Regenerative Tourism by Shyla Victor

Hawaiʻi, viewed by tourists as merely a beautiful tropical vacation destination. Being born and raised in Hawaiʻi and working in the hospitality industry, had a great impact on my interpretation of tourism. Tourism is Hawaiʻi’s main private capital. Although there are still families today that continue to live a sustainable lifestyle, Hawaiʻi residents are no longer able to solely rely on hunting and gathering to survive. Hawaiʻi has changed to Western ways and is now reliant on imported foods and products to sustain. My mission is to educate and emphasize the importance of this transformation to a more regenerative industry. 

Regenerative Tourism, “The idea that tourism should leave a place better than it was before'', defines the nature of how my ancestors lived. I am fortunate to have a year of experience educating myself and others on Regenerative Tourism. I’ve been a Pono Pledge Ambassador for a year, under the Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau, collaborating and educating on the 8 principles that encourage safe, responsible, and respectful travel while on Hawaiʻi Island, and throughout the State. With this opportunity, I have taught in several classrooms, hosted educational booths, incorporated programs within businesses, and traveled across seas to educate visitors, and residents, of the Pono Pledge. When I began, there were 20,423 people who signed the pledge. I am proud to say that there are now over 3,000 more signatures, totaling 23,875 as of March 5th.

Promoting this idea of being regenerative is beneficial for the people and the place. For example, tourists who travel to Hawaiʻi come for the beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, but their return depends on how nice these places actually are. I had a vision, spoke with the County of Hawaiʻi Mayor, Mitch Roth, in June, and within 3 months hosted a Community Day, partnered with the County of Hawaiʻi, Department of Public Works, Community Policing Division, and Keauhou Shopping Center. On September 23, 2023, over 50 volunteers helped pick up 942 pounds of trash along the Hokuliʻa Bypass. Following the clean up was a celebration at the shopping center with free food for the volunteers, live music, and kid activities for all. This experience left me speechless with the community's involvement. Networking within our community has had a huge impact on the many opportunities, like Community Day, I created and became a part of. My goal is to continue Community Day annually and also encourage other businesses to provide similar opportunities for the visitors and residents to partake in across the State of Hawaiʻi.

Tourist “hot spots'' can be found within seconds at the click of a button. As the next Miss Hawaiʻi 2024, this platform will help continue educating my community on how to care for our home and the world. Especially for those on vacation, having the opportunity to give back is a simple way to encourage involvement from everyone. Networking with businesses around the Island and State of Hawaiʻi, to include the Pono Pledge or community service opportunities through their businesses, will accelerate the Regenerative Tourism transition. Through partnerships with Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the management of a regenerative tourism industry will improve. Encouraging more visitors to support local and keep the funds within Hawaiʻi, will greatly benefit our economy and overall quality of life for our Hawaiian people.

If you would like to read, watch, and sign the Pono Pledge, please visit ‘ponopledge.com’. “E ʻapo i ke aʻo a hoʻohana, a e ʻoi mau ka naʻauao.” Those who apply their teachings increase their knowledge. 

Me ke aloha nui,

Shyla Victor

Miss Hawaiʻi Island 2024
@misshawaiiisland