These days, it appears that no matter what the topic of discussion, the one idea heard over and over is making any endeavor a “green” experience. Nowhere is this more apparent than when heading out on a fabulous eco-oriented Maui vacation. “Eco-responsible” does not necessarily mean visitors need to camp in a tent; affordable accommodations range from pretty bungalows to more up-scale Kaanapali condo rentals.
For eco-tourists, Maui vacation activities can vary from hiking or snorkeling day trips to full-on long-term volunteer work in conjunction with local ecology groups. Even the effort of clearing and cleanup becomes a pleasure when embarking from and returning to the first-class accommodations of a lovely vacation rental.
Maui has always been a favorite tourist destination, and nowadays, west Maui is among the more popular areas for eco-conscious visitors. Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, dispatching hundreds of ships from its port during the heyday of the whaling business in the mid-19th century.
The local waters around Maui are still part of the migratory route of humpback whales, providing winter visitors the chance to select a thrilling whale-watching adventure from a wide range of possibilities, from charter boats to passenger rafts. The eco-aware traveler will appreciate the regulations that keep people and boats at least 100 feet away from the animals and prohibit touching, swimming and other close interaction with them.
For those who follow environmentally responsible means of living, there is a large number of opportunities to see the island while taking care of it, indulging in activities many tourists may disregard. Taking wilderness hikes through a rainforest, showering under a waterfall, swimming in a mountain pool, or kayaking and snorkeling in the clear blue ocean waters all offer the opportunity to experience nature at its most pristine – and help keep it that way.
Understanding the vulnerability of the environment, the savvy tourist recognizes that his first responsibility is to do no damage, and the second is to leave the area in better shape than it was when he arrived. This means doing things like carrying garbage bags to take away your waste, as well as litter dropped by others. Of course, you should also avoid picking plants or flowers or taking away parts of the natural landscape.
Whether you’re casually green in the way you tour, or volunteer to join an active work team, you’ll certainly find respite and comfort at your Lahaina vacation rental or Kaanapali condo. Even a tourist in paradise knows there is no place like an affordable, relaxing Maui vacation home.
Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All rights reserved.