Travel Responsibly in Hawaiʻi

Choosing Certified Sustainable Tour Operators ensures that you are experiencing the best of Hawaiʻi while also supporting responsible businesses and activities.

Sustainable Tours

Sustainable Tour Operators are committed to providing authentic experiences and take steps to minimize their environmental footprint, support the local community, & provide staff development. Use the drop down menus below to find a Certified Sustainable Tour Operator!

Kauai

Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

Maui

Valley Isle Excursions

Oahu

Hawaii Island

The Scope Of The Certification Evaluation

STAH’s Sustainable Tourism Certification Program is the only third-party tour certification in the United States. Certified Operators must meet specific criteria and complete an in-person evaluation.

Definition of Sustainable Tourism
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.[1]

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.[2]

Only established operations are evaluated
Some operators may plan to construct buildings in the future, rent a location for their operation, or add a product or service. This certification assumes that the operation at the time of evaluation is being certified.

Tours have a natural and/or cultural area focus

Eligible tour operators must principally engage in activities which involve guided excursions for the purpose of engaging Hawaii’s natural environment and/or cultural resources.

The whole tour operator company/organization is certified
Although tourism businesses in general often offer a wide range of activities, some of which may not be eligible for sustainable tourism certification, in order to obtain STAH certification, all of the company’s operations – including work commissioned to subcontractors – are required to meet the minimum set of sustainability practices outlined.

Evaluation does not include impacts from air travel
Sustainable tourism is difficult for island communities because air travel is required to reach these destinations. The scope of this document includes activities once on an island.

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

The STAH Sustainable Tourism Certification Program has two components:

Minimum Requirements

A current member of the Sustainable Tourism Association.
In compliance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations for all products/services, and commits to abide by all necessary permit conditions.
Has a Sustainability Commitment Statement posted on the website that guides its operations and demonstrates commitment toHEA’s Sustainable Tourism principles.
Is a commercial endeavor primarily engaged in providing guided tours and/or activities.
Provides accurate information to guests that can be referenced.
Utilizes marketing that is accurate and demonstrates responsible travel practices.
Has a system to monitor and respond to guest and employee feedback.
Contributes to conservation outcomes annually.
Contributes to the communities in which they operate annually.

Operating Principles

Environmental Management
Staff Management
Interpretation Management
Consumer Evaluation Management
Marketing Management

START FILLING OUT A CHECKLIST

STEPS TO BECOME CERTIFIED

3 Steps To Become Certified.

Self -Evaluation

Applicants will complete and submit to STAH a self-assessment checklist which evaluates their operations addressing the minimum requirements as well as the operating principles.

Submissions will include an administration fee of $200 and supporting documentation (i.e., photos, reports, etc.) for review.

Third Party Evaluation

An STAH Evaluator will contact the Applicant to review the checklist and schedule an in-person evaluation. The Evaluator then participates in one tour, verifies components of the self-assessment checklist, and rates the applicant on the various operating principles.

The Evaluator will then review their findings with the Applicant to reconcile any discrepancies in their findings.

Reporting & Certification

The STAH Evaluator will submit their findings and all supporting documentation to STAH for final approval. STAH will then contact the Applicant regarding their certification award status. Tour operators will also be recognized at the STAH Annual Luncheon.

For those that do not attain certification, a report detailing key metrics that were not satisfied will be returned to the tour operator and they are offered the opportunity to be reevaluated at no additional cost within six months.

START FILLING OUT A CHECKLIST

Benefits Of Certification

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Share featured placement on STAH’s homepage with other certified operators, including company logo and description.

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Inclusion in STAH’s travel planner for Hawaii

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Exclusive usage rights of STAH’s logo for marketing purposes

13

Eligible to participate in Sustainable Tourism Association’s committees and working groups

2

Publicity initiated by STAH, including: Hawaii Public Radio, Star Advertiser, Pacific Business News, Green Magazine, and many others.

6

Recognition at STAH’s Annual Luncheon

10

Koa Legacy tree planted on your company’s behalf, including certificate of sponsorship

14

Social media highlights of your company’s outreach/volunteer programs and your other important events / activities / accomplishments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

3

Access to STAH Ohana Only information and The Ecotraveler, STAH’s newsletter covering trends and issues influencing sustainable tourism

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Eligible to serve on the STAH Board of Directors

11

Invitation to STAH Events, including the Annual Awards Luncheon

15

Profile on STAH’s website which includes your business description, company logo, contact details and a link to your company’s website: Also included on the profile are the certificaiton details, videos and images provided to the STAH to attain certification

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