Sustainability Spotlight: How to Travel Lightly in Waikiki
With stunning beaches, sparkling water and vibrant rainforests, there’s no doubt that Oahu’s natural resources are precious and worth protecting. As Earth Month approaches, we’ve rounded up some tips to help you travel sustainability and leave Waikiki better than when you arrived. Check off the list below to conserve, steward and malama (care for) Waikiki.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Ditch single-use plastics and trade up to an eco-friendly canteen. You can fill up at the FloWater station in the Coconut Waikiki lobby before you head out on your adventures.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Did you know that common sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate cause bleaching, deformities and damage to coral? In fact, as of January 2021, Hawaii banned the sale of all products containing these chemicals. Instead, opt for locally made mineral sunscreen, such as Little Hands Hawaii of Kokua Sun Care.
- Lather with less plastic. Here at Coconut Waikiki, we’ve reduced plastic use by installing bath amenity dispensers in our guestroom and suite showers. No more small, disposable shampoo bottles to collect in landfills!
- Shop in style. You’ll need a reusable shopping bag when browsing and buying at boutiques on Oahu. The island banned plastic shopping bags in 2021, and now requires businesses to charge customers for reusable or paper bags. Our advice? Stop by House of Mana Up and nab a limited-edition Duke Kahanamoku tote, honoring Hawaii’s legendary waterman and Ambassador of Aloha.
- Volunteer on vacation. Join 808 Cleanups for work sessions across the island focused on restoring Hawaii’s natural beauty. You can choose from removing invasive plants at a cultural site, picking-up marine debris on remote beaches, or collecting trash at urban parks. Talk about a productive way to discover different parts of the island!
- Sip sustainability. Heads-up! You won’t find any plastic straws in Waikiki, as the city placed restrictions on disposable plastic foodware. Stock up on shiny stainless steel straws, aloha print chopsticks, and sporks crafted with reclaimed wood at Keep it Simple, a shop focused on zero waste.