A gentle, mindful stroll on the verdant grounds of Lyon Arboretum facilitated by Hawaii's first certified forest therapy guide. Your guide will offer a series of sensory-opening “invitations” to help you find your own personal connection with the natural world. You'll have opportunities to sit quietly in contemplation, as well as interact and share with the other participants.
Lyon Arboretum Visitor Center
Arrive, park, check-in at Visitor Center.
Your guide will lead you to a comfortable spot to do a round of introductions. She will give some background on the practice of forest bathing, describe generally what we will do, and tell you some of history of this land.
Series of sensory-opening "invitations" interspersed with voluntary sharings of what you are noticing. Invitations will involve interactions with others, as well as solo time to sit, do nothing, and just be.
Final invitation is an opportunity to taste the forest: a tea ceremony with a foraged forest tea, healthy snacks (often fruits from the land).
Lyon Arboretum grounds, less than .25 miles from the parking lot
Admission to Lyon Arboretum, tea and snacks.
Transportation to site.
Gratuity.
1) Forest Bathing in the Rain Forest of Lyon Arboretum in Manoa Valley, Honolulu, available on weekdays only. Latest start time 12 noon.
2) Forest Bathing, Hike, & Mo'olelo bookings (Monday - Sunday) pending availability of Camp Palehua and co-guide. Suggested bookings for this tour at least one month in advance. Latest start time 2pm.
Mobility requirement: must be able to walk unassisted on uneven ground with slight inclines; raise and lower oneself from sitting; be able to sit and stand on the ground for 15 minutes.
Recommend wearing long sleeve shirt and long pants to protect against the sun and mosquitoes, also close-toed shoes with good traction and socks above the ankles. Also wear hat, sunglasses. Bring a small backpack to carry your items and to keep hands free for exploring. Before the walk begins, apply fragrance-free mosquito repellent (DEET or Picaridin are the only effective types).
Walk does proceed when it's raining, unless weather is hazardous. Bring a rain jacket or water-repellent poncho.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
Minimum age is 16 years old. For families with children younger than 16, please see the tour "Forest Bathing in a Rain Forest FOR FAMILIES." Thank you.