Ecotourism organization honors isles’ top companies

The most environmentally friendly members of Hawaii’s visitor industry were recognized by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association on Wednesday at the nonprofit’s 20th-anniversary awards luncheon in Waikiki.

Hawaiian Legacy Tours, a company that is establishing native koa forests on Hawaii island, was awarded the 2014 Certified Sustainable Tour Operator award.

Ecotour Guide of the Year awards were also presented to businesses across the state.

Ka’iulani Manuwai-Oiph of Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks was recognized on Oahu; Maui’s award went to Jason Lee of Maui Kayak Adventures; Denver Leaman of Body Glove Cruises in Kona was recognized; and Erik Storm of VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i took the Hilo honor.

Travel Writer of the Year was awarded to Maui-raised Kyle Ellison, author of "Moon Maui: Including Molokai & Lanai" (Moon Handbooks).

Seventeen tour operators were honored for earning HEA’s sustainable tourism certification:Atlantis Adventures, Bike Hawaii, Holokai Kayak and Snorkel Adventure, Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, Ko Olina Ocean Adventures, Kualoa Ranch, Pacific Islands Institute, Wild Side Specialty Tours, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures, Pacific Whale Foundation, Trilogy Excursions, Fair Wind Cruises, Hawaii Forest and Trail, Hawaiian Legacy Tours, Big Island Divers and VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i.

The sustainable tourism certification process was developed to keep tour operators and the visitor industry accountable for the impact their business might have on Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources. The certification also promotes making sustainable and restorative practices part of Hawaii’s visitor industry product.

In April 2013 the Hawaii Tourism Authority awarded funding to HEA to ensure implementation of the program permanently in Hawaii’s visitor industry.

 "As a founding member of the organization, it is really exciting to see the goal of tour operator certification finally come to fruition," said Annette Kaohelaulii, former president and current member of the HEA board.