Hawaii Ecotourism Association's Annual Awards

2010 Awardees: Rita Ariyoshi, Travel Writer of the Year;
MJ Harden & Ken Schmitt, Ecotour Operator of the Year: Hike Maui

Each year, the Hawaii Ecotourism Association recognizes one ecotourism operation, one travel writer, and until 2002, one traveler who exemplifies the ideals of ecotourism. Included below are the HEA award winners for Ecotour Operator of the Year, Travel Writer of the Year, Ecotraveler of the Year, and finally a description of the Award Selection Process.

HEA Ecotour Operator of the Year

This award aims to recognize Hawai'i ecotourism operations who demonstrate, through their business, a commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, community enhancement, educational content, or all of the above. These operations provide excellent examples of how the principles of ecotourism can be put into practice here in Hawai`i. Click here for details on how operations are selected for Tour Operator of the Year.

2009-2010 WINNER: Hike Maui

Hike Maui is owned and operated by Ken Schmitt and MJ Harden. When Hike Maui opened its doors in 1983, they were the first hiking company in the State. Sometimes noted as the grandfather of ecotourism, Hike Maui is very strong when it comes to cultural interpretation and instruction. With a noted author on Hawaiian culture as part owner and instructor, staff benefits from a strong training program. All guides go through the guide certification program at Maui Community College, a recognized program to insure proper interpretation. Another highlight is Hike Maui’s Wild Hawaii program, which is a perfect example of community outreach and working to foster respect for the environment via volunteer efforts. Learn more

2008 -2009 WINNER: Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures

Liz and Sage Spalding of Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures on Maui embody the best of ecotourism in Hawaii. Their business is based squarely on perpetuating a critical component of the Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiian sailing canoe. Up to six passengers can experience a great day on t he ocean much like the Hawaiians of old.  By nature the business is sustainable on an energy level since the canoe is powered only by wind and human energy, but the owners go an extra mile and utilize a biodiesel vehicle for any peripheral on land transport associated with the business. As community outreach. the company donates tours to youths in the community to experience firsthand the cultural heritage of Hawaii, providing them with a depth of cultural understanding and a sense of place.  Learn More

History of Winners:

2008: Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures

2007: Pacific Island Institute

2006: Hawaii Forest & Trail

2005: Maui Eco-Adventures
2004: Skyline Eco-Adventures, LLC
2003: Hawaiian Walkways, Inc.

Travel Writer of the Year

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. Travel writers can be one of the most important components in marketing ecotourism, and Hawai'i Ecotourism Association feels they need to be honored.

2010 WINNER: Rita Ariyoshi

Rita has been one of the leading travel writers whose perspective in journalism is mindful and respectful of Hawaii’s natural environment and cultures.  Ms. Ariyoshi’s resume is an impressive collection of articles and publications including the National Geographic Traveler in Hawaii, first published in November 2000 and has undergone two updates.  Her book, Maui on My Mind, published in 1985, won first place as “Best Travel Book” in the annual Lowell Thomas Foundation Journalism Awards and is still sold in bookstores around the world. In 2005, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Hemispheres magazine recognized Rita Ariyoshi for “Outstanding Journalism,” and Hemispheres presented her with a special award for her achievements in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)Travel Journalism Competition sponsored by HVCB.

2009 WINNER: Joan Conrow

Kauai's Joan Conrow is Hawaii Ecotourism Association's 2009 Travel Writer of the Year.  An avid supporter of responsible tourism, Conrow always strives to feature the native species, respect for the cultural resources and a reverence for the environment that makes Hawaii unique in her articles in travel books, inflight magazines, newspapers and her blog at kauaieclectic.blogspot.com. Click Here for Joan's Blog

2008 WINNER: Lynn Cook

Lynn Cook is a Honolulu-based cultural tourism writer, photographer and artist. A thirty-year resident of Hawaii, Cook is editor of Holoholo, the in-flight magazine of Island Air.  A prolific journalist, her articles have been published throughout the United States and Hawaii.


History of Winners:

2009: Joan Conrow

2008: Lynn Cook

2007: Michael Shapiro

2005: Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi

2004: Michele Kayal

2003: Alison Gardner

AWARD SELECTION PROCESS

Ecotour Operator of the Year:

Originally, in order to be considered for this award, a business had to be nominated by another HEA member, who submitted a letter describing why the nominee should be chosen, then the HEA Board of Directors chose the winner based on a majority vote.

For the 2005 award, individual operations were required to submit an award application form in order to be considered. This new selection process was developed on the basis of research conducted by HEA member Wendy Kerr, which analyzed several ecotourism certification programs around the world then queried HEA members regarding the risks and opportunities of applying programs like those in Hawaii.

On this new form they were asked to describe their business practices that support any or all of the following: environmental conservation, cultural stewardship, community well-being, and high quality educational opportunities for visitors and/or residents. Additionally, they were required to submit contact information for two references from non-profit organizations familiar with their operation who could testify to their claims in the previous section. Finally, applicants also submitted a copy of their brochure, their formal mission statement if available, and listed any awards previously won. The board of directors then voted to determine the winner.

This format now serves as the general template for the Reviewed Member process and starting in 2006, only reviewed members were considered for the award. This eliminated the need to petition members to apply each year, since all reviewed members had already submitted similar information to become “Reviewed”.


Travel Writer of the Year:

The winner of this award must be nominated by an HEA member. The nomination form requests the nominator to describe why the writer should receive the award, provide 2-3 copies or links to the nominee’s writings that show support for ecotourism values. The HEA board of directors then votes to determine the winner. Click here for a nomination form.

Ecotraveler of the Year:

During the years that HEA honored an Ecotraveler of the Year, the winner had to be nominated by an HEA member, including a brief description of the person’s travels and how those travels helped to pioneer the ideals of ecotourism. For example, Audrey Sutherland was chosen for her courageous and adventurous journey, swimming and kayaking solo along Molokai’s famed north shore. After numerous failed attempts, this single mother, finally succeeded and her book which later described the feat, illustrated her drive to understand and connect with the awesome power of nature. Like Audrey, Nainoa Thompson was awarded based on the cultural revival he helped ignite through his journeys on the Polynesian sailing canoe, the Hokule’a.

History of Winners:

2002: Jessica Faracane
2001: Mike Spaulding
2000: Donna Kahukui
1999: Nainoa Thompson
1998: Bob Jones and Denby Fawcett
1997: Audrey Sutherland