
Eco-Tourism
Scroll to Continue
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."
More Eco-Tourism

Farm and Agriculture Tours
Discover the agricultural cornucopia growing in Hawaii's rich, volcanic soil.
More
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
Our work at Hāna Ranch is rooted in the values of land stewardship, collaboration, and community. We believe that by caring for the land, we can deliver the best produce to our customers and strengthen the foundation of our community.
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.
Retail, wholesale supplier macadamia nuts, gift baskets, incentive, corporate gifts. Visitor Center, samples, free.
McBryde Garden is a veritable Noah's ark for threatened and endangered plants of the tropics. Located in the verdant Lawa`i Valley. Self-guided tours available daily. Tram into garden. Other tours available.
Quality charter service for any group size is our specialty, with the best vehicles and over 15 years in business. We offer deluxe MCI 4500 series coaches with on-board restrooms, on-time guarantee, 100% seat belted fleet, and wheelchair lifts.
Spanning 240 acres, Na 'Aina Kai is a living mosaic of diverse gardens, a hardwood plantation, a moss- and fern-draped canyon, a tranquil meadow and pristine sandy beach. Gracing the gardens and wild areas are more than 200 bronze sculptures.
SpeediShuttle is the only transportation company offering complete shared and exclusive shuttle, sedan, SUV, and limousine service, including traditional lei greetings at the gate, on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii.
Come visit our honey & bee farm in Captain Cook! Take a beekeeping farm tour & join us as we open a beehive. Sample our organic honeys, all produced from rare blossoms found on the Big Island, and browse our store and museum full of honey, beeswax products and beekeeping memorabilia.
Eight-acre Steelgrass Farm – so-called after a nickname for bamboo, a member of the grass family with a mechanical strength that rivals metal — is on Kauai’s East side, above the town of Kapa’a, between Sleeping Giant and Mt. Wai’ale’ale. We grow Chocolate, Vanilla and offer popular farm tours.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an internationally recognized brand with more than 7,000 locations throughout North America, including several on the Island of Maui. Enterprise is also the largest car rental brand in North America, well-known for its Great Rates and Award Winning Customer Service.

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.
More