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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 12:49 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2007

Pacific Islands Institute honored by ecotourism group

Advertiser Staff

Pacific Islands Institute, which runs educational group travel programs, was named 2007 Ecotour Operator of the Year by the Hawai'i Ecotourism Association.

The mission of the Hawai'i Ecotourism Association is to protect Hawai'i's environment and culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs aimed at the public and visitor industry relating to ecotourism issues. Each year, the association honors a member who best exemplifies an exceptional ecotourism operation in Hawaii.

Pacific Islands Institute has been developing and running educational group travel programs for visitors of all ages for nearly 20 years.

The Institute combines educational interpretation from experts in Hawaiian culture and the natural environment with popular activities like guided hiking excursions, tide pool explorations, or cultural exchanges with local residents to ensure authentic practices are communicated and the respect of the indigenous cultures and environments are enforced.

The institute designs multi-day packages around each client group's specific needs whether marine-focused, a botanical study, Hawai'i's wildlife or Hawaiian history. It caters to museums, zoos, nature organizations, senior and church groups, students, and other visitor groups coming to Hawai'i or other islands of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

Visit www.hawaiiecotourism.org for more information.