Eco-Tourism on Maui
The term “eco-tourism” is used to identify responsible traveling. In other words, travel to a nature-oriented destination with the intention to learn, conserve, share, and initiate efforts to retain the original natural environment. There is a phrase that is used in the Hawaiian language, “mālama ʻāina” to care for the land. In Hawaiʻi, it is not limited to just to travel; it is for everyone to embrace.
The Restoration Foundation was organized and chartered back in 1962. They were the designated stewards and storytellers of ‘s Historic Cultural Heritage. One such notable historical fact is that was once a small fishing village then in 1820 King Kamehameha II chose it as the location for the royal capital, where it remained until 1845 when it moved to Honolulu. Unfortunately, with the recent fires that engulfed much of back in 2023, including many of the historic sites, the foundation has not given up on the project. They continue to restore and preserve historic structures and landmarks in .
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the wetland habitat for two endangered Hawaiian wetland birds. The e‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot). It is one of the few natural wetlands that remain in existence in Hawaiʻi. It is located between Kihei and Mā‘alaea, stop by the visitor center to learn more about their efforts and how you can help.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund has dedicated its conservation efforts to the native wildlife in Hawaiʻi for the past 30 years. Their efforts reach all the islands, not just Maui. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, signing up for an internship, or donating, you can find them at Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali on Maui which we opened in 2021.
