Posted on: April 24, 2025
Maui’s beauty is more than postcard-worthy — it’s sacred. From the colorful coral reefs to the lush slopes of Haleakalā, this island is home to fragile ecosystems and rare wildlife that need our care. As travelers, you have an incredible opportunity to give back by making environmentally responsible choices during your stay.
Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with your whole ’ohana, here are 7 easy and meaningful ways to travel with aloha and positively impact Maui’s environment — while still having the time of your life.
1. Participate In a Local Beach Cleanup (Like a Honu Hero!)
Maui’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world — but even paradise isn’t immune to pollution. Plastics, fishing gear, and other debris wash ashore daily, threatening marine life like the Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu), monk seals, and native seabirds. In fact, an estimated 15-20 tons of marine debris wash ashore in Hawaii annually, with 96% being plastic.
One of the best and most impactful things you can do during your trip? Join the Honu Hero Beach Cleanup Program, organized by the MOC Marine Institute.
How It Works:
- Request a FREE Honu Hero Kit with gloves, a reusable bucket or bag, and data collection tools.
- Head to the beach of your choice (there’s no wrong answer here — every cleanup helps!).
- Collect debris, record what you find, and return your kit to a designated drop-off location.
- It’s a fun, family-friendly way to connect with the island while giving back. Bonus: you’ll feel great knowing you helped protect Maui’s beaches and marine wildlife during your stay.
Learn more here: Honu Hero | Marine Institute MOC
2. Switch to Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Hawaii’s coral reefs are home to more than 7,000 marine species — and they’re incredibly sensitive to chemicals found in traditional sunscreens. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, in particular, can damage coral DNA, disrupt marine life development, and contribute to coral bleaching.
As of January 1, 2021, Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing these chemicals, and Maui County has doubled down by encouraging visitors to use only mineral-based options.
Eco-Friendly Tips:
- Look for sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” or “oxybenzone-free” and “octinoxate-free.”
- Choose mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano varieties). Click here to read more about reef-safe sunscreen and which to buy.
- Consider Maui-made sunscreens like Mama Kuleana, which are biodegradable and come in compostable packaging.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before swimming to prevent residue from washing off into the ocean.
Small switch, big impact.
3. Reduce Plastic Waste While You Travel
Plastic pollution is one of the top threats to Hawaii’s marine environment, with 70% of ocean plastic waste originating from land sources. Studies have found concentrations of microplastics on Hawaiian beaches that rival the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. That’s not the memory we want you to take home!
Simple Swaps:
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at your condo or local water stations.
- Skip plastic straws and cutlery — many local eateries offer compostable options, or bring your own travel set.
- Say no to plastic bags by packing a foldable tote or shopping bag.
At Wailea Ekahi Village, we encourage our guests to go plastic-free whenever possible and provide recycling options to make it easier.
4. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses
One of the best ways to lessen your environmental footprint is to shop, eat, and experience Maui like a local. Choosing sustainable businesses helps keep dollars in the community and often reduces carbon emissions from long-distance shipping.
Do Good While You Dine and Shop:
- Visit local farmers’ markets like the Upcountry Farmers Market or Wailea Village Farmers Market for fresh fruit, produce, and handmade goods. Find local farmers’ markets and grocery stores here: Local Business Resources
- Dine at farm-to-table restaurants that source ingredients from island farms (ask your server where the food comes from — it often sparks great conversations!). Get our local restaurant recommendations here: Maui Restaurants
- Shop at local boutiques or artisan fairs for eco-conscious souvenirs made from natural, renewable materials.
Every purchase is a chance to support Maui’s people and land.
5. Respect Marine Life (From a Distance)
Maui’s marine wildlife is iconic — and protected. Whether you’re snorkeling, paddleboarding, or lounging on the beach, it’s crucial to respect the boundaries of the animals who call the island home.
Ocean Etiquette 101:
- Do not approach, touch, or feed sea turtles, monk seals, or dolphins. It’s illegal and harmful to their health.
- Keep at least 10 feet away from turtles and 50 feet from monk seals — or more if they’re resting or nesting.
- Book eco-certified snorkeling or whale-watching tours that follow proper marine protocols.
- Watching wildlife thrive in their natural habitat is far more rewarding when you know you’re doing it responsibly.
Learn more about ocean conservation: Ocean Conservation in Hawaii – Wailea Ekahi Village
6. Be Mindful of Water and Energy Use
Hawaiian islands rely on limited natural resources, and while we love providing you with comfort and convenience, we encourage all our guests to travel with mindfulness.
Quick Conservation Tips:
- Take shorter showers and turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Turn off lights, fans, and A/C when leaving your condo.
- Only run laundry and dishwashers with full loads to conserve water and electricity.
At Wailea Ekahi Village, many of our units feature energy-efficient appliances, and we ask guests to help us reduce our environmental impact during their stay.
7. Stay Somewhere That Supports Sustainability
Where you choose to stay matters — and at Wailea Ekahi Village, we’re committed to preserving Maui’s natural beauty while providing a luxurious and comfortable home base for your island adventures.
As owners and locals, we care deeply about protecting the land (ʻāina) and ocean (kai). Here’s how we strive to create a more eco-conscious guest experience:
What We Offer:
- Lush native landscaping that supports pollinators and requires less irrigation.
- Recycling and waste separation services throughout the property.
- BBQ areas and shared amenities designed to reduce individual propane use and create a more community-friendly environment.
- A commitment to responsible tourism education for our guests through helpful guides, blog content (like this!), and on-site information.
We believe that every vacation should leave a light footprint—and lasting memories.
Final Thoughts: Travel with Aloha
Being an eco-conscious traveler on Maui doesn’t mean sacrificing fun — it means connecting more deeply with the island and the community that calls it home. By taking small, intentional steps during your trip, you help protect this special place for future generations to enjoy.
Ready to start planning your sustainable Maui vacation?
Wailea Ekahi Village offers the perfect balance of comfort, community, and connection to nature. Browse our available rental condos here and discover why so many guests return year after year.
Explore Our Accommodations Here
Bonus Resource:
Want to make a difference during your stay? Learn more and sign up for a Honu Hero Beach Cleanup. Let’s keep Maui beautiful — together.