HB 034: A Locals Guide to Ecotourism, Leave No Trace, and Making Memories in Hawaii

by | Jul 15, 2020

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When creating meaningful memories, it’s important to remember to be present while being mindful to leave no trace. Creating those memories and being in the moment of that experience is critical. If you can get a great picture in the process, well, that’s the cherry on top!
 
Today’s guests are here to offer their insights on how you can enjoy the best of what Hawaii has to offer responsibly and mindfully as you leave no trace. Joined today by Matty Leong and Spencer Lee, two Hawaii locals, you will learn some of their best tips to protecting and enjoying Hawaii’s pristine environment.
 
They also offer some of their photography tips to implement while making memories on your next trip to Hawaii. Matty and Spencer emphasize the importance of being mindful while leaving no trace and even offer some tips on how you can help keep Hawaii beautiful for generations to come.
 
Next time you’re on Oahu, practice these tips to help protect Hawaii as we all do our part to leave our favorite locations even better than we found them!
 

Today’s Guests

Matty Leong

rainbow girl surfing

Matty Leong, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Spencer Lee

east side Oahu

Spencer Lee, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

The seven principles of Leave No Trace provide a framework that anyone can follow when trying to leave a minimum impact while visiting the outdoors. The seven principles can really be applied anywhere and can truly make an impact in your own conservational efforts! 

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Following these seven principles can help you be more considerate of your impact on the environment. Keeping in mind these principles while exploring can help you leave a location better than you found it!

Want more information about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace? Find it HERE

SKL05288 Originalcopy

Spencer Lee, Matty Leong in Frame, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Spencer and Matty’s Photography Tips

  • There really is no real way to take a photograph in the “right way”. Instagram does a bad job of making us compare our work to others and feel that we must capture art in a specific way. The truth is art is what you make it to be! Staying true to yourself and who you have been created to be helps you in expressing your most authentic style.
  • The key is to remember why you are taking that photo. To capture a good memory, you do not want to forget. While on your trip to Hawaii, it’s important to remember to be present and not worry so much about capturing a “perfect” photo.
  • Sometimes being present in the moment is so much more than the intent for a “perfect” shot. Sometimes you leave the camera and just enjoy the moment while reconnecting with your surroundings.
  • The best photos are the ones that are close to your heart. The moments that hold true meaning and beauty will hold the most impact. Matty offers examples of experiencing a breathtaking sunset. If you want to capture this moment, he shares getting a low angle, and just shooting the image is enough!
  • Spencer shares that if you want to take a great photo, just like everything else in life, you must get in touch with your emotions first. Think about what it is about what is in front of you that draws your attention to it. When you find that, frame your image based on that emotion! Pictures that carry the emotion of the moment are much more impactful in the long term than a “perfect” shot!
palm tree beach

Matty Leong, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Resources

In This Episode

Introducing the Guest [00:23] 
Show Introduction [01:04]
Getting into Photography [07:25]
Popular Instagram Presence [09:20]
Reopening Hawaii [23:10]
The 7 Principles to Leave No Trace [30:05]
Seeing Mistreatment of the Environment [35:36]
Photography 101 to Capture the Moment [40:22]
Tips When Visiting Hawaii [47:50]
Closing Thoughts [53:28] 

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[fusebox_transcript]
Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy is the creator of Hawaii’s Best Travel and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau. He’s an active member of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and continues ongoing education focused on Hawaiian culture, history, and sustainable travel. As the host of the “Hawaii’s Best Travel” podcast—one of the top travel podcasts in the U.S.—Bryan shares practical, respectful guidance to help visitors experience Hawai‘i in a more meaningful way. His work reaches nearly half a million people across podcast, blog, and social media.