Two Things I’d Improve In Maui

I recently celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary by spending a week in Maui. My one-and-only surprised me with the trip. (I knew he was up to something because he suggested I keep the week open on my calendar.)

Maui did not disappoint! 

It’s everything I guessed it might be. Gorgeous beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and plenty of sunshine. We snorkeled and explored all the recommended spots… and found a few more. It truly was a week of total relaxation and summertime fun. We plan to visit again.

But as the days lingered, I began to pick up on a couple of things that truly made me sad. Things that I felt, with a little more awareness, could be avoided all together.

So here I am with a public service announcement to all Americans (actually, all tourists) who visit the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

What are the two things I’d improve in Maui?

Number One:

I’m sad to learn that we are killing the coral reefs. The need for sunblock has been drilled into us and we inherently grab the can of spray before going outside. But the signs posted at the Hawaiian beaches make the message very clear. Chemicals in the sunblock we lather on are literally destroying the beautiful habitat where many of us flock. It was obvious as we snorkeled. We didn’t see as many exotic fish as we’d expected. The coral is dying and we’re a major cause of it. Researchers say there are other causes, but the ppm of oxybenzone and octinoxate, both ingredients in most sunscreens on the market, is extremely high along the coastal waters.

I usually wear homemade UV blocking oil I prepare myself. It contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. It’s all-natural and better for my skin (and overall health). However, it’s not water/sweat proof and doesn’t always travel well.

So I packed the poison potion.

When I read the hand painted signs — the ones instructing tourists to forego the usual chemical-laced products — I took my chance on getting burned. I couldn’t knowingly apply the very products that were doing harm to the underwater ecosystem. I watched others on the beach apply sunscreen (and wanted to say something.) Maybe the signs didn’t look official enough to be taken seriously. Or maybe they went unnoticed altogether. But it bothered me that so many people overlooked the obvious importance.

A sunburn I did receive. Mostly the middle of my back, the area closest to the surface of the water as I snorkeled. I didn’t regret it. But it could’ve been avoided by simply wearing a UV blocking swim shirt (or any shirt, really).

We didn’t think of it or see the signs until on the beach. By then, it was too late. I didn’t have a shirt in my bag (or in the car).

Suggested Solution?

I {heart} Maui UV swim shirts.

What better way for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to promote a good cause? A booth selling the shirts at the airport (or anywhere/everywhere on the island) with a large informational sign promoting the need to support their efforts in keeping the coral reefs safe.

I would’ve gladly spent $25 – $30 to save the environment, avoid sunburn, and snag a cool souvenir.

If the tourism office doesn’t jump on this, I hope an entrepreneurial local will.

Read more about the coral reefs of Maui.

Here’s another interesting article about sunblock being banned in Hawaii.

Number Two:

The second thing I’d improve in Maui is the relationship between visitors and Maui residents. Don’t get me wrong. I felt no animosity from anyone my entire visit. Please read on. But it saddened me to realize tourists are (potentially) viewed as violators of Hawaiian sacred land. I didn’t intend to be a violator but the locals didn’t know that. They cherish their homeland. And rightly so.

Apparently, there are tourists who take pieces of island life home with them in the form of stolen volcanic rock, a bottle of sand or some natural relic found while hiking. 

Removing sand and rocks from the land is not allowed. Hawaiian tradition prohibits it and even warns against it. Or else incur the wrath of Pele.

One resident told me stolen items are often mailed back to the authorities when the culprit learns of the curse that accompanies the artifice. Death of pets and loved ones are believed amongst the effects of the curse.

Read more about the curse of Pele and Hawaiian beliefs.

An intriguing read about visitors returning relics they’ve stolen.

Need to mail a rock back? Here’s where to send it.

Another example of how visitors upset the natural way of life was evident on our drive along the coast. The day we drove the road to Hana, protestors lined the streets. They peacefully held signs, waved flags, and chanted in the heat. We were told, closer to Hana, frustrated locals blocked monuments and paths to waterfalls. 

The offense? Rental cars clogging Hana Highway. They claim tourists extend the daily commute on the scenic road from the usual 30 minutes to over two hours. Many enjoying a leisurely (and in some cases, a terrifying thrill) ride through the tropical rainforest. The speed limit is a safe 30 mph in most places, and for those unaccustomed to the winding turns, 30 mph is still too fast. But there are spots along the way that sometimes require one car to back up to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. It can be quite treacherous. We had more than one instance where I white-knuckled the wheel, trying to hug the rocks in order to alleviate traffic piling up. Those familiar with the route don’t necessarily want to wait on the rest of us.

Read one reviewers experience on the road to Hana.

Suggested Solution?

A toll booth.

It’s been reported that enjoying the view on the way to Hana is more enjoyable with an official tour. Toll tags (in the windshield of rental cars) could be used for those who want to go it alone, regulating the number of cars entering the highway.

Many municipalities use toll tags to allow residents to travel local bridges and other high-traffic areas for free while charging tourists a fee. It could also allow authorities to specify times in which tourists could utilize that stretch of Hana Highway. It may not be ideal, but it may give those living in the communities some relief from the congestion. It’s also a way to draw more attention to the need for visitors to be extra vigilant when driving and hiking in the area.

Read this article alleging illegal tours and hikers crossing into private land are the culprits of many rescue attempts and unnecessary deaths.

I’m sympathetic to the natives who inevitably must deal with the constant coming and going of visitors. On one hand, the economy depends on these guests. On the other, they’re upsetting the balance and laid back way of life.

Information and communication are key. Most visitors don’t realize the impact they’re having. And I have to believe that most don’t want to be a pest. Regardless of the methods taken by the authorities, more signage could go a long way in notifying visitors of the problems, risks, and dangers created when they venture out into certain areas.

We all want a little piece of paradise. Let’s work together to ensure that our choices don’t destroy it.

For us and future generations.

Mahalo!