Travel professionals seeking to align their offerings with sustainable and culturally enriching experiences now have a new tool at their disposal: the Meaningful Travel Map of Hawaii. Tourism Cares, a non-profit championing sustainability within the tourism industry, has partnered with The Hawaiian Islands to launch this innovative digital resource that highlights community-driven tours, accommodations and organizations dedicated to promoting responsible tourism across the islands.
The initiative reflects a commitment to fostering a tourism model that prioritizes the well-being of Hawaii’s residents and ecosystems while providing authentic and culturally enriching experiences for visitors.
A Transformative FAM Tour on Maui
As part of the partnership, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) hosted a Meaningful Travel FAM on Maui from Dec. 2–7, 2024. This immersive experience brought together travel industry leaders, including tour operators and advisors, to explore the principles of regenerative tourism and engage with local organizations focused on cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
The tour introduced more than 20 attendees to organizations featured on the Meaningful Travel Map, enabling them to build responsible itineraries by connecting with locally led initiatives. Participants gained first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism in Hawaii, with the goal of integrating these lessons into their professional practices.
Key stops on the FAM tour included:
- Maui Pineapple Tour – Showcasing agricultural heritage and sustainable farming practices.
- Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate – Highlighting local entrepreneurship and sustainable production.
- Skyline Hawaii – Offering eco-friendly adventure tourism with a focus on conservation.
- Trilogy Excursions – A leader in marine conservation and responsible recreation.
A Shared Vision for Regenerative Tourism in Hawaii
“We know that the travel industry continues to face challenges, from global climate change and biodiversity loss to cultural degradation and economic disparities,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, in a press release statement. “By launching the Meaningful Travel Map of Hawaii, we hope the industry will select more partners that are making positive impacts and addressing these issues in a way that is beneficial for locals and engaging for guests.”
Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO, noted, “At the core of our mālama Hawaii message is an invitation to visitors who care, those who seek meaningful experiences during their time in the Hawaiian Islands. We support Tourism Cares’ work to expand the Meaningful Map Program to include Hawaii.” Aaron Salā, President and CEO of HVCB, added, “The launch of Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map of Hawaii expands our ongoing efforts to connect the travel industry with local organizations doing vital work in our communities while elevating Hawaiʻi’s regenerative tourism efforts on a global stage.”
What the Map Offers Travel Professionals
The Meaningful Travel Map of Hawaii enables professionals to design itineraries that go beyond traditional tourism, offering experiences that reflect the values of kuleana (responsibility) and mālama (care). Travel professionals are encouraged to explore the map and integrate its insights into their operations to foster responsible tourism and community enrichment.
For more information, visit tourismcares.org/meaningful-map.
