Hosted by Australian marine conservationist Laura Wells, Eco Traveller Hawaii uncovers the inspiring people on the Island of Hawaii that are working towards a better future for their island.
Harnessing the influence of National Geographic's powerful voice to awaken people to change, this series speaks to the shared environmental and social mission between the two brands, shining a light on Hawaii's forward-thinking approach to responsible tourism.
According to Giselle Radulovic, Country Manager Australia for Hawaii Tourism Oceania, it is embedded in the culture of the Hawaiian Islands to both respect and protect the environment. "Hawaii Tourism Oceania supports this philosophy and our partnership with National Geographic is a way to show how visitors can create a positive impact while travelling through Hawaii."
Tackling the big issues
Eco Traveller Hawaii explores how we can become conscientious tourists and do our part to help tackle issues including climate change and marine debris in some of the most beautiful and naturally diverse destinations in the world.
Julia Scales, Director of Advertising and Partnerships with National Geographic Australia, said that partnering with Hawaii Tourism was a natural fit, with the purpose being to inspire action through powerful storytelling. "Hawaii is at the absolute forefront of accessible and future-focused travel, so we wanted to highlight the tangible steps being taken on the Island of Hawaii to improve attitudes toward tourism and interactions with the environment," she said.
The Eco Traveller Hawaii episode is now available online, comprising one 10-minute episode showcasing the environmentally conscious travel practices being benchmarked in Hawaii to protect its diverse ecosystem; from towering waterfalls, rugged coastline and places of recent volcanic activity, to emerald valleys, white sand beaches, dense rainforests and places of historical significance to Hawaiian culture.
ecotraveller.nationalgeographic.com
Upcoming events
Over the coming months all of the Hawaiian Islands will be putting on a number of events for visitors to enjoy, including:
Hawaii Island
The Panaewa Stampede Rodeo will take place from 15-17 February. Head to Hilo's Panaewa Equestrian Centre for the 29th annual rodeo. This large and diverse event features three days of rodeo that highlight the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) skills, cowgirls, keiki and traveling rodeo contestants in traditional rodeo events, as well as those unique to Hawaii's paniolo culture.
Kauai
Waimea Town Celebration is on from 15-23 February. Celebrating its 43rd anniversary, this is Kauai's longest running festival. Held in Waimea Town, visitors and residents alike can experience nine days of music concerts, cultural exhibits and vibrant cuisine, all culminating in a two-day hoolaulea (celebration) that allows attendees to engage in the rich history of Kauai.
The 12th annual Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii on 16 February strings together a day of exciting events celebrating the state's official musical instrument. This year's festivities will be held at Kakaako Gateway Park and will feature performances by musicians from Hawaii and Japan, and vendor booths for attendees to check out. All events are free and open to the public.
Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the Honolulu Festival, 6-8 March, is one of Hawaii's premier cultural events. This three-day festival shares the rich, vibrant cultures of Hawaii and its Pacific Rim neighbours through educational programs and activities, craft fairs, arts and entertainment and a grand evening parade through Waikiki. The festival concludes with the colourful and dramatic Nagaoka Fireworks show off Waikiki's beaches.
The Hawaii Scottish Festival and Highland Games, 28-29 March, is an annual event that celebrates the heritage and history of the Scots in Hawaii. It features highland games, athletics, dance competitions, swordplay demonstrations and entertainment including piping, song and dance.
HawaiianScottishAssociation.org
Maui
Held at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on 10-11 April, the award-winning Celebration of the Arts is one of Hawaii's premier hands-on arts and cultural festivals. Both Kamaaina (local residents) and visitors are invited to experience the "Hawaiian heart and soul" through interaction with artisans, cultural practitioners, speakers, and entertainers.
KapaluaCelebrationOfTheArts.com
Photos by Judy Barford