Sustainability in Business
Sustainability is more than just a trend. It is a vital approach for businesses and travelers who care about protecting the places they love. Whether you are a tourism operator or a visitor, choosing responsible practices helps preserve natural resources, support communities, and honor cultural values.
Businesses Leading the Way: Kilohana Initiative
Kilohana is Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s destination stewardship initiative, led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. This program is reshaping the way tourism operates across the islands by prioritizing local voices, environmental care, and cultural respect. Some of its standout efforts include:
ʻUmeke Digital Portal
This centralized hub provides access to funding opportunities for community-driven initiatives focused on land care, cultural preservation, and resident well-being.
Technical Support and Community Collaboratives
Workshops and funding empower local organizations to lead regenerative tourism programs. Selected groups receive support to develop experiences that benefit both residents and visitors.
Qurator Certification
Over 100 businesses have registered to improve their sustainability practices, with dozens earning certification for meeting clear environmental and community-minded standards.
Visitor Education Post-Arrival Marketing (VEPAM)
This initiative shares important cultural and environmental messages with visitors once they arrive. The goal is to inspire respectful behavior through engaging and accessible education.
Together, these programs help guide tourism into a more mindful and resilient future, aligning with the values of aloha and kuleana.
Learn more about that Here.
Sustainable Travel Practices That Make a Difference
Whether you are exploring new places or welcoming guests into your community, here are a few ways to take action with intention:
Choose Local and Certified Businesses
Look for operators that are Qurator-certified or part of Kilohana’s funded collaboratives. These businesses are actively working to uplift communities and protect the environment.
Support Stewardship Experiences
Join cultural workshops, participate in community-led cleanups, or visit conservation-minded farms and tour providers. These experiences offer meaningful insight while giving back to the place you visit.
Respect Culture and Land
Learn about local customs, follow signage, and ask permission before taking photos in sacred areas. Being mindful shows respect for the people and places that make each destination special.
Pack Reusables and Travel Light
Bring a refillable water bottle, reusable utensils, and reef-safe sunscreen. Small swaps like these reduce waste and protect delicate ecosystems.
Stay Informed with Post-Arrival Resources
Pay attention to brochures, signs, or digital content that share local knowledge. Many of these materials are designed to guide you toward more respectful and impactful experiences.
Kilohana’s Impact in 2025
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ʻUmeke Portal received 85 applications from groups focused on cultural, environmental, and economic uplift
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Six in-person workshops were held across the islands to provide technical assistance and build community capacity
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Nine organizations received funding for destination stewardship, with 15 more supported to create regenerative visitor experiences
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More than 110 businesses joined the Qurator program, with 21 certified and more on the way
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Post-arrival visitor campaigns continue to educate and inspire mindful travel
Why It All Matters
By embedding sustainability into both travel and business, we can:
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Strengthen local communities through funding, training, and storytelling
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Protect cultural heritage and honor native voices
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Preserve natural resources and unique ecosystems
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Create richer, more responsible experiences for travelers
This shift benefits everyone, from the family-owned tour company to the conscious visitor looking for a deeper connection. And with Kilohana leading the way, Hawaiʻi is showing the world how to do tourism with care.
Take the Next Step
If you are a business: Apply for certification or explore support through the ʻUmeke Portal.
If you are a traveler: Choose local experiences, respect the culture, and travel with intention.
If you are both: Be part of a movement that celebrates and protects the spirit of Hawaiʻi.
Sustainability is not just a checklist. It is a mindset. Together, we can travel in a way that leaves places better than we found them and keeps the magic of Hawaiʻi alive for generations to come.