OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR
Congratulations Kipu Ranch Adventures - 2019 Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year Kipu Ranch Adventures, based on the island of Kauai, is a leader in sustainable tourism. In addition, we would like to congratulate our Sustainable Tour Guides of the Year and our 40 Certified Sustainable Tour Operators. Check back for information about the 2020 Awards Luncheon.
This award aims to recognize Hawaii sustainable tour companies who demonstrate, through their business, a commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, community enhancement, and educational content. These operations provide excellent examples of how the principles of sustainable tourism can be put into practice here in Hawaii. Click here for details on how operations are selected for Tour Operator of the Year.
Every Kipu Ranch Adventures achieved its Sustainable Tour Operator Certification in 2016. In the past three years, they have continually dedicated resources and focused efforts on improving their business for the good of the local community, natural resources, and cultural heritage of Kauai. Notable sustainability efforts include the hiring of a Plant and Cultural Resources Specialist, on-going staff training and development (including Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and Hawaiian cultural training), propagation of native Hawaiian plants, reduction of single-use plastic food service items, and support of over 80 community organizations, including raising over $56,000 for Shrinerʻs Hospital.
With this award, STAH honors the tour guides of Hawaii who best embody the core assets of quality ecotourism: effective interpretation, conservation of natural resources and authentic cultural experiences.
Oftentimes, tour guides are primary connection between Hawaii’s guests and it’s history, culture, and environment. Their ability extends far beyond making a good mai tai or telling funny jokes. Tour guides are an important part of interpreting the history, cultural, and natural resources of Hawai’i. Sustainable Tour Guides of the Year are recognized for their commitment to Hawaii’s environment, community, and culture – all while keeping guests safe. Winners represent a new wave for Hawaii’s tourism – certified professionals who have honed their skills and knowledge base to connect visitors to an authentic experience.
Maui Sustainable Tour Guide 2019
Danielle Kleinhenz
Dani has worked for Trilogy Excursions since 2016 as crew, captain, and most recently Operations Manager. She holds a Masters degree in Marine Biology and is a published research author. At Trilogy, she has helped restructure the staff training curriculum to focus on safety, marine science, conservation, and Hawaiian culture. This past summer, she also helped develop and lead Trilogyʻs Keiki O Ke Kai Ocean Adventure Camp for youth ages 6-12. She volunteers with Mauiʻs Monk Seal Response Team, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, NOAAʻs Humpback Whale Research team, and the Hawaiian Marine Mammal Response Network – which recently helped recover and release several Pygmy Killer Whales that stranded on Mauiʻs south shore. This past spring, Dani spent 3 weeks in the Arctic Ice Field installing acoustic monitors to better understand the migration movements of narwhals and belugas.
Hawai’i Island Sustainable Tour Guide 2019
Michael Dishman
Originally from Missouri, Michael was drawn to Hawaii by the sheer number of outdoor adventuring options. He has worked as a zipline guide for KapohoKine Adventures for the past 5 years and is known as the company’s “Smooth Operations Manager”. Michael’s leadership, especially as it relates to zipline safety and protocol, has helped improve the company’s culture of safety. Michael embraces his kuleana to conserve Hawaii’s precious resources by living a minimalist lifestyle. Every day he commutes 60 miles roundtrip via bicycle. At home, he lives in an off-grid converted shipping container, lovingly created from up-cycled materials. In addition, he is a part time macadamia nut farmer and an Ironman Triathlete. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid and Lifeguarding and is an adventurer in the truest sense of the word.
Kauaʻi Sustainable Tour Guide 2019
Jeremiah Felsen
Jeremiah has been working as an adventure guide for over 20 years. In 2002, he received a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education with an emphasis on Adventure Education and a minor in Native American Studies from Northland College in Northern Wisconsin. For the past 10 years, Jeremiah has been guiding in Hawaii. He is the owner of Kaua’i Hiking Tours and has worked to expand Hawaiian cultural and skills training for local guides throughout Kauai. Jeremiah volunteers with the Nāpali Coast Ohana, Kauai Resource and Conservation Program, friends of the Kalalau Trail, Team Rubicon, and the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. He is also a member of Nā Ala Hele’s Advisory Council. In addition, Jeremiah is a State of Hawaii Certified Professional Tour Guide, certified as a Wilderness First Responder, and serves on STAH’s Communications and Outreach committee.
Oʻahu Sustainable Tour Guide 2019
Chad Seese
In 2015, Chad graduated with his Bachelorʻs of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. He moved to Hawaii in 2016 where he joined Kailua Beach Adventures as a kayak guide. He’s highly involved with the Department of Land and Natural Resourcesʻ offshore islet restoration program in Kailua Bay. Through DLNR, he volunteers to maintain habitats in their most natural state, while also surveying and tagging seabirds. In addition, Chad is a certified docent for the Hawaii Marine Animal Response program. Chad was promoted to Guide Supervisor and Trainer in 2018. His skills and experience ensure that his team and the program exceed the sustainability mission of Kailua Beach Adventures. Chad is additionally a Certified lifeguard and SCUBA Rescue Diver.
Travel writers can be the traveler’s best friend when planning a visit to Hawaii. Their articles in travel sections of newspapers, or in in-flight magazines or books, can lead you to unexpected and delightful surprises. The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii honors travel writers each year with the Travel Writer of the Year award. This award goes to a writer who shares the values of ecotourism with readers through newspaper or magazine articles on personal travel experiences or in guidebooks.
Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii
PO Box 491
Kahului, HI 96733
office: (808) 800-3531
