaign designed to inspire students on Maui to reduce their plastic consumption. You can support their campaign by purchasing a bamboo spork to use in place of disposable utensils. Retail locations where you can purchase your own are listed here.
Hydroflask Though they haven’t quite captured the attention of folks on the mainland like they have here on Hawaii, Hydroflask will for sure be on your wish list. We are just ahead of the times way back here in the Pacific. Most stores on Maui carry the double wall insulated water bottles and coffee tumblers. A little background info: The Hawaii sales rep received a brand new Hydroflask in the mail prior to a sales meeting, and the bottle was so well insulated that the ice inside was still intact when it arrived at his door, two days after shipping. To top it off, the colors are simply irresistible. This is one of those times it is okay to succumb to an impulse purchase. It’s hot in Maui. We’ve already discussed how close Maui is to the equator, making the heat feel very intense. You may as well stay hydrated (or caffeinated) in style with a hydroflask whilst knowing you are reducing your environmental impact by leaving the plastic water bottle at the store. If you chose to go on a tour with Maui Kayak Adventures, feel free to leave it in your car because we supply chilled filtered water in reusable bottles on all our tours. Your water will still be cold when you get back!
Be Reef Safe
The marine, lush jungle and otherworldly volcanic environments of Maui are what make it so unique and sought after. If we want to keep enjoying those precious spots, a few simple changes can make a HUGE impact on our fragile ecosystems. Reef safe sunscreen has become a very hot topic these days, but there are additional ways you can reduce your direct impact.
Reef Safe Sunscreen – Maui is fairly close to the equator making the intensity of the sun very high. The thermometer may only read only 75 or 80 at times, but rest assured the sun is blazing hot and blasting your skin. The accumulation of sun here can really sneak up on you and nothing screams “tourist” like bright red legs, arms, and faces with contrasting white stripes and lines. Naturally, you want to protect yourself, but the most common sunscreens could actually be harmful to you and the marine environment. On July 3rd, Hawaii signed into law a ban on the sale of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that will go into effect early 2021. The fact that they are difficult to pronounce might suggest its nefarious nature, but technically speaking, why? You know the coral reef where all the cool sea turtles, tropical fish, and other critters hang out? Well, rising water temperatures cause the symbiotic relationship between the coral and the algae that feed them (zooxanthellae) a lot of strain and eventually the algae leaves. Without zooxanthellae, coral loses its color and becomes white, inspiring the term “coral bleaching” which has now become a household name. Studies have shown that the aforementioned chemicals actually settle onto coral and enhance the effects of the sun. Sounds like an old-school tanning bed an no one does that anymore right? Imagine all the thousands of visitors a day slathering coral-killing chemicals onto their skin and heading out to a little volcanic formation off Maui you may have heard of, Molokini Crater. That’s a large concentration of sunscreen in a small area. Luckily, there are several alternative mineral-based sunscreens that so far do not cause zooxanthellae evictions. Additional studies have shown the human body gets confused and treats Oxybenzone like estrogen. This is what we call an endocrine disruptor. Do you remember the who frenzy over BPA plastic? It was an endocrine disruptor and there’s a reason companies made a move away from the harmful plastic. The Environmental Working Group has a Guide to Sunscreen so you can enjoy your vacation more and spend less time reading labels. Some activity companies also sell and or provide reef safe sunscreen before activities or one on board.
Rashguard – Another way to protect yourself from the giant ball of fire in the sky is to wear a barrier. Rashguards are a staple for surfing but they can also be used when swimming, snorkeling, hiking, or just hanging out next to the pool. They offer varying degrees of UPF protection as well as moisture wicking properties. What’s even better, you might be able to significantly reduce the need to use sunscreen while wearing a rash guard. Lately, we have seen a lot of rash guards with hoods popping up. Hooded rash guards provide everything mentioned above, with the added benefit of ear and neck protection. We, of course, are not doctors, and it is always a good idea to consult your doctor to determine a sun care plan that is best for you.
Hat – Do you like wrinkles? Though smile lines can be endearing, most of us like to avoid the presence of lines on our face that were not personally drawn with eyeliner. A hat is a fantastic way to shield the very culprit from your face that can enhance the development of wrinkles. Most shops on Maui have a sweet selection of hats that will protect that money maker and double as a souvenir that will make all the kids jealous when you return home. If you would also like to protect your ears and neck, check out the wide-brimmed fishing hat.
Hawaii Ecotourism Association – When looking for activities to do on Maui, there are so many to chose from. Why not choose activities from companies who are committed to high environmental standards and promoting Hawaiian culture? The Hawaii Ecotourism Association is an independent certifying body that reviews Hawaii business members’ practices for sustainability. You can check out their process of certification as well as utilize their travel planner to a list of certified businesses when making travel plans.
Respectfully Observe, Don’t Touch
Eco-friendly travel is not just about reducing what you leave behind, it involves observing respectful viewing distances of marine life. If we want the ability to continue to observe the many amazing creatures in our oceans, we need to respect their space. They are not domesticated like your favorite furry feline or canine friends back home, nor do they enjoy being scratched behind their ears. Check out some basic guidelines:
- Turtles – Imagine it’s your first time snorkeling in Maui and you simply cannot wait for the moment when you not only get to see a green Hawaiian sea turtle, but you get to swim with one. And then it happens and you are completely overcome with the desire to touch your new best friend. But you remember this blog and you don’t. Not only is the act of touching the turtle disruptive to their behavior, it is also illegal. All sea turtles in US oceans are protected by the Endangered Species Act. It’s also important not to hover over a turtle for an extended period of time while observing them. They need to come up to the surface to breathe and run the risk of drowning when they are afraid to surface due to snorkelers. NOAA recommends keeping a viewing distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles. This applies to turtles who have come up onto the beach as well.
- Humpback Whales – If you plan to visit during whale season, please be aware that Maui is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Peak whale season runs from January through March and along with our seasonal guests come millions of travelers to the Hawaiian Islands hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive majestic creatures. In order to protect the once dwindling population of whales, observation and boating laws were put into place. It is against federal law to approach humpback whales within 100 yards. That’s a football field! Motorized boats are required to keep an eye out for whales who may come up t the surface. If spotted within 100 yards, the boats are required to idle or power down until a whale moves a safe distance away. Human-powered watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and SUP’s are also prohibited from approaching whales within 100 yards or to remain still until the whale retreats to a safe distance. Every now and then a curious whale will come over to observe you, which is the prerogative of that whale. If this happens, kick back and enjoy it!
- Dolphins – Did you know the spinner dolphins which are most often seen in Maui are nocturnal hunters? They dive into the depths during the night to eat. They are also conscious breathers. Humans do not have to think about breathing, but dolphins have to keep at least half their brain active in order to breathe while the other half rests. What that means for people viewing dolphins is that when you see them at the surface during the day in more shallow bays, they are actually resting. Imagine if you’ve been hunting all night and while you are resting, someone you don’t know tries to touch you, get you to swim with them, throws food at you or drives their boat up really quickly in order to look at you. Not great, right? Though it is not yet written into law, regulations are on the table because research suggests that engaging in these activities with dolphins is also considered harassment of the marine animals. Several businesses are observers of the Dolphin SMART guidelines for responsible viewing of marine life. When booking a tour, consider checking out who’s Dolphin SMART
- Coral Reef – We already discussed the importance of coral reefs to Maui marine life; no reef = no fun things to see. The reef has undergone a lot of stress in the last several years and every little bit to protect it helps. That’s why it’s important to know that touching, standing on, running a boat aground or resting an anchor on the coral reef can also damage it.
A motto we like to tell our guests is, “Take only photos, leave only bubbles.”
Give Back on Vacation
Did you know there are various recurring volunteer opportunities on Maui? You can give back to the local community by volunteering at beach cleanups, reef cleanups, organized invasive species removal efforts, and native species plantings.
You do not have to wait for an organized event. We hope every beach, every day during your Maui vacation is 100% pristine, but many times it will not be. Consider picking up at least five pieces of trash during each outing you make on your eco-friendly travel.
| Day | Event | Time | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Hoaloha ‘Aina (South Maui Volunteers) | 7:30 am – 9:30 am | Kihei
(Varies. Check website for specific location) | Help restore South Maui’s coastal dunes, maintain trails, and remove invasive species. |
| Wednesday | Volunteer Farm Day (O‘o Farm) | 8:45 am – 11:45 am | Upcountry
O’o Farm | Go behind the scenes and get your hands dirty at this organic farm in Upcountry Maui. RSVP (808) 249-8811 |
| Wednesday | Maui Nui Botanical Garden Weed and Pot Club | 8:30 am – 10:30 am | 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, right across from the War Memorial Stadium. | Spend your morning helping the Gardens thrive through weeding and propaga-tion. Come prepared to work with covered shoes and gardening attire. |
| Wednesday & Friday | Beach Buddies Visitor Program | 11 am – 4 pm | Maui Humane Society 1350 Mehameha Loop Pu’unene, HI 96784 | Visitors can offer one of the Humane Society’s chosen ‘Beach Buddies’ a day of fun out of the shelter. Each outing will start with a brief talk about safety, what to do and where to go on the island! Sign Up Online |
| Thursday | Community Farm Day (La‘a Kea Farm) | 10 am – 12 noon | North Shore/Paia
La’a Kea Farm | Learn tropical organic farming practices on Maui’s famed North Shore. RSVP 24 hours in advance to [email protected] |
| Friday | Environmental Volunteer Days (Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) | 8 am – 12 noon | Central Maui
Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands | Help restore native coastal wetlands along one of Maui’s last undeveloped coastlines. |
| Saturday | Malama Honokowai Restoration (Maui Cultural Lands) | 9 am – 5 pm | West Maui/Lahaina
Meet at the Pu’ukoli’i “Sugar Cane Train” Station Lahaina | A truly immersive Hawaiian cultural experience, spend the day restoring historic Honokowai Valley. Confirm participation via email [email protected] or call (808) 276-5593 |
Farmer’s Markets
A fantastic way to experience Maui and its offerings is to visit one of its farmer’s markets. You likely already know the benefits of supporting local businesses. Buying produce straight from Maui farms is another way to support the local economy and reduce the carbon impact of food that is flown in from all other parts of the world. Since flying to Maui is nearly the only way to get here, why not offset your flight with food that has been grown here. A list of markets below:
| Day | Name | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | Rowena’s Produce | Kahului
230 Hana Hwy. | 8 am – 6 pm |
| Wednesday | Wednesday Farmer’s Market | Kula
17 Omaopio Rd (Kula Hwy and Omaopio Rd Intersection at Waipuna Chapel) | 8 am – 1 pm |
| Wednesday & Saturday | Napili Farmer’s Market | Napili
4900 Honoapiilani Hwy, Napili Hawai | 8 am – 12 noon |
| Saturday | Launiapoko Farmer’s Market | Lahaina
Kai Hele Ku St at Honoapiilani Hwy | 8 am – 12 noon |
| Saturday | Upcountry Farmer’s Market | Kula Malu Town Center, in Pukalani, just up from Long’s Drug Store. | 7 am – 11 am |
| Saturday | Lipoa Street Farmer’s Market | Kihei
95 E Lipoa Street, Kihei | 8:30 am |
Mahalo Nui Loa
According to the Hawaiian English dictionary, Nā puke Wehewehe ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (A fantastic resource by the way!)
Mahalo means:
1. Thanks, gratitude; to thank. Mahalo nui loa, thanks [you] very much. ʻŌlelo mahalo, compliment. Mahalo ā nui, thanks very much. (PPN masalo.)
Mahalo for considering the different ways you might be able to help preserve Maui for many future residents and visitors! If you like this blog please share. We would also love to read additional suggestions in the comments.
Maui Kayak Adventures
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
Kihei, HI 96753
United States
