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Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi

Celebrating 30 Years!

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Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi

The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi (STAH) is a member-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to protect Hawaii’s unique, natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and education programs relating to sustainable tourism for residents, businesses, and visitors.
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What is Travel Pono?

“Pono” means “to do what is right”. To Travel Pono is to travel consciously and respectfully. We encourage visitors to explore Hawaii in a manner that is respectful of the Native Hawaiian culture, wildlife and environment, and local residents.

Our Pono Traveler program is designed to help Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii managers and our certified operators gain feedback to improve their operations to be more sustainable. Learn about this program and join now.

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. The Hawaii Tourism Authority defines it as a way to maximize social and economic benefits to Hawaii’s communities and businesses while respecting, nourishing, preserving and enhancing Hawaii’s natural, cultural and human assets.

We incorporate the spirit of both definitions into our certification program.

Certification Program

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Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii provides an independent verification system to distinguish industry leaders in sustainable tourism.
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