Mālama Mālama: Take Care Hawaiʻi

Fairmont Orchid is proud to be an environmental leader among eco-friendly hotels. It is our privilege to invite you to mālama ʻāina (care for the land), as we embrace sustainability initiatives to promote a rich cultural exchange within our community on Hawai‘i Island to ensure long-term stewardship of our planet. Hawai‘i Island is as precious and vulnerable as it is beautiful and alluring. Visit with intention and make protecting the fragile ecosystem a major part of your trip. Responsible tourism is a growing pursuit and Hawai‘i Island offers several opportunities to join in while you’re here.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Reusable Water Bottles + Refillable Water Stations

We are pleased to provide two reusable water bottles in each guest room and invite guests to fill these water bottles at the refillable water stations located on each floor of the property. This initiative helps reduce plastic pollution, minimize our carbon footprint and protect our ocean. As part of our sustainability program, we do not distribute bottled water in our guest rooms or during housekeeping service.

Bee Sustainable

Discover the secret behind our dishes—our own honeybees! Our hives, home to 80,000 bees, produce rare monofloral kiawe honey, a key ingredient in our menus.

Join our complimentary weekly Aloha ‘Āina—Botanical Bees & Chef’s Garden Tour to explore our chef’s garden and bee hives. Led by our Director of Hawaiian Culture, learn about the Hawaiian legends behind pollinator-friendly plants like the naupaka and our commitment to sustainability.

Sustainable Food + Beverage

We nurture an appetite for a healthy, sustainable, waste-free diet in our restaurants. We offer fresh, Hawaiʻi Island-inspired cuisine and focus on sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal menu items throughout the year. We are proud to have a food waste reduction program in place. Additionally, we divert food waste from the landfill by donating to farmers on the island to use as pig feed.

Ulu Pono Chef's Garden Experience

Explore our Chef’s Garden, where fresh herbs and produce are cultivated for our menus. These garden-fresh ingredients add vibrant flavors to our dishes, embodying the essence of Hawai‘i.

Join our Director of Hawaiian Culture on a special Chef’s Garden Tour. Hear the stories of the plants and people that make Hawai‘i Island so special. Taste select items and understand the importance of Hawaiian plants to our culture and culinary landscape.

Ocean Education

Learn how to protect our beloved marine life, delicate ecosystems and vibrant coral reefs as our Hui Holokai Beach Ambassadors offer weekly ocean education sessions for our guests. Please see our Activity Schedule for the latest information.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

We provide complimentary reef-friendly sunscreen available for guests at the Beach Shack. Protecting our oceans is a top priority, and using reef-safe sunscreen is a simple yet impactful way to help preserve the delicate marine ecosystems. Choosing reef-safe products helps protect marine life and ensures our oceans remain vibrant for generations to come.

Green Key Global Certification

We are proud to announce that Fairmont Orchid, has earned the prestigious Green Key Global certification, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. This accolade highlights our efforts in energy conservation, waste management, and community engagement, ensuring an eco-friendly experience for our guests.

Elimination of Non-Essential Single Use Plastics

Our property has eliminated single use plastics, including water bottles, straws and small bathroom amenities. Our small bath amenity bottles have been replaced by large refillable bottles, which are made of 100 percent recycled plastic. By responsibly recycling these dispensers when they are no longer needed, we are cutting down on the amount of waste produced at the hotel.

MEET OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

At Fairmont Orchid, we proudly support local initiatives through meaningful partnerships. Our work with the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative aids in restoring native forests and educating local keiki (children). Partnering with The Kohala Center, we protect the vibrant coral reef ecosystem of Pauoa Bay, essential for coastal health. Additionally, we support West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy’s gardening project, helping students grow vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs. Discover more about our community partners below.

Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative

Our property’s partnership with Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative supports their place-based education program for local keiki (children), helps restore our native Hawaiian dry forest and protects our local eco-system. Take a guided hike along the black lava to see how volunteers are working to restore the native species.

Discover Watch Partnership Video

Hawaiian Reef with Coral and School of Fish

The Kohala Center

Pauoa Bay offers some of the most stunning and accessible snorkeling on Hawaiʻi Island. Fairmont Orchid is proud to partner with The Kohala Center to ensure that we protect our coral reef ecosystem because its health and well-being is vital to our global food supply, protection from storm surges and coastal economies.

Discover

Teen girls at a community garden, planting and gardening together

West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy

West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy is a public charter school located in Kailua-Kona, serving students from grades 6 through 12 through hands-on, place-based education. Fairmont Orchid is partnering with this school to support its gardening project to plant vegetables, fruit and medicinal herbs.