Our Commitment to Sustainability

Keeping Kauaʻi Wild

Sustainability at Holoholo isn’t a marketing campaign or a checklist. We’re committed to taking care of the ocean, wildlife, community, and island that make all of this possible.

We’re Guests Out Here Too.

Running boats in the Pacific Ocean will never be impact-free, and we’re not interested in pretending otherwise. But from the beginning, Holoholo has tried to approach this work thoughtfully: reducing waste where we can, protecting marine wildlife, supporting local organizations, investing in more efficient vessels, and making decisions with the long-term health of Kauaʻi in mind.


Some ideas worked better than others. Back in the early days, we even tried running our boats on biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil. It sounded great in theory. In practice, it mostly smelled like French fries and destroyed a lot of expensive engines. We learned from it and kept going.

That’s still our philosophy today. Stay curious. Keep improving. Take responsibility for the place we depend on every day.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

We provide complimentary reef-safe sunscreen onboard and use it as an opportunity to educate guests about how everyday products impact Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. Small choices matter when thousands of people visit the ocean every year.

Reusable Service Ware

We were the first Kauaʻi boat tour company certified as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant by the Surfrider Foundation. That means reusable tableware, cloth napkins, reduced single-use plastics, and sourcing practices that create less waste onboard.

Local + Community Focused

Whenever possible, we partner with local caterers, Kauaʻi-made businesses, conservation groups, and community organizations. We also offer paid volunteer opportunities for staff supporting coastal cleanups, restoration projects, and environmental initiatives across the island.

Smarter Boats + Operations

Our vessels are designed and maintained with fuel efficiency and long-term durability in mind. We continue exploring better technologies, lower-impact operations, and practical ways to reduce emissions without compromising safety offshore.

Responsible Anchoring + Mooring

Whenever possible, we secure to established moorings rather than dropping anchor. When anchoring is necessary, a crew member enters the water to guide placement by hand and help avoid damage to sensitive reef systems below.

Responsible Marine Life Viewing

Wildlife encounters are one of the best parts of being out here. We follow responsible viewing guidelines by keeping a respectful distance from dolphins, whales, and other marine life, letting them approach on their terms.

Our Annual Sustainability Report

We believe the places we explore deserve to be cared for just as much as they're enjoyed.Our Annual Sustainability Report is an opportunity to share the work happening behind the scenes - from protecting our oceans and reducing our environmental impact to supporting our community, investing in our team, and preserving the culture and natural beauty that make Kauaʻi so special.

We're proud to be the only Kauaʻi boat tour company to voluntarily publish an Annual Sustainability Report, because we believe transparency is part of sustainability. Take a look through our latest report below to see the progress we're making and where we're headed next.

Holoholo Stays With You.

Holoholo is a Hawaiian word that means to go out for pleasure––a walk, a stroll, a sail. We think that’s a pretty good way to describe a day on the water.


Out here, the ocean makes the rules. Our job is to help you experience it safely, comfortably, and with the kind of care that lets you stay fully present in the moment.

If you step off the boat feeling a little more connected to this place than when you came aboard, we’ve done our job. Our goal is for you to remember more than the views. We hope you'll remember how it felt to be out here.

Mahalo,
The Holoholo Team

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