
Eco-Tourism
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Discover Hawaii's Roots
Kauai
Take a farm tour in the beautiful, green Hanalei taro fields to see how kalo (taro), an important Hawaiian root starch, is cultivated. The South Shore of Kauai is also home to Kauai Coffee, a working coffee plantation. Some of Hawaii’s largest botanical gardens can also be found on Kauai; the National Tropical Botanical Garden has three sites here: Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden just west of Koloa, and Limahuli Garden on the North Shore. You can also opt for a whale-watching tour (December–May), or spot some of the 1,200 endangered Hawaiian monk seals swimming in Kauai’s waters on Poipu Beach.
Oahu
Embark on a farm tour to learn about the farm-to-table processes that are such a vital part of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and see Native Hawaiian plants and flowers at Honolulu Botanical Gardens’ five diverse sites on Oahu. From December through May, go whale watching off Oahu’s southern coast to greet humpback whales on their annual visit to Hawaii’s warm waters.
Lanai
Besides the island’s resort areas, much of Lanai looks the way it did hundreds of years ago. Cook pines and what is left of pineapple fields remain in Central Lanai, but there are other off-the-beaten-path spots that can transport you back in time. Visit the Kanepuu Preserve for a self-guided tour featuring 48 species of endemic Hawaiian plants. Protected by the Nature Conservancy, learn how this fragile ecosystem continues to survive in Lanai today.
Maui
Take a drive to Upcountry Maui and stroll among fields of sweet lavender and vibrant protea in Kula. Or walk back in time through gardens of indigenous plants at the Kula Botanical Garden. Continue to the 30,000-foot summit of Haleakala and you just might meet our state bird, the endangered nene (Hawaiian goose), or stumble across a Haleakala silversword, a rare and beautiful succulent that shimmers in the early light.
Molokai
Take a farm tour to see how locals work the land. Visit Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm for a fascinating tour. Hawaii is the world’s leading producer of macadamia nuts. Or, to really see environmental preservation in action at the Nature Conservancy’s two sites on Molokai: the Moomomi Preserve on the northwest coast and the Kamakou Preserve in the mountainous rainforests to the east.
Island of Hawaii
There are numerous ways to learn about the local ecosystem and experience the unique beauty of the island of Hawaii. At the Hawaii Wildlife Center's Hoopulauma Science and Discovery Center you can learn about efforts to protect and rehabilitate native bird species and other wildlife. At the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority campus there are a variety of tours focused on renewable energy, sustainability and emerging technology offered by the Friends of NELHA group. Or, help restore native flora on a tree planting tour with Hawaiian Legacy Tours, where you can help plant a Koa tree as part of the excursion.
"Tip #1: Use Reef Safe sunscreen. Research has found that even a small amount of sunscreen generally has chemicals in it which can bleach the corals and kill the reef."
"Tip #2: Bring a reusable, preferably stainless steel bottle of water."
"Tip #3: Clean your shoes before and after a farm tour to prevent spreading of seeds and disease."
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Farm and Agriculture Tours
Discover the agricultural cornucopia growing in Hawaii's rich, volcanic soil.
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Farmers Markets
You can’t travel far in Hawaii without passing a farmers market or fruit stand. Beyond a rainbow of fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables, you’ll often find Hawaii-grown coffee, local jams, macadamia nuts and even pop-up stands from trendy restaurants.
MoreEco-Tourism Experiences in Hawaii
Botanical World Adventures Zip line, Segway, Botanical Gardens, Huge Maze, Honopueo Falls, Kamaee Falls, Panoramic Views of the Pacific and Mauna Kea, Rainbow Walk, Arboretum, and Rainforest.
The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center (HWC) is a state-of-the-art native wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center. The facility features a science and discovery center and retail store. Science center admission is free. Donations are welcome. Public hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rooster Farms is the Oldest Organic Farm in Hawaii and has won prestigious cupping contests. Come visit our agroforest with Ed Chen, a Columbia educated Environmental Engineer for a farm tour, agricultural education, and Tara Cronin, a exhibited photographer on big island to learn about Kona coffee!
Marine Biologist-Guided Zodiac Tours - South Shore & NaPali Coast Snorkel Tours and seasonal Whale Watching Tours. “We had the most amazing time with Captain Tara, she is the best! It was an adventure of a lifetime.”
Enjoy your favorite day in Paradise with a one-of-a-kind Custom Private Guided Tour of Maui's highlights & best-kept secrets! See sights not in guide books, where buses can't go, & more popular areas, with or w/o walking. Hawaiian Culture, history, nature, food, music. Service with aloha since 1983!
Friends of NELHA (FON) is an independent, volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and outreach programs at Keahole Point, where NELHA is recognized worldwide as a unique and innovative ocean park.
Located in Central Oahu, Aloha Stadium is Hawaii's largest outdoor arena, home to the University of Hawaii Warriors football team and annual NFL Pro Bowl game.
Explore the Big Islands largest collection of Orchids. Over 1,000 on display in our Orchid Maze & for purchase. Join a behind the scenes Orchid Farm Tour and Tasting. Plant and take home your own baby orchid and leave room for dessert as you sample our Poha Ice Cream and shop our unique giftshop!
Sample Maui's sweetest fruit Maui Gold while our knowledgeable tour guide shares entertaining facts and history about Hawaii's Pineapple- Visit Pineapple fields, Tour Maui Gold, Pineapple Packing Factory, and bring home free pineapple.
Affordable guided half and full-day hikes. The hikes range from easy to strenuous. Localities include rain forests, waterfalls, valleys and mountain. A narrative on Hawaiian history, volcanology and flora is given. Day packs, water and meal provided. VOTED EXCELLENT ON TRIPADVISOR FOR 2017 !

Learn More About How to Take Care of the Land During Your Visit
Find Eco-Friendly Tour Operators and More

The Hawaiian Ecotourism Association, (founded in 1995), certifies sustainable tour companies throughout the state of Hawaii to protect the environment and host culture while giving visitors an eco-friendly option for touring.
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