World War II Valor in the Pacific - Leave No Trace (U.S. National Park Service)

Leave No Trace is not a set of rules or regulations. Nor is it strictly applicable for the woods. Rather, it is first and foremost an attitude and an ethic. Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for the outdoors, doing your part to protect our natural/cultural resources. Whether you're surfing on the North Shore, or you're walking your dog in your neighborhood, LNT is relevant.

Below, are the seven principles that make up this important ethic.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Hawai'i is a land with varying seasonal weather. Plan on relatively high temperatures in the 80s in the summer with high humidity; in the winter showers are frequent and often without warning. Schedule your visit to avoid peak season. Be sure to bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Wear appropriate rain gear to stay dry and don't forget the sunscreen! Remember the old saying- It's better to have it and not need it rather than to need it and not have it!

Travel on Durable Surfaces

Travel on paved areas to avoid damaging plants, some of which can only be found in Hawai'i. Going scuba diving or snorkling while in Hawai'i? Coral is very fragile and easily damaged when stepped on or touched. It can take decades for it to heal, if at all.

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, historic-looking remants, wildflowers and other natural/cultural objects and artifacts as you find them. Removing or relocating historic objects erases important information that can be gleaned from that location. If you find something interesting, please report it to a Park Ranger at the visitor center. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

Minimize Fire Impacts

Smoking is allowed in the parking lot area only. When discarding your cigarette, please be sure it is completely out and discard in designated trash cans. Do not throw cigarettes in the harbor or on the ground. They can take between 2-5 years to completely degrade.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed wild animals, such as birds or mongooses. Feeding wild animals damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Be courteous and respect other visitors by protecting the quality of their experience. Yield to other users along paved walkways who may need more room. Protect the solemn nature of the memorial by avoiding loud voices and noises. Turn off cell phones while in the theater and at the memorial.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Put litter in its place! Properly dispose of all trash, leftover food and litter. Please dispose of recyclable materials whenever possible in the "blue trash cans."