12 Jul 3 Hawaii Ecotourism Resorts To Look Out For

Honolulu is playing host to the 2017 Global Tourism Summit at the Hawaii Convention Center this coming September. The theme of this year’s summit is ‘sustainability’, so as a celebration of the event, our staff at ResortRentals.com have researched some of the most sustainable resorts in the Hawaii and Tourism industry for you to take note of when planning for your next Hawaiian retreat.

From proper water recycling systems to solar photovoltaic systems to raising environmental awareness among guests and business partners, these three resorts are recognized by the Hawaii Tourism Authority as eco-friendly resorts. With the focus blending sustainability with the significance of Hawaiian culture, global marketing, and improving tourism for the island, we’re showcasing some of the leaders in the sustainable element of the hospitality industry.

1. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Fairmont Kea Lani offers dozens of sustainability initiatives including its High Five Redemption Program. The program offers many eco-friendly services such as donating recyclables to a local non-profit organization, which redeems items for cash. The resort features a water system that allows Fairmont Kea Lani to serve purified sparkling and still water in reusable glass bottles.

The resort also utilizes a laundry water recycling system; state of the art thermostats in all guestrooms; sustainable cuisines; a rock salt treating system in the swimming pools instead of chlorine; and a shopping program which offers all eco-friendly items marked with a biodegradable Turtle Tag at the Fairmont Store.

2. Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas

Serving as the first Starwood Vacation Ownership Resort launched in Hawaii in September 2003, Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas made unbelievable strides towards reducing energy and water consumption. So far, 2012 has been the resort’s biggest year yet, offering CO2 garage sensors, pool LED retrofits, light timers installed on the tennis courts, landscape drip irrigation conversions, domestic hot water system alterations and controls upgrade, and more.

Not only does Westin practice what they preach about green initiatives; they’re also a leader in sustainability education as well. The culinary and food & beverage departments play a huge role in supporting local agriculture with their food waste for pigs program, their sustainable food menu, bulk food presentation vs. individual packaging and more. The resort’s Sustainable Council provides education to its guests in many exciting forms such as the Earth Day Activities, Earth Hour annual celebration, Ka’anapali Makai Watch, and Ocean Awareness. Guests and employees can also participate in the Cultural Awareness program which celebrates the beautiful Aloha State through a mapping of Hawaii exercise, celebrating Makahiki the season of Peace, and the Kamehameha Day Parade.

3. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, located in the south Kauai, has won many awards for its environmental initiatives. The resort hosts a solar photovoltaic system which produces 465,000 kilowatt hours per year of clean renewable energy reducing carbon dioxide emissions significantly. The Grand Hyatt also reuses all of its green waste and recycles everything from its soft robes made out of plastic to the reusable bins in the guest rooms.

Water dispensers are located next to the hotel’s ice machines for refilling water bottles, and guests have the option to have fresh linens daily, which helps the resort save up to 500,000 gallons of water per year. The resort was also the site of the first level-three electric vehicle fast charger in Hawaii.

Find Your Perfect Hawaii Resort Match

ResortRentals.com has a number of resort deals in Hawaii which offer eco-friendly options to make your stay more comfortable for you and the environment. At these Hawaii ecotourism resorts, you can vacation sustainably and start saving the world while saving cash on your next getaway.