With red-hot lava oozing toward the sea, swirling cloudsshrouding the peaks of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, andthousands of endemic plant and animal species foundnowhere else on Earth, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Parkis an International Biosphere Reserve and WorldHeritage site renowned for the incredible story of evolu-tion within it. The U.S. National Park Service, UNESCO’sWorld Heritage Centre, and members of the WorldHeritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism have teamedup to preserve the park’s natural wonders and unparal-leled biodiversity, and to promote responsible tourism.

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The dynamic world of Hawai i IslandA journey through Hawai i Volcanoes National Park, inscribed as anatural UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, reveals an ethereallandscape laden with lava tube caves, crevices of boiling magma,and moon-like crags of pahoehoe and ’a’a rocks—some of theyoungest on Earth. Legend has it that fire goddess Pele still livesinside fiery peak Kilauea. Perhaps she is behind the almost-con-stant eruptions since 1983, making it one of the world’s mostactive volcanoes. And immense Mauna Loa is the largest volcanoin the world: over 130 Mount Everests could fit inside.

But the park is more than just hot stuff, encompassing333,086 acres and seven ecological zones including rainforest.Thirty million years without connection to other landmasseshas resulted in unique species: From one single kind of islandfinch, more than 57 species of honey creepers have evolved,adding their distinctive birdsongs to the island’s inimitablesoundtrack. Carnivorous caterpillars, monk seals, hoary bats,and silverswords all call the island of Hawai i their exclusivehome. In fact, nearly 90% of Hawai i’s plant, bird, and animalspecies are found nowhere else on Earth.

One glimpse at the range of biodiversity leaves no questionwhy the ancient Polynesians who sailed here centuries agofound a spiritual link to the land still shared by Hawaiianstoday. Kupuna (Hawaiian elders) say, “Take care of the land andthe land will take care of you.” Responsible travelers canexplore the lush natural beauty, discover the otherworldly andever-changing landscapes, and seek a spiritual connection forthemselves.

Insiders Guide toHawai i VolcanoesNational ParkResponsible adventures to Land Where theGod Dwells (Aina a ke akua e noho ai)

Promoting and Preserving World Heritage Through Sustainable Tourism

Chris Schwalm

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

All travel, All the time

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Responsible travel to Hawai i Volcanoes Just as the near constant eruption of Kilauea Volcano molds theland, the influx of tourism—about 1.5 million visitors everyyear—can affect the ecosystem of Hawai i Volcanoes NationalPark. Follow these seven actions to preserve and enhance notonly the park, but all of Hawai i.

• Respect the spirituality. This is a wahi kapu, or sacred place.Allow yourself to be part of the landscape. Quietly listen to thewind, rain, and birds; feel the heat of the steam and new land;and smell the forest, sulphur, and ocean.• Do not pile rocks. Hawaiians leave offerings as a spiritual act.Disturbing or creating rock piles can appear disrespectful. Insteadof a tangible offering, leave a chant, prayer, song, or dance.• Take a tour. Ranger-guided group tours reduce traffic andwear and tear within the park. Or support the local economy byhiring a local guide.• Protect fragile landscapes. Practice e malama i keia ‘aina, or“care for this land.” Posted trails and warnings keep you safe andprotect the plants and wildlife. Use a bike instead of a car forlonger tours.• Preserve native species. Hawai i’s plants and animals arethreatened by climate change, invasive species, and human activity.Help protect them by not feeding animals and disposing of all fruitsand seeds in proper bins. Slow down for nene (Hawaiian goose).• Explore the island. Reduce park congestion by visiting Hawai iIsland’s towns and villages, home to dazzling waterfalls, archeo-logical sites, and white, black, and green sand beaches.• Mind your manners. Pick up the Hawaiian words for hello(aloha), good-bye/until we meet again (a hui hou or a hui kaua),please (e olu`olu oe or `Oluolu), and thank you (mahalo nui loa).

What can you do to support World Heritage in Hawai i?Learn more about World Heritage initiatives at Friends of World Heritage: www.friendsofworldheritage.org

Explore Hawai i’s World Heritage site:www.bigisland.org/ecotourism and www.nps.gov/havo/

Discover how geotourism supports and enhances World Heritage sites at National Geographic Traveler:www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler

Travel to World Heritage sites with Expedia: www.expedia.com/worldheritage

Read about the work of the UNESCO World HeritageCentre: whc.unesco.org

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Hawai i’s Only World Heritage SiteTake time to explore the exotic ecosystem andunique culture of Hawai i Volcanoes National Park.

Ryan Fanshaw Photo courtesy of the National Park Service