Hawaii Ecotourism Association's

Ecotour Operator of the Year 2010:

Hike Maui embodies the best of ecotourism in Hawaii. 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.

Reviewed Members

Hawaiian  Sailing Canoe Adventures

Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures was HEA's 2009 Ecotour Operator of the year. The business is based squarely on perpetuating a critical component of the Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe. 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 bio-diesel vehicle for any peripheral on- land transport associated with the business. Owners Liz and Sage Spalding are community advocates. “We believe in teaching youth about the cultural significance of canoeing, so we donate tours to the youth in the community, to experience firsthand the cultural heritage of Hawai’i, providing them with a depth of cultural understanding and a sense of place.”

Skyline Eco-Adventures

In 2002 Skyline Eco-Adventures became the first zipline adventure operator in the United States, launching a new activity segment that has skyrocketed in popularity across the country in recent years.  Since beginning operations they have maintained a focus on sustainable operations, contributions to local conservation groups, and engaging visitors in environmental and cultural education.  Now with two operations on Maui, Skyline is Hawaii's only carbon neutral zipline operator, and a member of 1% For The Planet, committing that at least one percent of all sales go back to protecting the natural environment.  Additionally, Skyline's Paid Service Day's program gives back to the Maui community by allowing Skyline's staff members to be paid their full wages for volunteering with local non-profit groups.

Pacific Whale Foundation

Pacific Whale Foundation is one of Hawaii’s true environmental leaders. The expanse of their environmental initiatives has helped to blaze the trail for other organizations with more limited resources to make a shift toward sustainability. Beyond environmental leadership, PWF has a strong training program and provides its customers with effective accurate interpretation. 

Kapalua Adventures

Kapalua Adventures is a new business under the parent company, Kapalua Resort, a subsidiary of Maui Land and Pine. Many impressive aspects of interest is their consultation with recognized cultural experts, and the interpretive training of their staff members.