Big Island Vacation Guide 2009 - (Page 44) Touring one of the island’s coffee farms. Kirk Lee Aeder Sustainable Travel Hawai‘i Island is a complex but fragile ecosystem that can be easily affected and altered by introduced influences and outside factors. Though the island is remote, it is by no means isolated, hosting many visitors each year. Sustainable tourism in Hawai‘i is about protecting, enhancing and conserving our resources for the enjoyment of future residents and visitors. The model for sustainability on the island of Hawai‘i was already in place and practiced here for more than a millennium by the first inhabitants, the native Hawaiians. Hawaiians understood and were keenly attuned to their environment and how to keep in balance with it. Their ways serve as a guide and constant reminder of the need to be in harmony with this special place. by the introduction of foreign flora and fauna species. Millions of dollars are spent annually to eradicate and prevent new plant and animal introductions to Hawai‘i. In all, there are more than 150 environmental groups in the state fighting to protect the land. You can help some of these groups by volunteering time during your visit. Most groups will provide training, if needed. Only with awareness and respect can we be environmentally responsible. When visiting, please do your part to help protect our fragile ecosystem. Volcano Forest Work Days You’re invited to help remove alien weed species and restore one of the few remaining native ‘ohi‘a and koa forests in the Volcano area. To volunteer, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. Be an Eco-Adventure Volunteer Volunteering for conservation activities is a great way to have fun while exploring the island’s wild places. You can sign up for afternoon or multi-day trips to help with a variety of projects. Malama Kai ¯ Malama kai (take care of the ocean) is an ¯ ancient Hawaiian tradition that you should practice while visiting the island of Hawai‘i. This means please don’t touch the coral or the plants and animals surrounding it. In fact, keep a respectful distance from all sea creatures–for their safety and yours. To learn more about protecting the ocean while you explore it, visit www.watchablewildlife.org/ publications/marine_wildlife_viewing_ guidelines.htm. Hawaii Forest & Trail To experience volun-tourism, contact Hawai‘i Forest & Trail at 800-464-1993 or visit www.hawaii-forest.com. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Help protect and preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources. To volunteer, call 985-6000 or visit www.nps.gov/havo/ supportyourpark/volunteer.htm. ¯ Malama ‘Aina ¯ The island of Hawai‘i has some of the more unique terrain in the world. Many of our plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth. It is no wonder the island is the preferred destination for those interested in Hawai‘i’s ecology. Malama ‘aina (take care ¯ ¯ of the land) is one of the more important concepts in Hawaiian philosophy, and it’s as important today as ever. Help us take care of our natural resources by staying on trails when hiking and by not disturbing any plants or historical features. Resist the temptation to take rocks, shells or plants as souvenirs. Please, take only pictures. On foot, by car, bicycle, horseback or high up in the air, ecotour operators can take you to areas of natural, historical and ecological interest. From volcanoes, waterfalls and rain forests to valleys, summits and coastlines, ecotours will show you the diversity of the island’s landscape. Guided tours are sensitive to the environment, and you are sure to learn more with an expert on hand. The island’s ecosystem has been stressed 44 www.bigisland.org The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i is committed to preserving our plants and animals by protecting the island’s lands and waters. To donate time or money, contact The Nature Conservancy at 885-1786 or visit www.nature.org/wherewework/ northamerica/states/hawaii/volunteer. Sierra Club The Sierra Club’s goal is to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s native habitats, prevent the introduction and spread of alien species and clean coastal pollution. To volunteer, contact Moku Loa Group at 965-5460 or visit www.hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii/ mokuloa.html. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service No special skills are required to help the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service protect birds and fish, photograph cultural and natural resources and assist with research. For more information on how you can help, call 800-344-WILD (9453) or visit www.fws.gov/volunteers. Hawai‘i Island is filled with farms, orchards and ranches. It’s a magical hothouse with nearly one million acres in production. You will experience the fresh tastes of the island every time you eat because local ingredients are the mainstay of our recipes and menus. The sights and scents of the island have always included beautiful and unique foliage. Today, flower farms export huge quantities of anthurium, orchids, birds of paradise and protea among many other plants and flowers. The island of Hawai‘i is home to the best-tasting brew in the world. South Kona is the heart of Kona Coffee. Ka‘u, south of ¯ Kona, is another area prized for its smooth tasting coffee. You’ll also find gourmet coffee from farms along the Hama kua Coast and ¯¯ in Puna. Joining the growers are mills and roasters, museums, coffee shops and retail outlets so you can fully enjoy the Big Island coffee experience here and then take home some hard-to-find private estate grown beans. Macadamia nuts are another famous Big Island product. Mac nuts are an orchard crop and, like coffee, they too are processed right here on the island. You can tour an orchard as well as the processing plant to see how they crack open the shells of the world’s hardest nut. Many of these ranches, farms and orchards welcome guests and offer tours with on-site gift shops. Hawai‘i AgVentures, a program of the Big Island Farm Bureau, combines the people, foods and farms of the island into experiences of diverse cultures, extraordinary produce and natural beauty. Hawai‘i AgVentures works to coordinate your interests with our participating growers and processors, providing a full range of visits. For more information about their unique tours, call 800-660-6011 or visit www.hawaiiagventures.com. For more information about sustainable travel to Hawai‘i’s Big Island, visit www.bigisland.org/ecotourism. Agricultural Tourism http://www.volcanoartcenter.org http://www.hawaii-forest.com http://www.watchablewildlife.org/publications/marine_wildlife_viewing_guidelines.htm http://www.watchablewildlife.org/publications/marine_wildlife_viewing_guidelines.htm http://www.nps.gov/havo/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm http://www.watchablewildlife.org/publications/marine_wildlife_viewing_guidelines.htm http://www.nps.gov/havo/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/volunteer http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/volunteer http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii/mokuloa.html http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii/mokuloa.html http://www.hawaiiagventures.com http://www.bigisland.org/ecotourism http://www.fws.gov/volunteers http://www.bigisland.org
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