When did you move to Hawai‘i and why?
I was born in Pennsylvania and my family and I moved to Honolulu because my dad got a job at a local hospital. I went to middle school and high school here and returned in 2018 after going to college in New York.
What do you love about the Islands?
There’s really no place like Hawai‘i – from the tight-knit community to the unique foods that come from generations of cultural mingling, and, of course, the surf.
Why did you write The Conscious Traveller Hawai‘i?
I have so much love and respect for Hawai‘i and want to educate and inspire people on how to be better travellers when they come here. I see people being disruptive in residential neighbourhoods or ignoring trespassing signs for the cool Instagram shot, essentially forgetting that this is people’s home. Every choice we make when we travel reverberates throughout our economy and community, from what activities we do to where we spend our money. Hawai‘i is a remote archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so imagine how impactful it is to hire a Native Hawaiian tour guide, or even just eat at a mom and pop restaurant.
What is the book about?
In this modern world, things move so quickly and travelling can sometimes feel like checking off a list of the most popular things to do or what’s trending on social media. In my book, I offer an antidote to that, a way to slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty of Hawai‘i. I also wanted to break down the idea of sustainable travel in an enticing and approachable way. Being a sustainable traveller to Hawai‘i is also a win-win; you get a more intimate, authentic experience while bettering our islands.
Why is it important to travel responsibly?
We want future generations – both visitors and residents – to enjoy Hawai‘i, and one path to ensure that is by having visitors consider their trip’s impact and making responsible choices. When you heed guidance on how to treat nature and wildlife, you help protect them. When you support local, you support real families and the community. As you explore Hawai‘i and interact with the community, you’ll experience the spirit of aloha and see why this place is worth stewarding.
What should visitors be aware of?
First and foremost, be curious about the culture and history of Hawai‘i, such as the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. A good starting point is by learning some Native Hawaiian values, like mālama ‘āina (caring for the land so it takes care of you) and kuleana (responsibility/privilege) and carrying them out on your own visit. Also, please respect any signs or rules about taking care of wildlife or a place considered sacred.
Why should tourists incorporate volunteer experiences?
Last year, more than 9.7 million tourists came to the Hawaiian Islands, which is over six times the population. Overtourism can impact the quality of life for our residents, and it’s difficult to watch hordes of tourists be disrespectful or consume without giving back. But Hawai‘i is a perennial destination, and people will always want to visit. So, while I don’t know if there will ever be fewer visitors, I think travellers can do their part educating themselves on how to be more responsible to cause less harm. Volunteering invites you to get closer to the real Hawai‘i. You might have conversations you may not have had at your hotel and can learn how to steward the land the way the ancient Hawaiians did. At the same time, you’re leaving the islands better than when you arrived. I compare it to planting a tree sapling that grows to house native birds long after you leave. There are so many volunteer opportunities across the islands, from beach clean-ups to farming, that you can find one that piques your interest.
