Maui

Regenerative Tourism in the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are committed to a regenerative model of tourism, meaning that as we welcome visitors to our home, we are conscious of the well-being of our communities, natural resources and culture. We encourage guests to be mindful of how they move through Hawai‘i in a way that interfaces positively with residents, cares for the environment and respects the Hawaiian culture and other cultures that make Hawai‘i unique. Learn more with the Maui Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP)

On Maui, our cultural and spiritual connections to the ʻāina (land) run deep. Volunteer organizations and travel partners offer a range of ways to engage in mindful travel and to mālama (care for) Maui. Your participation in these opportunities is deeply appreciated and also gives you a profound connection to our natural world, culture and communities.

• As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is always looking for volunteers. They offer hands-on learning opportunities, meaningful outdoor experiences and the chance to explore a unique wetland environment teeming with birds, insects and plants. Volunteering here is an opportunity to conserve wildlife and wild places today and for generations to come. Learn more: fws.gov/refuge/kealia-pond/get-involved
• Kaʻehu is a nonprofit organization with the goal of restoring the land and perpetuating traditional Hawaiian culture using a community-based, inclusive, family-oriented approach to environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. The relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you mālama. When you give back to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond and the community, you’re part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone — including your experience as a visitor. For information on how to volunteer, visit kaehu.org
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary offers a tour of idyllic farmland, home to a myriad of farm animals including bunnies, a donkey, goats, a pig, a tortoise, kitties, chickens and even a friendly deer. After your tour, lend a hand on this vegan farm to help rescue animals. Learn more at leilanifarmsanctuary.org/volunteer

Buy Local, Support Local

Buying local is a sustainable and responsible way of traveling. You’ll support small businesses, artisans, agritourism and local industries, bolstering the island’s economy and its people.

• Lānaʻi Day Trip: Explore Lānaʻi City for the day and visit Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary and other attractions. Use the Lānaʻi Guide App to plan your trip. mauitourism.org/visit-lanai.htm
• Farmers’ Markets: Maui boasts a selection of excellent farmers’ markets, including Upcountry Farmers Market, Wailea Village Farmers Market, Maui Sunday Market and Kumu Farms at the Country Market.
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary offers a tour of idyllic farmland, home to a myriad of farm animals including bunnies, a donkey, goats, a pig, a tortoise, kitties, chickens and even a friendly deer. After your tour, lend a hand on this vegan farm to help rescue animals. 
  leilanifarmsanctuary.org/volunteer
• Sunny Savage: Take a guided plant hike to responsibly harvest invasive edibles. sunnysavage.com
• Coconut Information: After your private farm tour, take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make delicious meals with the incredible coconut. coconutinformation.com
• Lokelani Essentials: Lokelani is the Hawaiian word for “heavenly rose,” known around the world for its multifold therapeutic properties. Enjoy high-quality, natural products made with Lokelani Rose essential oil, crafted with love and a homemade touch. Products are available to purchase online and in stores, and this small business also occasionally offers workshops. lokelaniessentials.com
• Farm Tours: Maui’s variety of farm tours give you the opportunity not only to support local, but to see where your meals are sourced.
  
  
  • Westside Maui Farm Tours: Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate, Maui Dragon Fruit Farm
  • Upcountry Maui Farm Tours: O‘o Farm, Kula Country Farms, Surfing Goat Dairy, Malolo Farm Protea, Aliʻi Kula Lavender, Maui Tea Farm

Advanced Reservation Systems

Advanced reservation systems at hotspot attractions are instrumental in protecting Hawai‘i’s natural environment and cultural sites, improving experiences, managing visitor capacity and allowing us to better steward the Hawaiian Islands. Please make advanced reservations when they are available so that you can better enjoy and mālama (care for) Hawai‘i.

• ʻĪao Valley State Monument Park: Advanced reservations are required for out-of-state visitors. Parking is $10 per vehicle, and visitors making parking reservations will be required to select a time slot to spread out visitation across the day. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person, with no charge for children under three years of age. Reservations can be made within 30 days at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/iao-valley
• Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Advanced reservations are required for out-of-state visitors. Parking is $10, and visitors making parking reservations will be required to select a time slot to spread out visitation across the day. Reservations can be made within 30 days at gowaianapanapa.com

Mineral-Only Sunscreen

Maui Nui is committed to protecting the ocean and our marine wildlife neighbors. In October 2022, Maui County put into effect a law banning the sale and use of chemical sunscreen, with the goal of reducing the negative impact that chemical sunscreen has on our coral reefs, other marine life and our shoreline. Instead of bringing your own sunscreen, we encourage you to purchase mineral-only sunscreen on-island at local retailers. Free mineral-only sunscreen is also available from dispensers at 19 popular beaches throughout Maui.

“Rise Above Plastics” Program
 Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau (MVCB) partners with this Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter campaign to provide alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles as a filtered form of water for those visiting Maui: maui.surfrider.org/programs/rise-above-plastics

In addition to providing co-branded reusable water bottles, MVCB recognizes existing partners and is inviting vacation rental units and condominium complexes to join in on the program:

• Stay at Kāʻanapali Shores to take advantage of free mineral-only sunscreen on-site, enjoy reusable water bottles and filtered water for refills on-site and know that the property has stopped the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on their landscape.
  
  
• Other partners for the program include Kahana Falls, Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea and Coldwell Banker Island Vacations properties.