Winner of the Hawaii Eco-Tourism Association "Eco-Tour Operator of the Year" 2002-2003

HAWAII ECOTOURISM ASSOCIATION HONORS
HAWAIIAN WALKWAYS

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association today announced the winner of a new award for the Tour Operator of the Year. Ecotourism and adventure travel pioneers Dr. Hugh Montgomery and his wife Kaulana own and operate Hawaii island's first and oldest hiking adventure company, Hawaiian Walkways. Begun in 1984, Hawaiian Walkways has offered thousands of active and curious travelers opportunities to experience the stunning, natural areas of the island of Hawaii.

The Montgomery's and Hawaiian Walkways will be honored at the Hawaii Ecotourism Association Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Monday, October 28, 2002. The event will be held at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park.

The Tour Operator of the Year award is for small, entrepreneurial tour companies who are following the principles of ecotourism. Annette Kaohelaulii, President of HEA said "The judges were impressed with the philosophy behind this particular ecotourism business. Hawaiian Walkways knowledgeable guides emphasize a factual presentation of Hawaii's natural and cultural history, seeking to arouse in their clients not only an appreciation of Hawaii's amazing story, but an enhanced capacity to view their own home-land with a curiosity about how its landforms, biota and peoples came to be at their present state. The Montgomery's hope is that they will have inspired their guests to foster an investment in preservation and conservation of their natural and cultural resources."

Return to Top of Page