Top Five Hawaii Eco-Adventures
Posted in Hawaii about 1 year ago, 0 replies
It's easy to make the decision to go to Hawaii, in fact most honeymooners do just that. The question is what are you going to do while you're there? The vast selection of choices to place on your Hawaii to-do list can be mind-boggling. If you're looking for tours, but wish to seek out those that keep an open mind towards the cultural, social, and economic needs of the locals, while emphasizing environmental conservation, here are some of the most thrilling- and educational- earth-friendly opportunities you simply can't miss.
Haleakala Skyline Tour, Skyline Eco-Adventures
Soar like the birds over gulches and through the treetops along the slopes of one of the world's largest volcanoes. After a scenic walk through upcountry Maui woods, you'll begin your flight upon five zip lines overlooking waterfalls and foliage below. The Haleakala Skyline Tour also features an “Indiana Jones” style swinging bridge, not to mention a crash course on Hawaii’s unique and fragile landscape. To make this an extremely safe experience for everyone ages ten and up, Skyline routinely researches, redesigns, and retests the equipment and course.
Named Hawaii Eco-Tour Operator of the Year in 2004 by the Hawaii Eco-Tourism Association, this adventure company was the first company on Maui to join "1% for the Planet", a worldwide group of businesses who voluntarily give at least 1% of all sales back to protecting the Earth. Skyline Eco-Adventures also actively participates in Native Forest Reforestation and other community service projects. To quote from their mission statement, Skyline aims to "provide clients with a safe and exciting means for seeing and experiencing the natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, while always aiding in the preservation of the islands' land and culture, so that they may retain their body and spirit for all future generations."
zipline.com
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures
Winner of the 2009 Hawaii Eco-Tour Operator of the Year award, this highly unique tour is focused on a major historical part of the Hawaiian culture- the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe. Imagine sailing and snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins, taking part in seasonal whale watching along the beautiful Wailea coast of Maui, and all the while gaining insight into Hawaii's history and culture. Begin your journey at Polo Beach learning first hand about ancient Hawaiian sailing canoe tradition, construction, and navigation. Then set sail straight from the beach in the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe 'Hina'. From this viewpoint, you can simultaneously see four of the Hawaiian Islands at once. Feeling adventurous? You can be a crew member and learn to paddle the Hawaiian way. Or you can opt to relax into the breeze, stretching out on the fabulously comfortable trampolines. Only six passengers can take part, making for a very personal ocean experience. Snorkel gear and digital pictures are included.
It is only natural that Hawaiian Sailing Canoe is sustainable in regards to energy, seeing as how the canoe is powered simply by wind and human energy, but this company takes it a step further by utilizing a biodiesel vehicle for all land transport associated with the business. Community outreach is also such a priority for Hawaiian Sailing Canoe that they actually donate tours to local youths, to allow them to experience firsthand the cultural heritage of their land.
mauisailingcanoe.com
The Best of the West Maui Mountains, Maui Eco-Adventures
Head west to the mountains for yet another great Maui adventure. Take in the scenery of Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and Kahakuloa Village, and if you're daring, take a dip in fresh Olivine Ocean pools. Upon being picked up at your hotel, you'll be transported along the “back road”, winding through various landscapes on the way to remote locations. Then, hike a short distance through scenic lava fields, with a guide to provide you with interesting facts about the geology, the history of the area and the exotic plants you'll encounter. Maui Eco-Adventures thinks of everything- fresh Maui coffee to sip along the way, water, hip packs, towels, jackets, and fruit, muffins, and other snacks.
MEA has teamed up with several environmental organizations, giving of their time and revenue to groups such as the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Maui Coastal Land Trust. By nature of the business, they also aid in restoring and maintaining trails on the island.
ecomaui.com
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure, Hawaii Forest & Trail
Getting around to the Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find one of Fodors' "Top 10 Unforgettable Experiences" of 2006. Along the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure, you'll travel from sea level to the high alpine to witness the amazing diversity of the island's landscape. That is, not until you've first enjoyed a hot, picnic-style dinner with your intimately small group. After dining, you'll head off and arrive at the summit of Hawaii's most sacred mountain just in time for a beautiful sunset amidst the world's largest collection of telescopes. After the fading of twilight, an Interpretive Guide will teach you much about the Hawaiian night skies. And this is not just any guide, mind you. Your guide is from a special cadre of guides who are passionate about the nature of Hawaii and who have have extensive "field" experience and backgrounds in biology, geology, and Hawaiian history.
In 1998, founders of Hawaii Forest and Trail, Rob and Cindy Pacheco, earned the honor of Entrepreneur of the Year for the Big Island. The company has a credo that "conservation begins with education", as shown by their work with students in the community schools, including free field trips. Employees also aid in environmental preservation with tree planting and other community service projects.
hawaii-forest.com
Volcano and Waipio Waterfall Hike, Hawaiian Walkways, Inc.
Ascend the slopes of Hualalai, between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, in a new Bell 407 helicopter. Look below and take in the magnitude of Kilauea, home of Pele, the Big Island's Hawaiian volcano goddess. Touch down in a scenic, remote location. Set off on a historic trail leading to amazing viewpoints to witness the activity of the ocean and the Island’s most immense and best-loved valley over 1,000 feet below. Hawaiian Walkways recently teamed up with Paradise Helicopters to offer this unforgettable and exclusive opportunity. Your guide's expertise in the rich cultural history of Hawaii will take your imagination back in time as you hike through fields and rainforest, over streams, and by waterfalls and pools. There's even time for a dip, if you'd like. The ride home includes a narrated tour through the historic Parker Ranch and along the Kohala Coast.
Hawaiian Walkways is involved with local environmental organizations E Mau Na Ala Hele, the Hawai'i Ecotourism Association, and the Hawai'i Natural History Association. As owner of Hawaiian Walkways, Dr. Hugh Montgomery received national recognition for his advocacy on behalf of ancient and historic Hawaiian trails, including the establishment of Hawaii's first and only National Trail, the Alakahakai.
hawaiianwalkways.com
Haleakala Skyline Tour, Skyline Eco-Adventures
Soar like the birds over gulches and through the treetops along the slopes of one of the world's largest volcanoes. After a scenic walk through upcountry Maui woods, you'll begin your flight upon five zip lines overlooking waterfalls and foliage below. The Haleakala Skyline Tour also features an “Indiana Jones” style swinging bridge, not to mention a crash course on Hawaii’s unique and fragile landscape. To make this an extremely safe experience for everyone ages ten and up, Skyline routinely researches, redesigns, and retests the equipment and course.
Named Hawaii Eco-Tour Operator of the Year in 2004 by the Hawaii Eco-Tourism Association, this adventure company was the first company on Maui to join "1% for the Planet", a worldwide group of businesses who voluntarily give at least 1% of all sales back to protecting the Earth. Skyline Eco-Adventures also actively participates in Native Forest Reforestation and other community service projects. To quote from their mission statement, Skyline aims to "provide clients with a safe and exciting means for seeing and experiencing the natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, while always aiding in the preservation of the islands' land and culture, so that they may retain their body and spirit for all future generations."
zipline.com
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures
Winner of the 2009 Hawaii Eco-Tour Operator of the Year award, this highly unique tour is focused on a major historical part of the Hawaiian culture- the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe. Imagine sailing and snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins, taking part in seasonal whale watching along the beautiful Wailea coast of Maui, and all the while gaining insight into Hawaii's history and culture. Begin your journey at Polo Beach learning first hand about ancient Hawaiian sailing canoe tradition, construction, and navigation. Then set sail straight from the beach in the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe 'Hina'. From this viewpoint, you can simultaneously see four of the Hawaiian Islands at once. Feeling adventurous? You can be a crew member and learn to paddle the Hawaiian way. Or you can opt to relax into the breeze, stretching out on the fabulously comfortable trampolines. Only six passengers can take part, making for a very personal ocean experience. Snorkel gear and digital pictures are included.
It is only natural that Hawaiian Sailing Canoe is sustainable in regards to energy, seeing as how the canoe is powered simply by wind and human energy, but this company takes it a step further by utilizing a biodiesel vehicle for all land transport associated with the business. Community outreach is also such a priority for Hawaiian Sailing Canoe that they actually donate tours to local youths, to allow them to experience firsthand the cultural heritage of their land.
mauisailingcanoe.com
The Best of the West Maui Mountains, Maui Eco-Adventures
Head west to the mountains for yet another great Maui adventure. Take in the scenery of Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and Kahakuloa Village, and if you're daring, take a dip in fresh Olivine Ocean pools. Upon being picked up at your hotel, you'll be transported along the “back road”, winding through various landscapes on the way to remote locations. Then, hike a short distance through scenic lava fields, with a guide to provide you with interesting facts about the geology, the history of the area and the exotic plants you'll encounter. Maui Eco-Adventures thinks of everything- fresh Maui coffee to sip along the way, water, hip packs, towels, jackets, and fruit, muffins, and other snacks.
MEA has teamed up with several environmental organizations, giving of their time and revenue to groups such as the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Maui Coastal Land Trust. By nature of the business, they also aid in restoring and maintaining trails on the island.
ecomaui.com
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure, Hawaii Forest & Trail
Getting around to the Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find one of Fodors' "Top 10 Unforgettable Experiences" of 2006. Along the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure, you'll travel from sea level to the high alpine to witness the amazing diversity of the island's landscape. That is, not until you've first enjoyed a hot, picnic-style dinner with your intimately small group. After dining, you'll head off and arrive at the summit of Hawaii's most sacred mountain just in time for a beautiful sunset amidst the world's largest collection of telescopes. After the fading of twilight, an Interpretive Guide will teach you much about the Hawaiian night skies. And this is not just any guide, mind you. Your guide is from a special cadre of guides who are passionate about the nature of Hawaii and who have have extensive "field" experience and backgrounds in biology, geology, and Hawaiian history.
In 1998, founders of Hawaii Forest and Trail, Rob and Cindy Pacheco, earned the honor of Entrepreneur of the Year for the Big Island. The company has a credo that "conservation begins with education", as shown by their work with students in the community schools, including free field trips. Employees also aid in environmental preservation with tree planting and other community service projects.
hawaii-forest.com
Volcano and Waipio Waterfall Hike, Hawaiian Walkways, Inc.
Ascend the slopes of Hualalai, between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, in a new Bell 407 helicopter. Look below and take in the magnitude of Kilauea, home of Pele, the Big Island's Hawaiian volcano goddess. Touch down in a scenic, remote location. Set off on a historic trail leading to amazing viewpoints to witness the activity of the ocean and the Island’s most immense and best-loved valley over 1,000 feet below. Hawaiian Walkways recently teamed up with Paradise Helicopters to offer this unforgettable and exclusive opportunity. Your guide's expertise in the rich cultural history of Hawaii will take your imagination back in time as you hike through fields and rainforest, over streams, and by waterfalls and pools. There's even time for a dip, if you'd like. The ride home includes a narrated tour through the historic Parker Ranch and along the Kohala Coast.
Hawaiian Walkways is involved with local environmental organizations E Mau Na Ala Hele, the Hawai'i Ecotourism Association, and the Hawai'i Natural History Association. As owner of Hawaiian Walkways, Dr. Hugh Montgomery received national recognition for his advocacy on behalf of ancient and historic Hawaiian trails, including the establishment of Hawaii's first and only National Trail, the Alakahakai.
hawaiianwalkways.com
submitted by Heather