Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai'i

06/12/2023

June is .

Let's all do our part to keep our oceans safe, healthy and sustainable for all living things. Re-sharing our top-10 especially for our partners.

Tip # 1: Monitor ocean conditions. When in doubt, don't go out.

Monitoring ocean conditions such as weather patterns, tides, and currents helps ocean-based businesses assess the safety of their activities, especially those who provide boating, snorkeling and/or diving activities. Carefully monitoring ocean conditions can help make informed decisions about whether to proceed with tours, modify them, or cancel them altogether to ensure the well-being of all involved.

06/10/2023

Happy World Oceans Week!

The Oceans give us numerous benefits and resources that are essential for human well-being, marine life and more.

On Thursday, June 8th - the world celebrated Oceans Day through a variety of ways: education programs, beach clean-ups, single-plastic reduction, awareness activities and much more.
Drop us a comment below and share how you honored the ocean today. Remember - we can do these things not only on World Oceans Day but EVERYDAY!

You can find out more about World Oceans Day and learn more about from our expert friends at the United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day

03/24/2023

Thinking of what to do this weekend?

If you're on Oahu check out family fun day this Sat. 3/25/23 at Waimea Valley - enjoy an array of awesome activities and help support our natural forests.

The weather is projected to be sunny - come and have fun - learn a hula noho about our beautiful world, come see the puppet show and the arts and craft activities - go to the waterfall - have a Hawaiian plate - learn about the importance of our ōhiʻa lehua.

Punahoa Heritage Forest starts with 1,900 acres on Hawai’i Island steeped in kīpuka forests. Itʻs a place that imagines a future where people and nature thrive. The land stewards seek to raise funds to commission a baseline environmental survey - "map the forest" - develop a comprehensive forestry plan, add team capacity to help drive awareness building and fundraising efforts, and to strengthen community engagement

The family friendly event at Waimea Valley - includes: Hula, Music, Puppet Show, Plant sale, Can go to the Waterfall.

Mālama ʻŌhiʻa o Ka Nahele (Take Care of the ʻOhiʻa Up Mauka).

Pūʻā Foundation will be having this fundraising event to benefit the Punahoa Heritage Forest (PHF), with a focus to care for the ʻōhiʻa.

All Kamaʻaina entrance gate admissions will be donated to the PHF. There will be Hawaiian Plates sold at the event and $3 from every plate will go toward PHF.

All proceeds go directly toward land management and mapping projects to improve the health and resilience of native species and the Hawaiian community. The vision for the PHF is for a forest of world-renown that enables Hawaiians to know, care and connect with their heritage. Our mission is to preserve and protect the natural state of the forest. Help the forest flourish by creating a place of gathering, rejuvenation, and cultural expression for all those who embrace Hawaiian culture – locally, regionally and globally.

For more information please visit our website at https://www.punahoaheritageforest.org/

For more information on the benefit event go to:

https://www.punahoaheritageforest.org/news/special-benefit-event-at-waimea-valley

Pu'a Foundation

To preserve and protect the natural state of the forest. Help the forest flourish by creating a place of gathering, rejuvenation and cultural expression for all those who embrace Hawaiian culture - locally, regionally and globally.

03/20/2023

We are excited to share that the Ocean Awareness Training virtual workshops Spring 2023 will be kicking off this Tuesday, March 21st!

Learn about the marine species that call Hawai‘i home and how to get involved in local conservation + stewardship efforts!

The OAT workshops are open to the public and no prior experience is required to participate. Instructors include scientists, natural resource managers, educators, and practitioners based in Hawai'i.

The virtual learning experience kicks off this Tuesday, March 21st and runs for six weeks, through April 25th.

To find our more about the class visit:
https://oceanaware.com/virtual-oat-spring-2023/

Register and secure your spot today by using this link:
https://oceanaware.com/product/spring-2023-oat/

These training workshops are all held virtually and each session will recorded for future access and reference if you cannot make it in “real time”. This also means any late-comers who sign up can catch-up and join us for as many live sessions as they are able.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

11/04/2022

Aloh mai STAH warriors

If youʻre interested in science, education AND art, then this is for you!

Check this event out happening tomorrow on Oahu, and throughout November:

Opening Night Reception
The ARTS at Marks Garage
Friday, November 4
6:00-8:00pm
The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is excited to share with you our very first sci-art gallery titled ResilienSEA: a Celebration of Science, Education and Art at The ARTS at Marks Garage in Chinatown 1159 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai'i.

The exhibit is free for all ages from November 4-25, 2022. ResilienSEA showcases artwork by local artists Sheanae Tam, Michelle Schwengel-Regala, and Boz Schurr inspired by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s ongoing research and education activities.

In this sci-art collaborative exhibit, we share three stories of resilience: interweaving knowledge systems for food security; revitalizing our relationship with limu; and witnessing marine ecosystems heal and thrive once again.

11/01/2022

Aloha mai kakou ocean warriors,

Weʻre halfway through our first virtual Ocean Awareness Training series of workshops!

Thereʻs another one tonight 6pm - 8:30pm HST.

If you love everything ocean and would love to learn more about how to be engaged with local organizations who are spearhearding ocean conservation efforts, please join us!

You can still sign up now and gain access to all the materials and content. Check out Ocean Awareness Training and this link for more information: https://oceanaware.com/virtual-oat-fall-2022/

10/10/2022

Attention Ocean Lovers and STAH Warriors!!

We are super excited to partner with Ocean Aware this year to launch the long-awaited Ocean Awareness Training program (OAT), going virtual for the first time since its inception in 2008. As part of our collective efforts to protect Hawai'i's unique natural environment and be responsible stewards of our island home, we invite you to join us in learning about current local conservation efforts and increase your knowledge of Hawai‘is precious marine and coastal resources.

Class starts soon on October 11th, and the program is open to anyone. Please feel free to share the opportunity with your ocean-loving friends.

Sign up NOW to grab your seat via this link:
https://oceanaware.com/product/fall-2022-oat/

For more information check out the OAT website: https://oceanaware.com

Thanks also to our friends at Hawai'i Public Radio for spreading the word: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/the-conversation/2022-10-04/program-open-to-everyone-teaches-local-marine-conservation-and-stewardship?fbclid=IwAR0G1W0XCodB5UuzWiVAcyCPUdG-bCbadIQpEs1mhQExC-8jjQEMNkXmhbw

See you in class 😊

06/15/2022

Aloha mai kakou
There's still time to sign up for our upcoming webinar happening this Thursday at 11:00am. See flyer for more information- hope to see you there.
Kauai Visitors Bureau Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter Holo Holo Charters NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) Hawaii – gohawaii.com

06/06/2022

Aloha!!!!

We are excited to be back on social media wooohoooo.

We hope everyone is having a fantastic start to their summer. Thank your for your commitment in keeping our Hawai'i islands beautiful and all you do to malama honua.

We have lots to share but first:

We are pleased to announce an upcoming webinar happening in two weeks. Please see the following information and share with your communities and networks.

Mālama i ke Kai - Actions That Support a Thriving Ocean

In Partnership with the Kauai Visitors Bureau, the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai’i is pleased to announce an upcoming Webinar for Marine-based Activity Operators.

Thursday, June 16th 2022
11:00 am - 12:30 pm HST

As part of our collective efforts to support and enhance a thriving ocean for Kaua'i and all of our Hawai'i islands, we are excited to bring together speakers from NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands, Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) & Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter, and Holo Holo Charters.

Please register in advance for this free webinar:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G3fUJlNeQB-ZARjpwdaEXw

You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
All are welcome!

Happy Ocean Month 🐟🦀🐙 !!

01/21/2022

Anyone feel like celebrating? 🎉 We are beyond excited to reveal our list of engaged partner operators for the 2022 year!

Not only have the following operators chosen to pursue their sustainability goals, but they have also prioritized those goals amidst a devastating global pandemic. 🙌

Ho'omaika'i to all of you! We are excited and proud to work alongside you as we move into the future, together!

01/03/2022

From the staff at Haleakalā National Park-- a happy and safe #2022 to all. Hauʻoli makahiki hou! Mahalo for your support and kōkua in protecting the stories and resources of Haleakalā National Park💙

O ka pono hana ʻia a iho mai na lani 🌈
Continue to do good until the heavens come down to you
-ʻŌlelo No ʻEau #2437

NPS Photo: E.Creek

01/02/2022

A thought-provoking article written by Jesicca Terrel and published by Honolulu Civil Beat yesterday explores how food security is not primarily an agricultural issue; it is an economic one.

"Hawaii has some very ambitious goals for revitalizing the state’s languishing agricultural sector — a desire that has only been intensified by the food shortage scares and supply chain disruptions that have accompanied the coronavirus pandemic.

Meeting any of the state’s production goals would be an enormous achievement. But there’s no comprehensive plan for how the state will get there — or even a clear idea of what a goal like doubling food production will accomplish.

That’s a problem, agricultural experts in the state say."

Is there a way for Hawai'i to achieve true food security in today's world? If so, how can we unite to create an effective. state-wide food system plan that will allow us to achieve the sustainable vision that we dream of?

Romantic ideas about locally grown food and a lack of statewide planning could be getting in the way of making real progress addressing food insecurity, climate change and the economy.

01/01/2022

Start 2022 out on the right foot!
Sign up to receive our FREE monthly newsletter today 🌎🙌🤓
Click below ⤵️
https://www.sustainabletourismhawaii.org/get-involved

12/31/2021

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou 🎉
Happy New Year ✨

🥂 Here's to looking ahead 🥂

We here at STAH would like to take this opportunity to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to all who have supported us throughout 2021 as well as in previous years.

We hope that this December gifted each of you some much-needed downtime! Though the recent entry of Omicron into our professional & personal lives has definitely thrown us all for an unexpected loop, we are committed to staying the course & moving forward. Let's reach deep and stand strong, together!

As we ring in 2022 in just a few short hours, be sure to check out yesterday's Bloomberg article foreshadowing a bit of what we can expect to see as we all continue to build a more responsible, more sustainable tourism industry in Hawai'i Nei:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-12-30/hawaii-is-rethinking-tourism-here-s-what-that-means-for-you

12/13/2021

Thoughts?
"There’s growing momentum for the idea of charging tourists an environmental fee to come to Hawaiʻi".
Read the Honolulu Star-Advertiser article here:
http://ow.ly/49Ze50H9Ny2

12/13/2021

🌱

Join the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) for their FREE monthly mālama training sessions to gain a better understanding of how we can better care for our cultural and natural resources. 🌱

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is proud to support NaHHA as we work towards a regenerative tourism model focused on perpetuating and honoring our local culture and encouraging visitors to give back when they visit our islands.

Visit NaHHA’s website to sign up today: https://www.nahha.com/calendar

12/13/2021

The month of December is really flying by, isn't it? We don't know about you, but we here at STAH can't wait to ring in 2022 🤩!

WHY? Well, our recent alignment with Travelife for Tour Operators is going to allow us to offer, for the first time, an intensely comprehensive and well-rounded pathway to sustainable tour operator certification that combines the expertise we've gained through our 25-year legacy here in the Hawaiian archipelago with the globally-recognized expertise of Travelife.

And guess what? We are recruiting passionate community members who want to help foster the growth of a sustainable & responsible tourism industry in Hawai'i. , , partner with us, and engage in rewarding work with activity providers in YOUR community by becoming a sustainability coach and/or auditor!

Interested? Comment here, DM us, scan the QR code, or (BEST!) reach out via email to [email protected] today!
😎

12/13/2021

Mahalo NaHHA & Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce for recently launching www.Kuhikuhi.com: a place to browse the many Hawaiian businesses offering a wide range of products & services. From surfing instructors to cultural practitioners, delicious food and beverage options, and gifts from Hawaiian-owned shops, Kuhikuhi has you covered!
http://ow.ly/wE6z50H9Faz

12/01/2021

Throughout the month of November, we've been conducting one on one orientation sessions in preparation for the upcoming certification year. We want to thank everyone who we have connected with so far and extend a reminder to those of you who are planning to engage to visit our Calendly page ASAP and sign up for your session today!
🔽🙏
https://calendly.com/sustainabletourismhawaii/orientation_2021-22

11/30/2021

LIKE this post and HWF gets a dollar! Make a comment and we get another dollar! Easy-Peasy! ❤️🐋
Check out the original post to learn more & share, share, share!

We love you ! LIKE this post and HWF gets a dollar! Make a comment and we get another dollar! Easy-Peasy! ❤️🐋
Sand Cloud FB page: https://bit.ly/3lpjMW7

⚠️ Stop your scroll! ⚠️We’re donating $1 for EVERY LIKE on this post up to $100,000. Why? It’s Giving Tuesday! 📸

In honor of , help us prove the power of social media by showing gratitude, one double tap at a time, for nonprofits who make the oceans around us a better place.

Your ‘like’ will go the extra mile by supporting the following non-profits awareness efforts who are on the front lines of marine life conservation.

Wish you could donate $2 instead? Leave a comment, too! For an additional $1 donated 🐢 💚

Please consider sharing this post or tagging a friend as it’s going to take a real group effort to make a meaningful impact. Thank you!

11/24/2021

Some food for thought as many Americans prepare to celebrate tomorrow's Thanksgiving holiday.

"Climate change has officially arrived at our Thanksgiving tables. As the past year has made even more clear, the consequences of a warming world have challenged farmers and food systems throughout the United States.
Drought, blistering heat waves and raging wildfires have gripped much of the West, stressing crops such as wheat — the basis of stuffing, rolls and pie crusts. In the Northeast, the fastest-warming region in the country, cranberries are budding earlier, making them more vulnerable to frost damage. And in the Southeast, intensifying hurricanes, driven by warming oceans, are forcing farmers to move turkeys northward to drier ground."

Read the full article below:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2021/thanksgiving-climate-change-food/

11/17/2021

Urgent action needed!
The long awaited update of the County of Kauaʻi’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan comes before the County Council for adoption today, Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Zero Waste Kaua'i is asking for the help of every person who wants Kauaʻi’s system of handling solid waste to be a sustainable system--i.e. one based on Zero Waste principles.

Please sign the petition linked below that asks Kaua'i's Mayor and Council to prioritize four actions:

1. Establish curbside recycling
2. Provide regional composting facilities for green waste and food waste
3. Provide a system for diversion of construction and demolition waste from the landfill and
4. Provide adequate staffing and resources in the County's Recycling Office.

SIGN HERE: https://zerowastekauai.org/petition-page/

🌎🙏🌿♻️

11/15/2021

How are you and your choosing to spend this year’s ? Here are 5 simple ways you can create an impact:

1. Check what goes where & avoid recycling contamination.
2. Make eco-conscious choices like avoiding the purchase of goods packaged in single use plastic.
3. Avoid landfills as much as possible by reusing, donating, repairing & up-cycling
4. Share your reuse/recycle/upcycle tips & tricks with your networks & friends!
5. Take part in a Keep America Beautiful event: https://volunteer.kab.org

Also, visit http://recyclehawaii.org to learn more about recycling at home here in Hawai’i ♻️🌎

Since the first America Recycles Day 22 years ago, we’ve made great progress; but we still have a LONG way to go, especially here in the islands. “Although we have made significant progress since the first America Recycles Day over 2 decades ago, we still have work to do. Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by higher pollution levels as well as detrimental health and environmental impacts from mismanaged waste. Our Nation’s infrastructure has not kept pace with today’s changing waste stream, and markets for recycled materials are decreasing. To improve our national recycling system and manage our precious resources equitably and sustainably, it is going to take all of us — including Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, our partners in the private sector, and individual Americans making a difference in their communities.”-President Joe Biden

11/13/2021

Happening now!

Today is the day - tune in virtually from anywhere in the world via the link in our bio or at www.tedxcountyofhawaii.com - the event will run from 11am to 4pm HST.

11/13/2021

🎉Finally! It's Aloha Friday!🌴

As the clock inches closer and closer to pau hana, spend a few minutes with senior scientist and cultural advisor, Sam Ohu Gon III and get away into the peace and serenity that exists in our pae'āina's incredible forest realm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMReEexuFeQ

Did you know that The Nature Conservancy recently published a report on Hawai'i's forests indicating that 48 different types of forest and woodland areas as well as 175 different species of native trees (a great majority of them found no where else on Earth) exist in our archipelago? Incredible! 😍

In recent years, an increasing number of nonprofit groups and organizations have dedicated themselves to the restoration of Hawai'i's struggling forest landscapes. Much of what has been accomplished could not have happened were it not for the persistent dedication (and plain hard work!) of countless volunteer residents and visitors. 💪

If you haven't already gotten involved, here's your your invitation! Click the following links to get plugged in.🌿

Hawai'i Island:
1) https://hawaiiforestinstitute.org/support-us/volunteer/
2) https://hawaiienvironmentalrestoration.org/volunteer-sign-up/

Maui:
1) https://mauiculturallands.org/projects
2) https://www.maunakahalawai.org/volunteer-mauna-kahalawaimaui

O'ahu:
1) https://www.waimeavalley.net/volunteer
2) http://koolauwatershed.org/volunteer/

Kaua'i:
1) https://kauaiforestbirds.org/volunteersinternsstudent/
2) https://www.krcp.org/copy-of-internships
3) http://volunteerkauai.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-opportunities-moku/

11/11/2021

This Saturday, November 13 @ 11am!
Join TEDxCOUNTYOFHAWAII for this very anticipated event:
Local Insights Grow Global Solutions.
"Together we can change climate change. TEDxCountyofHawaiʻi will spotlight ten inspiring speakers whose ideas are worth spreading. The live stream event is free, register today and join the climate change conversation."
Register here: http://ow.ly/k5h350GLuu0
Check out the speakers:
http://ow.ly/jSS350GLutZ

11/10/2021

Last call to sign up for NaHHA's ongoing virtual "Understanding Our Places" training series before the holiday season begins! 🤓
Register today: https://www.nahha.com/training

11/04/2021

A new mobile-friendly website is making it easier for residents and visitors to support Native Hawaiian- owned businesses.

11/04/2021

Are you a podcast fanatic?
Passionate about environmental justice? 🌿✊

You're going to LOVE this!
https://www.rootcauseremedies.com/listen

Root Cause Remedies is a small, women-led Hawaiʻi based team creating a podcast that explores environmental justice from right here in Hawai‘i.

"This stuff is real. And it's happening all around us. It's impacting our friends, our families, the places we love. So we're dreaming up a space where we can talk story with local folks and leaders in our community to learn more about what environmental justice—or injustice looks like here in Hawai‘i."

11/02/2021

Now THAT is some beautiful fall color!

As the sun sets on the spooky month of October, we look forward to diving feet first into our first certification renewal since aligning with globally-recognized Travelife for Tour Operators.

So aloha Nowemapa! We look forward to supporting all of our engaged operators as you devote yourselves to achieving your sustainability goals!