10 ways to travel responsibly in Maui

22.07.2024 - 10:56 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 21, 2024 • 7 min read

This article is adapted from the Maui guidebook due to publish August 2024. The guidebook was written by Amy Balfour, Malia Yoshioka, Ryan Ver Berkmoes and Savanah Dagupion. 

The people of Maui are bonded by aloha ‘aina – respect for the land – and a love of hospitality. In recent years, however, Maui’s hospitable culture has been tested with the explosion of tourism.

Maui’s style of community is one now rarely seen on the hard-charging US mainland. With the welcoming spirit of aloha, strong family ties and a culture that embraces generosity and hospitality, it’s a heavenly mix. There’s also an appreciation for chit-chatting – referred to as "talking story" – a refreshingly "retro" mode of communication still in fashion here. 

Unfortunately, the recent stratospheric rise in tourism is pushing Maui’s beautiful culture to its limits. In 2022 alone, the island welcomed three million visitors, who spent $5.8 billion during their time here. Regrettably, many recent vacationers appeared to lack a basic sense of responsibility when visiting the island. Specifically, there were growing concerns that tourists weren’t embracing aloha ʻaina and were damaging the island’s fragile natural ecosystems as a result. 

Visitors were also increasingly disrespectful to its kama‘aina (those born and raised in, or longtime residents of, Hawaii; literally, "child of the land"). Many were often unaware of authentic Hawaiian traditions and culture, and with three million visitors on a small island, the arrogance and ignorance of just a small percentage of travelers takes a toll. 

Adding to the unease? Some tourists seem to believe that spending money here relieves them of any social responsibility. In response, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has taken steps to ensure that the Hawaiian Islands are presented authentically to the world and that visitors engage thoughtfully with this beautiful place. Locals, who are becoming more vocal about much-needed change, are also trying to increase awareness.

Before you visit, consider reading the Ma‘ema‘e Toolkit. Produced by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, it shares interesting geographical and cultural information about the Hawaiian Islands, and includes tips for responsible travel. You can also sign up in advance for a half-day volunteering stint through the Mālama Hawaii Program, which was created to encourage and facilitate volunteering. Many projects include an element of education about Maui.

It’s always useful to learn a little ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), and read up on Hawaiian culture. You can also take the time to practice the shaka – the sign islanders use to greet each other – made by folding down the three middle fingers of your palm and extending