Our Mission

To protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs relating to sustainable tourism for residents, businesses and visitors.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Hawaiʻi

For over 20 years the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi has promoted sustainable tourism through innovative initiatives and programs aimed at protecting our natural and cultural resources.

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

STAH is committed to diversifying Hawaii’s travel industry through advocacy for sustainable tourism to protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and host cultures. STAH members strive to educate everyone on the benefits of sustainable tourism for Hawaii.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

2019

Name Changes & Global Recognition

Hawaii Ecotourism Association changes it name to the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii and was recognized by the UN affiliated Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

2018

Strengthening The Association

We revised the Certification Checklist to add the seven specialized best practices sections and the Pono Traveler Program.We have improved and strengthened our Certification program, exceeding international standards. The certification fee structure was revised in order to ensure the program was self-sustaining. HEA also has developed a complaint form and process for following up complaints that are received about and from CTOs.

2017

2 Million People Reached

Outreach Program reached two million people. STAH also collaborated on the new GoHawaii website by developing specific content on sustainable tourism.

2017

Increased Partnership With Hawaii Tourism Authority

The organization saw itʻs best growth, topping 50 certified tour operators and improving our partnerships with GoHawaii.com which created a new Eco-tourism section and now list our certification label alongside other important trust labels in their member profiles. Get certified to get this special addition to your profile.

2016

First Annual HTA Contract

STAH received its first annual contract from HTA and tripled the number of certified tour operators (CTOs) to 50.

2015

Professional Education Program

STAH developed seven short educational videos.

2014

Created Sustainable Tourism Certification Program

STAH developed the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program and certified 18 tour operators.

2013

Grant From HTA To Expand Certification Program

STAH was awarded another HTA Natural Resource Award Program to update and expand the pilot program into the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program.

2011

Pilot Program Completed

Completed the pilot Ecotour Certification Program, now called the Sustainable Tourism Certification.

2009

Pilot Certification Program Developed, Implemented

Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii certifies thirteen Ecotour Operators in the state of Hawaii- The first certification process for ecotour operators in the State. Funding provided by Hawaii Tourism Authority Natural Resources Grant.

2008

Partnership With Coral Reef Alliance

STAH was involved in efforts by the Coral Reef Alliance to encourage the use of sustainable practices in marine tourism.

2006

STAH Peer Review Process

Launched an Ecotour Review process.

2006

Funded Survey To Gauge Certification Interest

HEA partially funded a graduate student to complete a survey of HEA members to explore their interest in a certification program.

2004

Ke Ala Moa’e, The Tradewind Trail

HEA worked with the University of Hawaii’s Cooperative Extension Service on the Ke Ala Moa’e -The Tradewind Trail project and was awarded a Keep It Hawaii certificate of merit in the “special” category.

2001

Beginning a Certification Program

HEA investigated a tour operator certification program and concluded that Hawaii was not ready for a formal certification program because a permanent funding source did not exist for the program.

1999

E Malama: The Ecotourism Manual for Hawaii Published

HEA developed E Malama, an ecotourism manual for Hawaii written by Barbara Mills, funded by Employers Training Fund, Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, Workforce Division, published by HEA and co-sponsored by Kapiolani Community College’s Interpret Hawaii Program. This manual is still used today by the Interpret Hawaii Program.

1995

Founded

HEA was granted 501c3 status with a mission to educate visitors, organizations and government about the importance of sustainability in tourism.

1994

Roots

The organization was rooted in the minds of itʻs first members after attending a Conference on the Environment put on by the HVCB. The founders of STAH worked the conference focused on ecotourism. Over 700 attended.

Our Mission

Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Hawaiʻi

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Annual Awards

Certification Program

Our Membership

OUR HISTORY