| By :
Stephen Daniels
These days, it seems that regardless of the topic of discussion, the one phrase heard again and again is making any endeavor a "green" experience. Nowhere is this more apparent than when embarking on a fabulous eco-oriented Maui vacation. "Eco-responsible" does not mean vacationers have to camp out in a tent; affordable accommodations range from cute bungalows to more up-scale Kaanapali condo rentals. For eco-tourists, Maui vacation activities can range from hiking or snorkeling day trips to full-on long-term volunteer work in conjunction with local ecology groups. Even the hard work of clearing and cleanup becomes a pleasure when embarking from and returning to the fine accommodations of a lovely vacation rental. While Maui is a long-time favorite destination for tourists, western Maui in particular is growing in popularity among eco-conscious visitors. Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, dispatching hundreds of ships from its port during the heyday of the whaling industry in the mid-19th century. The local waters around Maui are still part of the migratory route of humpback whales, giving winter visitors the opportunity to select an exciting whale-watching excursion from a wide variety of options, from charter boats to passenger rafts. The eco-aware tourist will appreciate the regulations that keep people and boats at least 100 feet away from the animals and prevent touching, swimming and other close interaction with them. For people who strive for an environmentally responsible lifestyle, there are many frequently overlooked opportunities to explore the island while taking care of it. Taking nature hikes through a rainforest, showering under a waterfall, swimming in a mountain pool, or kayaking and snorkeling in the clear blue ocean waters all offer the chance to experience nature at its most pristine - and help keep it that way. Understanding the vulnerability of the ecosystem, the savvy tourist knows that his first responsibility is to do no harm, and the second is to leave the island in better shape than it was when he arrived. This means doing things like bringing trash bags with you, both to carry your trash and to collect any litter left behind by other people. Of course, you should also refrain from picking plants or flowers or removing parts of the natural landscape. Whether you're passively green in the way you tour, or volunteer to join an active work group, you'll always find respite and warmth at your Lahaina vacation rental or Kaanapali condo. Even a tourist in paradise knows there's no place like an affordable, comfortable Maui vacation home.
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