The forest is the original play station! This 1.5-hour guided nature adventure through the biodiverse Lyon Arboretum always leads to fun discoveries and interactions. Unlike other naturalist education programs, the emphasis on a forest bathing walk is to engage your senses, including the imagination -- with the hope of building a lifelong love for the natural world.
Lyon Arboretum Visitor Center
Arrive, park, check-in at Visitor Center.
Your guide will lead you to a comfortable spot to do a brief orientation.
Series of sensory-opening "invitations" in which we partner with the forest. It'll seem like we're just playing!
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.
Available Monday - Thursday, latest starting time 12 noon.
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: 5 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids ages five and up will enjoy this experience.