A unique combination of an easy hike, accompanied by place-based learning opportunity, and a forest bathing experience. As we hike through a eucalyptus forest for the first half a mile, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and educator will share with you stories of the land and point out the archeological finds along the way. Your certified forest therapy guide then offers a series of sensory-opening invitations as we make our way across the ridge and to a stunning lookout.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Camp Palehua office
Arrive, park, check-in at the Camp office.
Your guides will lead you to the trailhead to do a round of introductions.
We hike into the forest and uphill for about half a mile with stops to catch our breath and hear stories of the history of this land, the ongoing reforestation efforts, and to take in the remnants of structures built by those who inhabited the land centuries ago.
At the ridge, we stop to rest. Your certified forest therapy guide gives you some background on forest bathing, as well as what to expect for the rest of the experience. We proceed into the series of sensory opening invitations as we move slowly towards the lookout point (about half a mile of trail). The invitations work in concert with the circumstances of the moment and every walk is unique. They are opportunities for self-discovery, connection with others and the natural world.
We come to the spectacular Nanakuli Lookout and hear one final Hawaiian legend set at this spot. Nearby, we sit in the shade and partake in the final invitation, the tea ceremony. We take time to rest and share about our experience. The location is also an ideal photo opportunity!
We begin our approximately one-mile hike back to Camp.
The end of the tour.
Camp Palehua office
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Admission to Camp Palehua, tea and snacks.
Transportation to site. Private vehicles only.
Gratuity.
The Nānākuli Lookout trail has been named by Honolulu Magazine one of the best family friendly trails on the island. Unlike a traditional forest bathing path, however, part of it is still a hike and requires good physical fitness and ability to negotiate uneven ground and inclines. Mobility requirement: must be able to walk unassisted on uneven ground with moderate inclines; raise and lower oneself from sitting; be able to sit and stand on the ground for 15 minutes.
Close-toed shoes with good traction are required. Recommend wearing long sleeve shirt and long pants to protect against the sun. Also wear hat, sunglasses. Bring a small backpack to carry your items, including water, and to keep hands free for exploring. If walking sticks are needed, please bring your own, or inform guide in advance (she can provide a pair).
Walk does proceed when it's raining, unless weather is hazardous. Bring a rain jacket or water-repellent poncho.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
Pending availability of Camp Palehua and co-guide.
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.
Aloha! I'm Hawaii's first Forest Therapy Guide, trained and certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Iʻve now led more than 380 forest bathing walks. My family has lived in Mānoa Valley (where I guide) for more than 60 years. This land holds so many memories for me and now I hope to create some special memories for you. My background in the arts and communication, and my love of the outdoors, helps me bring you to your own unique experience of nature. I'm proud to have been recognized by NY Times, Nat Geo, Forbes, and Treehugger.
$650/ per group
Reserve