Hawaii Ecotourism Association

Did you know that Hawaiian Paddle Sports is a Certified Ecotour Operator? Yes that right, HEA is an organization whose goal is to protect Hawaii’s unique environment by encouraging and standardizing environmentally responsible tourism activities.

Mission Statement:
“Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s mission is to protect Hawaii’s unique environment and culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs aimed at the public and visitor industry relating to ecotourism issues.”

Hawaii Ecotourism Association developed the ecotourism program, the first of its kind in Hawaii with funding from Hawaii Tourism Association and in-kind support from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

Objectives are to educate commercial tour operators on responsible use of natural and cultural resources, to contribute to conservation and sustainability, and to raise awareness among visitors.

The pilot project was completed in September 2011 and member ecotourism operators were awarded certification. Please consider using a certified ecotourism operator for your next Hawaii outdoor adventure.

Learn more about Hawaii Eco Tourism here: HEA Website

When we first started Hawaiian Paddle Sports as a business, we knew that it must have a higher calling first and foremost, and we felt that the most important thing we can do is connect people to Maui’s pure and unadulterated beauty through the most natural and historically significant method, the canoe. The canoe is a natural form of transportation used by indigenous culturers the world over. There is not fumes, no pollution and no bi product to leave behind. We do not disturb the wildlife and we be sure to bring back anything we take out.

We also believe in the importance of connecting to Maui’s host culture, Hawaiian culture is a perfect example of how people can live in harmony with nature. The ancient Hawaiians had many methods and system they used to promote and maintain a sustainable environment, they even had taro farms, fish farms and other systems to manage resources for the island.