Sustainability at the Sony Open in Hawaii

Since 1999, sustainability and green initiatives have been incorporated into the planning, management, and operation of the Sony Open in Hawaii. As a community-wide charity event, the Sony Open demonstrates how environmental stewardship values can be practically implemented, showcasing initiatives that educate and raise awareness among event attendees and the local community. When a high-profile, international event takes an active role regarding the importance of reducing its environmental footprint to protect, conserve, and minimize adverse impacts on Hawaii’s natural environment and resources, theory is transformed into practice. In this way we carry out the islands’ ethos preserved in the State of Hawaii motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono,” commonly translated, “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” In recognition of the sustainable practices incorporated into the Sony Open, the event has been awarded Hawaii Green Business honors since 2016.

A. We encourage attendees to consider commuting options such as public transportation, shuttle bus, rideshare or cycling to the Sony Open in Hawaii. If cycling to the event, you can valet your bike for free with non-profit partner, Hawaii Bicycling League. Bike valet is situated a few steps from the main entrance at Waialae Beach Park. The bike valet is available Thursday through Sunday.

Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club

B. Waialae Country Club avoids waste creation by providing re-useable cutlery, serving utensils, and dishware in the club house and tournament hospitality tents. Where single use items are used, they are compostable. Food scrap waste from the tournament is collected by Eco Feed. Excess food is donated to Aloha Harvest for redistribution within the local community.

C. Solar PV is installed at the Waialae Country Club Pro Shop and golf cart barn, providing the tournament with renewable energy.

D. Recycling bins are available across the tournament venue. High-visibility signage is displayed across the site as a reminder of which items can be placed in the recycling bins. Hospitality and food vendors provide compostable containers. utensils, serving plates and paper straws for single-use.

E. Materials from past events are reused where possible to reduce overall waste generated. Reused materials include signage, volunteer supplies and equipment, materials for skyboxes, bleachers, camera tower construction and mesh/privacy screens.

F. Sony Open volunteers collect and sort recycling waste to maximize the benefits of each recycling stream reducing the waste sent to landfill.

G. The Sony Open in Hawaii has been certified by the State of Hawaii as a Green Event since 2016. This recognition commends the Sony Open for demonstrating environmental responsibility through commitments to conserving water, energy and other resources. This annual event enhances environmental quality by developing and implementing practices that demonstrate good stewardship and prevent pollution and waste through its innovative sustainability initiatives.