A more sustainable Maui trip

"While Maui is considered a tropical paradise and it might appear that we are resilient, all of our island community is extremely fragile,” says Ryan Daniels, Maui resident and United ramp agent. Maui is home to plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s also under constant threat from climate change. Before your trip, you should know the rules for safely viewing marine animals and other wildlife.

While you're in Maui, Daniels says you should learn about the connections between history, nature and Hawaiian culture. Here are some places to visit:

Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House in Wailuku, is “a great place to learn about the deep cultural history of Maui [before and after] the arrival of European explorers.”

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului, will teach you about “Maui's rich cultural heritage and…relationship with native and Polynesian-introduced plants.”

“Both Bailey House and MNBG are non-profit organizations,” Daniels says, so they are “another way to support local efforts to educate, protect, and preserve Maui's uniqueness.”

The Maui community is also still recovering from the devastating fires that happened over a year ago, in Lahaina. “No matter where you go, you’re going to be in the company of people who were affected by the fire. If you’re aware of that, you treat [Maui] and everyone there with even more respect and Aloha,” says Matthew Lane, a global environmental impact advisor. It will be several more years before the town is completely rebuilt. This is something to remember when traveling around the island. Look up where you want to go and check if those places are open to visitors. If you choose to stay in a vacation rental, make sure it’s “hotel zoned”, or legally permitted.

“The land, resources, and culture here are deeply cherished by the people who live here, so we ask that guests show that same care,” says Sne Patel, President of the LahainaTown Action Committee and Director of Sales & Advocacy at Maui Resort Rentals. Maui is a small island, so all efforts to be sustainable count. Even small, simple actions can help. Avoid single use plastic, bring your own water bottle, reuse towels, and turn off the lights when you leave your room.

Another way to is to carpool, especially when visiting popular places like the road to Hana or Haleakalā , which Patel says is a can’t miss experience. “[It’s] an unforgettable moment every time I am up there—one of those 'aha' experiences where you just feel the island’s power and beauty. Watching the sun rise above the clouds gives you a whole new perspective on what we’re working to protect for future generations.”

Have your morning coffee at a local café brewing Hawai’i grown beans, like Akamai Coffee Co., Island Vibes Cafe or Wailuku Coffee Company.

Buy souvenirs from a local artisan at Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate, Maui Crafts Guild, The Country Market or Tutu’s Pantry.

Eat at farm to table restaurants, like Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop , Moku Roots and SixtyTwo MarcKet.

Visiting locally owned stores and restaurants will let you experience all Maui has to offer, while also helping to support the community. As a bonus, things that are made in Maui have a lower carbon footprint than items shipped in from other places.

Adding “locally owned” or “farm to table” to your searches will bring up businesses. You can also browse the Maui Nui First directory. Use it to help plan a fully local trip, and keep it saved on your phone when you get to the island to help you find your next meal or adventure. Be sure to shop and eat in West Maui, as the area was the most affected by the August 2023 fires.

When you think about a vacation on Maui, cleaning a beach or planting kalo (taro) probably aren’t the first activities that come to mind. But using a few hours of your time to volunteer is worth it. “Taking a vacation...implies removing something, but what was given in exchange,” says Daniels. “Give and take. Try to balance the reason for your visit against the potential impact of your stay.”

Not only will you make a difference, but you’ll also get to see a side of Maui that the regular tourist activities don’t show. “Meet some local people and learn about Hawai'i by volunteering for an org like Maui Cultural Lands,” Lane suggests. “Being in a lo'i (taro field) is an experience you will never forget.”

There are dozens of organizations that need volunteers. Here’s where you can sign up:

Kanu Hawai’i is a local nonprofit with a mission to “build more compassionate and resilient communities across Hawai’i.” Their website lists countless volunteer opportunities across Maui throughout the year. Past experiences include working with animals to helping replant nature. Check their site for what volunteer options are available during your trip.

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority has a volunteering section on its website. You can filter by activity type, cause and age group to find something the whole family will enjoy. The tourism board also partners with hotels to offer discounts and free nights to visitors who give back while on vacation.

Everyone who visits Maui has a kuleana, or responsibility, to make sure it stays beautiful for years to come. By following these simple guidelines, you can help protect this special place.