- 1). Bring a trash bag or container with you. Many Hawaiian beaches do not have facilities for garbage. If you see trash on the beach, pitch in by bagging it up and disposing of it at your hotel or vacation rental.
- 2). Respect the wildlife you encounter. Monk seals and sea turtles are common in Hawaii. These endangered animals need plenty of space and are sensitive to human contact. Do not attempt to touch or feed them. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association recommends limiting your time observing an animal to 30 minutes.
- 3). Stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales and 50 yards from marine mammals such as dolphins and other whale species, advises the NOAA. Do not swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Pursuing or annoying a marine mammal is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- 4). Admire the fish in the ocean, but do not feed them while you are swimming or snorkeling. On some Hawaiian beaches, you'll find vendors selling fish food to tourists. Feeding ocean fish, however, can make them grow accustomed to being fed and also make them aggressive to humans.
- 5). Help preserve coral and reefs. These fragile systems have developed over millions of years. Do not pick pieces from reef or coral or stand on it.
- 6). Check with a lifeguard or park ranger before taking shells or other natural items you find. On the Big Island, the black sand beaches of Punalu'u are protected by law, and it is illegal to take even a small scoop of sand.
- 7). Participate in a beach cleanup. Groups such as Adopt a Beach Hawaii and Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii sponsor regular cleanup events. Reduce your carbon footprint while vacationing in Hawaii by volunteering to clear beach and marine debris.
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