Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Best Eco-Friendly Activities In Hawaii

By Robert Nickel

With one of the most gloriously beautiful natural environments on the face of the planet, it's no surprise that eco-tourism has been thriving in Hawaii for more than a decade. With a relatively long history of developing eco-friendly ways of providing tourists with top-notch vacations, many businesses in Hawaii offer a range of ecologically sound activities and adventures for the whole family.

When planning an eco-friendly vacation, two of your biggest concerns need to be transportation and accommodations. These are essential parts of your trip but also two of the biggest carbon footprints you can leave in the course of your travels. Thankfully, Hawaii offers a wide range of eco-friendly options in both arenas.

Eco resorts, free-range camping, and alternative off-the-grid accommodations are all available. For your transportation needs while in the islands, you have several options as well. Traditional methods for getting around usually include rental cars and many businesses now offer hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. You may also decide to rent a scooter or bicycle and thereby reduce the amount of fuel used.

One of the most traditional ways to see the sites while in Hawaii is to take a helicopter tour. Air tours which use AirVans instead of helicopters are more eco-friendly. They use a lot less fuel, and still provide you with a wonderful view of the islands and a great day of adventure.

When planning your activities during your trip, you will have a wide range of eco-friendly options available. The natural splendor of the islands makes it easy to find any number of nature tours, hiking adventures, and water activities to keep you busy.

Nature Tours

Hiking tours are abundant in the islands. You will find some focus more on the landscape while others emphasize wildlife. Some of the most popular landscape tours include treks to volcanoes, waterfalls, or other natural wonders. Wildlife tours can include a range of topics in many different areas throughout the islands. Birdwatching tours are very popular and you'll see species not found in any other part of the world.

The aboriginal Hawaiian culture's spiritual traditions are intimately tied to nature and the land. Many tour companies offer expeditions to sacred sites in the Hawaiian landscape and tour guides provided educational information about each and every stop on your path.

Land Adventures

Hiking on your own is a great way to spend your day. Many find that a forest adventure, including overnight camping is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to see the natural Hawaii without regard for timetables or deadlines. You can set your own agenda and take your time in surveying the wonders which make Hawaii one of the most beloved destinations for people the world over.

For those less experienced hikers, there are hiking tours that will take you to some of the islands' most incredible locales. Book a guide and head out for a day of mountain climbing; you can enjoy walking along volcano cliffs or beautiful flatlands. Trek through the rainforest or dry forest. Regardless of where you decide to go, your destination is sure to take your breath away, as the Hawaiian Islands are truly a paradise.

Another fantastic way to see large sections area in a short period of time is by zip-line with a company like Skyline Eco-Adventures on Maui. You can fly like a bird over waterfalls and greenery below, soaring through the treetops and past the slopes of a huge volcano.

Water Adventures

Your choice of eco-friendly water activities abound in Hawaii, with a range of companies offering lessons in scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing for novices. If you're already skilled in various water sports, you'll certainly be able to stay busy for days exploring underwater reefs, cave and tide pools. Go for a long evening swim or catch a wave in the early morning hours. No matter what else is going on around you, the tranquil ocean waters will be there to calm your nerves and reconnect you with your natural roots.

Kayaking and canoe sailing adventures are also available. Many companies offer canoeing tours in traditional Hawaiian outriggers, educating passengers on the Islands and the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people. You're simultaneously experience some spectacular views of the natural beauty of the land and seascape and an awe-inspiring afternoon of adventure.

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