Eco Tourism & Photo Tourism in Maui: A Local's Guide
The trend of responsible tourism has surged in recent years, and Hawaii has long been at the forefront of this movement. With initiatives like State-supported GreenBusiness Hawaii and Travel Pono, various programs to promote eco-tourism and sustainable tourism activities and practices.
Maui stands out as a prime destination for environmentally conscious travelers. As a nature photographer, I have a deep appreciation for our planet's beauty and a strong commitment to its conservation. My home island of Maui is teeming with sustainable tourism activities that are not only enriching but also offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
Photographing Hawaii's beautiful landscapes, vibrant nature, and rich culture is a wonderful way to appreciate and honor the island's unique environment. By capturing these moments, you can share the beauty of Hawaii with the world while treading lightly and ensuring that your presence is respectful and non-intrusive.
Let’s explore some of the best eco-tourism spots in Maui and the fantastic photo opportunities they provide.
One of the most magnificent trees in the world calls Maui its home. I spent all morning photographing this banyan tree waiting for the sun to get to just the right spot and at the right angle in order to capture a sun star and complete the scene. Truly a special moment was captured.
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What is Eco Tourism and Why is it Important?
Eco tourism is a responsible travel practice that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education. It’s about experiencing nature and culture in a way that doesn’t exploit or harm the environment. This sustainable tourism approach helps preserve the destinations we cherish and supports the communities that call these places home.
Ecotourism is especially important in Hawaii due to its unique and fragile ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage that are deeply intertwined with the environment.
Hawaii is home to over 25,000 species, many of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. The islands' ecosystems, including coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
Ecotourism helps to mitigate these threats by promoting sustainable travel practices that minimize environmental impact, support conservation efforts, generate revenue for local communities, and preserve Hawaii's natural beauty and cultural legacy for future generations.
The road to Hana is known for its many waterfalls and some you just gotta hike a bit to find. I visited this waterfall in 2015 and hadn't been back for a long time. I decided to return and spent an entire afternoon here all alone just taking in the peace and beauty of this spot. My own personal Eden :)
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Maui Eco Tourism & Photo Opportunities
Haleakala National Park
Activities: Perfect for hiking or biking, Haleakala National Park offers spectacular views from its summit amid the volcanic landscape. This park is renowned for its sunrise views, which are often described as some of the most beautiful in the world.
Photo Opportunity: The sunrise at Haleakala is a must-capture. The golden hour here is truly magical, with the sun painting the crater in hues of orange and pink. Make sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vast, panoramic views.
Sunrise at the beautiful and unique Haleakala Crater here on the island of Maui. This experience here is magical and spiritual and should be experienced by all as it's something you'll never forget. Captured with a medium format camera for extra quality and detail.
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Pacific Whale Foundation
Activities: Join a whale-watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of marine life. These tours are educational and offer a chance to see humpback whales up close during their winter migration.
Photo Opportunity: Capture the grace of these majestic creatures as they breach and tail-slap the ocean’s surface. With the right equipment, you can get stunning shots of the whales against the backdrop of Maui’s coastline.
One of the most amazing breaches that I've had the pleasure of photographing. Watching the sheer power of the humpbacks breaching is just truly amazing as these creatures are over 30 tons!
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Hana Highway
Activities: Known as Route 360, the Hana Highway is a scenic drive through Maui’s lush rainforest. Along the way, you can stop at various points of interest, including local farms and beautiful parks.
Photo Opportunity: This drive is perfect for capturing the essence of Maui’s tropical landscape. Look out for waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. The local farms along the route provide vibrant scenes of agriculture amidst the verdant rainforest.
A panoramic image of a grove of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees near Hana on the island of Maui
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Kula Botanical Garden
Activities: Explore the Kula Botanical Garden, which showcases Maui’s unique flora and fauna. This garden is a sanctuary for native plants and a great place to learn about Maui’s ecological diversity.
Photo Opportunity: The garden is home to rare and endangered plant species. Use a macro lens to capture the intricate details of these plants and the vibrant colors that adorn them.
Maui Nui Thai Farm
Activities: Visit Maui Nui Thai Farm, where tropical fruits are grown using sustainable and cultural practices. This farm offers a hands-on experience with organic farming and traditional Hawaiian agricultural methods.
Photo Opportunity: Capture the colorful and exotic fruits that are not commonly found in grocery stores. The farm’s lush settings provide a beautiful backdrop for photos of tropical agriculture.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Activities: Wander through the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, which features over 55,000 lavender plants at 4,000 feet elevation. The farm is a peaceful retreat with stunning views of central Maui.
Photo Opportunity: The lavender fields are perfect for wide-angle shots of the endless purple blooms. Sunrise or sunset offers the best light for capturing the serene beauty of the lavender against the rolling hills.
Ono Farm
Activities: Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast or lunch at Ono Farm, which offers tours showcasing its integrated agriculture practices. The farm is dedicated to sustainable and organic farming techniques.
Photo Opportunity: The coffee fields and diverse plant life make for great photo subjects. Capture the vibrant scenes of farm life, with its blend of crops and natural surroundings.
Malama Hawaiʻi
Activities: Participating hotels offer discounted rates in exchange for environmental service through the Malama Hawaiʻi initiative. This program encourages visitors to contribute to local conservation efforts.
Photo Opportunity: Whether you’re planting native plants, cleaning beaches, or working on conservation projects, bring your camera along. Documenting your service work can be as rewarding as the experience itself, showcasing the impact of eco-friendly tourism.
Breathtaking Beauty Awaits
Maui is a haven for both eco-tourism and photo tourism, offering endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty while contributing to its conservation.
Whether you’re capturing the dawn at Haleakala, photographing whales with the Pacific Whale Foundation, or exploring the lush landscapes along the Hana Highway, Maui’s eco-tourism spots provide an unforgettable experience for every nature and photography enthusiast.
Embrace the spirit of sustainable travel, and let your camera be your guide to the wonders of Maui’s environment. You can find more local travel tips and destinations in our Ultimate Maui Visitor's Guide and discover photographs of Hawaii's stunning landscapes in Andrew Shoemaker's online gallery.
One of the most epic moments that I've captured and this image is super special to a lot of collectors. Really blessed to have experienced this magic
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A magnificent sunrise at Jaws (Peahi) here on Maui
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