{"id":1477,"date":"2016-10-07T02:23:45","date_gmt":"2016-10-07T02:23:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eco-friendly-tourism.com\/?page_id=1477"},"modified":"2025-03-12T23:42:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:42:27","slug":"annual-event","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sustainabletourismhawaii.org\/annual-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Event"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ANNUAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM H\u0100L\u0100WAI<\/h1>
The Annual Sustainable Tourism H\u0101l\u0101wai is Hawaii\u02bbs premier sustainable tourism event. Held every November, the event features guest speakers, awards, and networking opportunities.<\/div>\n<\/div>
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annual awards icon<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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OPERATOR<\/h4>

OF THE YEAR<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Annual logo<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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GUIDE<\/h4>

OF THE YEAR<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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HAWAII TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD<\/h4>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Previous Winners<\/h4>
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Launched in 2010, Hawaiian Paddle Sports has been a model sustainable tour company from the island of Maui. Every tour with Hawaiian Paddle Sports starts with kuleana <\/em>(responsibility) – if we have the ability to enjoy the ocean, then we also have the added responsibility to protect the ocean ecosystem. HPS takes care to minimize its environmental footprint, has eliminated single-use plastics from its operations, and supports local organizations through monthly volunteer events.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2018<\/span> \/ Hawaiian Paddle Sports<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Trilogy Excursions<\/a> is Maui\u2019s oldest sailing catamaran tour company and has been setting the standard for sustainable tourism practices since its inception in 1973. From being the first boat company to not dump bathroom waste in the water and instead pump out on land, to establishing the day-use mooring systems, instead of dropping anchors that destroy vulnerable coral reefs, the owners have had the wisdom and vision to incorporate sustainability into Trilogy tours and inspire personal conviction to be stewards of the environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2017<\/span> \/ Trilogy Excursions<\/div><\/section><\/div>

For over 20 years, Valley Isle Excursions has offered environmentally, culturally and socially responsible guided road tours on the island of Maui. From the beginning, VIE has focused on highly efficient vehicles, driving practices, and maintenance. Sustainable practices include an oil bottle draining system, re-engineered ice and water machines, motion activated lighting, and reflective floors to keep energy usage low. Their local guides share stories and history of the Hawaiian culture and perpetuating the concepts of malama ‘aina.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2016<\/span> \/ Valley Isle Excursions<\/div><\/section><\/div>

One of only 1000 \u201cAccredited Benefit Corporations\u201d in the world, Hawaiian Legacy Tours has planted more than a quarter million endemic koa, sandalwood and other species on the slopes of Mauna Kea in last 5 years. They scored in the top 10% of all B Corps for their environmental impact, and partnered with more than 60 for-profit and non-profit companies to help plant hundreds of acres of endemic trees and raise funds for more than 350 charities worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2014<\/span> \/ Hawaiian Legacy Tours<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2012<\/span> \/ Volcano Discovery Tours<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2009<\/span> \/ Hike Maui<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2008<\/span> \/ Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2007<\/span> \/ Pacific Island Institute<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2006<\/span> \/ Hawaii Forest & Trail<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2005<\/span> \/ Maui Eco-Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>
2004<\/span> \/ Skyline Eco-Adventures, LLC<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>
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SUSTAINABLE TOUR GUIDE OF THE YEAR AWARDS<\/h4>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Annual Awards<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Maui<\/strong> Sustainable Tour Guide 2019
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Danielle Kleinhenz
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Trilogy Excursions<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0At 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 Trilogy\u02bbs Keiki O Ke Kai Ocean Adventure Camp for youth ages 6-12. She volunteers with Maui\u02bbs Monk Seal Response Team, Hawai\u02bbi Wildlife Fund, NOAA\u02bbs Humpback Whale Research team, and the Hawaiian Marine Mammal Response Network – which recently helped recover and release several Pygmy Killer Whales that stranded on Maui\u02bbs 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.<\/p>\n

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Hawai’i Island Sustainable Tour Guide<\/strong> 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Michael Dishman
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KapohoKine Adventures<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s \u201cSmooth Operations Manager\u201d. Michael\u2019s leadership, especially as it relates to zipline safety and protocol, has helped improve the company\u2019s culture of safety. Michael embraces his kuleana to conserve Hawaii\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Kaua\u02bbi Sustainable Tour Guide 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Jeremiah Felsen
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Kauai Hiking Tours<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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,\u00a0 Jeremiah has been guiding in Hawaii. He is the owner of Kaua\u2019i Hiking Tours and has worked to expand Hawaiian cultural and skills training for local guides throughout Kauai. Jeremiah volunteers with the N\u0101pali 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 N\u0101 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\u2019s Communications and Outreach committee.<\/p>\n

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O\u02bbahu Sustainable Tour Guide 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Chad Seese
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Kailua Beach Adventures<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In 2015, Chad graduated with his Bachelor\u02bbs 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\u2019s highly involved with the Department of Land and Natural Resources\u02bb 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.<\/p>\n

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Previous Winners<\/h4>
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Kevin Nanbara<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

2018<\/span> \/ Oahu - Kama\u2019aina Kids Snorkel<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Mana Manoi-Agni<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

2018<\/span> \/ Kauai - Kipu Ranch Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Gary Dean
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2018<\/span> \/ Big Island - Hawaii Forest & Trail<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Lila Jones<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

2018<\/span> \/ Maui - Hawaii Mermaid Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Magen Schifiliti
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2017<\/span> \/ Maui - Trilogy Excursions<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Rowdy Lindsey<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ Maui - Hawaiian Paddle Sports<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Richard Lindberg<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ West Hawaii - Hawaiian Legacy Tours<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Manly Kanoa<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ Oahu - Hokupa\u2019a<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Ben Catcho Jr.<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ East Hawaii - KapohoKine Adventures LLC<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Curtis Geary<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ Maui - Maui Kayak Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Abraham Frehm<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ Kauai - Na Pali Experience<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Andrew Puchalski<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2016<\/span> \/ Oahu - Kailua Beach Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Kaiulani Manuwai-Oiph<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2014<\/span> \/ Oahu - Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Jason Lee<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2014<\/span> \/ Maui - Hawaiian Paddle Sports<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Denver Leaman<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2014<\/span> \/ Big Island - Body Glove Cruises<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Eric Storm<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2014<\/span> \/ Big Island - Volcano Discovery Hawaii<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Andy Carre<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2013<\/span> \/ Oahu - Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Joe Imhoff<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2013<\/span> \/ Maui - Skyline Eco-Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Arthur Wierzchos<\/h4>\n<\/div>
2013<\/span> \/ Hawaii - Volcano Discovery Tours<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Lumbo Palau<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

2017<\/span> \/ Kauai - Kipu Ranch Adventures<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>
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HAWAII TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD<\/h4>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Previous Winners<\/h4>
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Will McGough 2017 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Will uses narrative-based storytelling to inspire deeper, immersive travel so locals and visitors can explore Hawai\u2018i with a sense of understanding, appreciation, and respect. He has been a guest travel expert on Hawai\u2018i News Now, KHON, KITV, and Tech Talk Hawai\u2018i. He is a former assistant editor at Conde Nast and his travel-related contributions have appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, AFAR, Travel Channel, Outside Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, Men\u2019s Journal, AAA, TravelAge West, Travel Weekly, Paste Magazine, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Elevation Outdoors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Shannon Wianecki 2016 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Shannon is an independent writer and editor based on the island of Maui. She covers travel, science, culture, and food for publications including BBC Travel, Smithsonian.com, Honolulu Magazine, Hana Hou! (the Hawaiian Airlines Magazine) and Spirituality & Health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Kyle Ellison 2014 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Having traveled to 65 countries, in addition to 49 U.S. states, Kyle still considers Upcountry, Maui to be the most beautiful place in the world. His love for the islands has been featured in publications such as Journey, Maui No Ka \u2018Oi, and Escape. Kyle also authored the Moon guidebook to Maui, Moloka\u2018i, and Lana\u2018i.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Paul Wood 2013 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Paul Wood of Maui, Freelance, has been featured recently in Hana<\/span> Hou magazine among others, b<\/span>ased topics for local and Mainland magazines. He prefers to write about wild creatures and places, also a<\/span>bout the peculiarities that make Hawai\u2018i a much more interesting community than the \u201cparadise\u201d evoked by the clich\u00e9s of tourism. In 2001 Fodor\u2019s\/Random House published<\/span> his Escape to the Hawaiian Islands, which was a finalist for a Lowell Thomas Award.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Jocelyn Fujii 2011 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

A native of Kauai, Jocelyn Fujii grew up with an innate appreciation of nature, the environment and the importance of neighborhoods and communities in island life. Her articles on Hawaii have appeared in major local, national and international publications, and her more than a dozen books have covered topics ranging from lifestyle and the arts to natural history, the environment and small family businesses. She believes that Hawaii\u2019s greatest assets are its cultural and environmental treasures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Rita Ariyoshi 2010 Travel Writer of the Year <\/div>

In 2010, Rita Ariyoshi was honored by the Sustainable Tourism Association as the Travel Write of the Year 2010. Rita has been one of the leading travel writers whose perspective in journalism is mindful and respectful of Hawaii\u2019s natural environment and cultures. Her articles present valuable information to our readers about ecotourism.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Joan Conrow 2009 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Joan was honored by the Sustainable Tourism Association as its 2009 Travel Writer of the Year.\u00a0 Joan lives on the island of Kauai and writes about a variety of topics ranging from wildlife through nature and local pursuits.\u00a0 In the 21 years she\u2019s lived on the island of Kauai, Joan Conrow has never once gotten a case of rock fever. But she\u2019s definitely learned to slow down and enjoy the marvels of nature, an approach that\u2019s conducive to observing the birds, whales, turtles, monk seals and other resident and migratory wildlife that call Hawaii home. When she isn\u2019t outside looking or gardening, she\u2019s at her desk writing articles for a variety of regional and national publications, while keeping up with her personal blog.\u00a0 Follow her on\u00a0http:\/\/kauaieclectic.blogspot.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Lynn Cook 2008 Travel Writer of the Year <\/div>

In May of 2008 the Sustainable Tourism Association honored Lynn Cook as Travel Writer for the Year 2008.\u00a0 A writer for numerous travel and other publications, Lynn Cook has kept visitors and residents informed about a myriad of topics describing Hawaiian culture and natural sites.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Michael Shapiro 2007 Travel Writer of the Year <\/div>

Michael Shapiro won the Travel Writer of the Year award in 2007.\u00a0\u00a0 Since that time, he has become the Editor for\u00a0 Hana Hou<\/a><\/i> magazine<\/span>, which is the in-flight magazine for Hawaiian Airlines.\u00a0 Michael is one of our favorites because he writes about subjects that local people want to know more about when they travel to another island for a vacation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi 2005 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Cheryl writes a weekly column for the Sunday edition of the Honolulu Star Advertiser<\/a>entitled<\/span> Hawaii\u2019s Back Yard\u00a0<\/b><\/i>where she features exciting and fascinating tours from many of Sustainable Tourism Association members, as well as festivals and various visitor attractions for the local resident as well as visitors.\u00a0 To find these great columns you will have to click on Back Issues, S for Sunday, then on the\u00a0 right side of the page under Columns, look for Hawaii\u2019s Back Yard.\u00a0 You will only find Hawaii\u2019s Back Yard in the Sunday Edition.\u00a0 Click there and be delighted.\u00a0\u00a0 Cheryl was Sustainable Tourism Association\u2019s Travel Writer of the Year for 2006.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Michele Kayal 2004 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

Michele is a freelance writer currently based in Washington who advocated for sustainable travel and ecotourism early on. She was awarded the 2004 Travel Writer of the Year award for her numerous articles on Hawaii\u2019s unique cultures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Alison Gardner 2003 Travel Writer of the Year<\/div>

This author has a comprehensive guide book Travel Unlimited<\/i><\/b> and an excellent web magazine, Travel With A Challenge<\/i><\/a> where you can browse for hours learning about wonderful travel adventures all over the world.\u00a0\u00a0 After you click on the link, you will be taken to the Number One page in the Travel Themes section where there are numerous articles on Hawaii\u2019s many and varied offerings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>

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