Forest Bathing.

  • Make friends with the trees.

    Slow down, come back to your senses, and make friends with the trees! On this two-hour guided walk, you’ll learn about the origins of the evidence-based wellbeing practice Shinrin-yoku, then invited to take a gentle wander from the sand dunes of Keōpūolani Park through the Native Hawaiian and canoe plant collection of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. Your guide will offer a series of open prompts to bring you back into relationship with the natural world. There’ll be opportunities to interact with others on this small-group experience, as well as solo time to rest and simply enjoy the sensations of being alive.

  • A growing therapeutic movement.

    Forest bathing (the literal translation of the Japanese term Shinrin-yoku) is a growing movement worldwide that originated in Japan as a therapeutic response to the stress of living in an industrialized society. Unlike a hike, there is no “destination,” and unlike a naturalist tour, we won’t be identifying species, but rather remembering through our bodies our relationship with the beings of the more-than-human world.

  • Treehugger approved.

    This experience is Honolulu-based Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi’s first return to MNBG since 2020, made possible in part by MNBG and Maui friends. Phyllis Look is the company owner and the first certified forest therapy guide in the islands, with more than 400 walks under her belt. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi has been recognized in The New York Times, National Geographic, Forbes, and named one of the Best Green Travel Experiences in the world by Treehugger.

Hosted by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi

Minimum age: 16 years old.

Mobility requirement:
Must be able to walk unassisted on uneven ground with slight incline; stand and sit on ground for 15 minutes.
Preparation suggestions: wear covered shoes, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Cost: $50/person

Forest Bathing for Families

  • The forest is the original play station.

    This 90-minute guided nature adventure intended for families is facilitated by Hawaiʻi’s first certified forest therapy guide Phyllis Look. You’ll be guided through a series of fun invitations from the sand dunes of Keōpūolani Park through the Native Hawaiian and canoe plant collection of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

  • Engage your senses and turn on the imagination.

    Unlike other naturalist education programs, the emphasis on a forest bathing walk is to engage your senses, including your imagination — with the hope of building a lifelong love for the natural world.

  • Treehugger approved.

    Phyllis Look is the company owner and the first certified forest therapy guide in the islands, with more than 400 walks under her belt. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi has been recognized in The New York Times, National Geographic, Forbes, and named one of the Best Green Travel Experiences in the world by Treehugger.

Hosted by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi

Minimum age: 8 years old. All children and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Mobility requirement: Must be able to walk unassisted on uneven ground with slight incline; stand and sit on ground for 15 minutes.

Preparation suggestions: wear covered shoes, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Cost:

$50/adults accompanying children

$25/child (age 8-15)