The Big Island Visitors Bureau has launched a new Sustainable Tourism microsite on its website www.bigisland.org. Called "Sustainable Travel on the Island of Hawaii," the comprehensive online resource highlights the island of Hawaii as a top eco-friendly destination and teaches travel agents and their clients how to visit in the most environmentally conscious manner.
The site explains the current environmentally friendly tourism practices on the Big Island in 14 different areas, ranging from conservation and protection, to community participation, renewable energy and culture/heritage sites. Visitors can learn how to "go green" on the island during their visit - including renting a hybrid vehicle, shopping and eating local and conserving energy. They can get numerous suggestions for sustainable experiences, in areas like food, agriculture, marine recreation, natural environment, Hawaiian culture, festivals and events. On the Malama Kai (Care for the Ocean) link, a short video clip "narrated" by a humuhumunukunukuapuaa fish, encourages viewers to swim and sea, but not touch, Hawaii's marine life which includes corals.
On the site, visitors planning a trip to the Big Island will learn about the many hotels, resorts and other accommodations, restaurants, activities, attractions and tours that are already making a variety of green practices part of their operations. Several are award- winning for their earth-friendly conservation and educational programs.
The Big Island is often acknowledged as being in the forefront of sustainability, hosting conferences, television documentary and feature film crews, research scientists and others interested in learning about the various environmental aspects of the destination.
To visit the BIVB's new eco site, log on to www.bigisland.org/ ecotourism
