FAQS
Some suggestions to get the most out of your in-person nature connection experience.
Here's a handy checklist of things to wear, bring, and do:
| fbhi_participant_checklist.pdf |
1. IS THE EXPERIENCE SAFE?
In the outdoors, the CDC states that "even a light wind can rapidly reduce concentrations" of COVID-19 viral particles. Lyon Arboretum and Camp Pālehua follow CDC and State of Hawaiʻi protocols to protect you and others from COVID.
Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi requires proof of full vaccination for all participants. Full vaccination follows CDC guidelines and must be proven by showing a hard copy or photo of vaccination card, or the Safe Travels Hawaii application (or QR Code). Children under 5 are exempt from this requirement. You will be also be asked to scan your temperature on check-in. Your guide is vaccinated and boosted. Thank you for your cooperation!
Additionally, Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi has completed COVID safety training and received a Safe Travels Stamp, a health and safety standard for the visitor industry used in 100 countries around the world.
Please read the waiver of liability and electronically sign it no later than 12 hours before the walk. See waiver button at bottom of your screen or go to this secure site: bit.ly/fbhiwaiver2020.
2. ARE MASKS REQUIRED?
Bring and wear a face mask inside the Lyon Arboretum Visitor Center (including the restrooms), and while on the Camp Pālehua grounds. While on the walk, you have the option to remove your mask; however, please practice “social distancing” and keep at least 6 feet/2 meters away from people you don’t live with.
Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi reserves the right to discontinue the walk for failure to comply with masking and distancing requirements.
3. HOW LONG AND HOW DIFFICULT IS THE ACTIVITY?
The Lyon Arboretum experience is approximately two and a half hours long; we'll travel less than a mile on the walk. The Camp Pālehua one includes a more demanding, though relatively easy hike and takes approximately three hours; we'll cover two miles. Whichever experience you've chosen, please plan on staying the entire time. We won't be actually walking throughout. There'll be opportunities to sit (though it may be on the ground) and your guide will make adjustments to suit the group's abilities.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE ARRIVE AROUND 8:45AM, SO THAT OUR WALK CAN BEGIN AT 9:00AM. (Latecomers and no-shows will not be refunded.)
You’re welcome to remain on the Arboretum's grounds after the walk. The Arboretum closes at 3pm.
4. WHERE DO I PARK/WHERE DO I MEET THE GUIDE?
(Participants in the Forest Bathing, Walk, & Hike at Camp Pālehua in Nānākuli will be sent separate instructions to enter this private property.)
For those forest bathing at Lyon Arboretum: Once you pass through the Arboretum's front gate, continue up the winding drive (about a quarter mile) until you reach the small parking lot at the top. Parking is free; however, it is limited, so early arrival is advised. Also consider carpooling or public transportation (TheBus #5 route stops about half a mile away).
All members of your party need to sign in at the Arboretum's Visitor Center (which is at the far end of the parking lot). If you drove in, also pick up a parking pass there to display on your dashboard.
Your guide will meet you at the Visitor Center.
Restrooms are available at both Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi walk locations.
5. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING?
For your protection from the sun and insect life, we suggest wearing a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, plus socks over your ankles. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful. Also bring and apply sunscreen and an effective mosquito repellent (fragrance-free is highly preferred for our sensory immersion). And stowing a poncho or rain jacket is always a good idea for a walk in the rain forest!
The ground we'll be walking on will be grassy lawns and well-maintained trails at the Arboretum -- there are some easy elevation changes. The Nānākuli Overlook Trail at Camp Pālehua is rocky and uneven in parts with more elevation gain -- this is the hiking part of the experience. Covered shoes with good traction are recommended and REQUIRED for the Camp Pālehua experience. If you need a walking stick, please let me know or bring your own.
In a small backpack, carry a towel or mat to sit on -- ground or benches may be damp. You may also want to carry some water in your pack. The pack will help keep your hands free – the better to touch things in the forest!
6. SPECIAL REQUESTS.
Please let your guide know in advance if you have any medical conditions, environmental allergies, or dietary restrictions. A foraged tea and light, healthy snacks will be served at the end of the walk.
Minimum age for participants is 16. Private walks can be specially designed for family groups and younger ages on request.
7. REFUND AND WALK CANCELLATION POLICY.
You may request a 50% refund if cancelling more than 48 hours in advance. If you are sick with, tested positive for COVID-19, or know you were exposed to COVID-19 within 15 days of the walk date, please immediately cancel your reservation. If at any time before the walk, you are simply not feeling well (fever, dry cough, fatigue, etc.) and need to cancel, do so as soon as possible. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi will give as much notice as possible and only cancel because of hazardous weather conditions or guide's incapacity. Usually, walks will proceed even if it's raining. Full refunds offered for the above weather-related reasons and cancellations initiated by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi.
WALKS MAY BE CANCELLED if either location closes for any reason. We will give as much advance notice as possible and full refunds are offered for cancellations due to closure of facilities.
Feel free to CONTACT me if you have other questions.
In the outdoors, the CDC states that "even a light wind can rapidly reduce concentrations" of COVID-19 viral particles. Lyon Arboretum and Camp Pālehua follow CDC and State of Hawaiʻi protocols to protect you and others from COVID.
Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi requires proof of full vaccination for all participants. Full vaccination follows CDC guidelines and must be proven by showing a hard copy or photo of vaccination card, or the Safe Travels Hawaii application (or QR Code). Children under 5 are exempt from this requirement. You will be also be asked to scan your temperature on check-in. Your guide is vaccinated and boosted. Thank you for your cooperation!
Additionally, Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi has completed COVID safety training and received a Safe Travels Stamp, a health and safety standard for the visitor industry used in 100 countries around the world.
Please read the waiver of liability and electronically sign it no later than 12 hours before the walk. See waiver button at bottom of your screen or go to this secure site: bit.ly/fbhiwaiver2020.
2. ARE MASKS REQUIRED?
Bring and wear a face mask inside the Lyon Arboretum Visitor Center (including the restrooms), and while on the Camp Pālehua grounds. While on the walk, you have the option to remove your mask; however, please practice “social distancing” and keep at least 6 feet/2 meters away from people you don’t live with.
Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi reserves the right to discontinue the walk for failure to comply with masking and distancing requirements.
3. HOW LONG AND HOW DIFFICULT IS THE ACTIVITY?
The Lyon Arboretum experience is approximately two and a half hours long; we'll travel less than a mile on the walk. The Camp Pālehua one includes a more demanding, though relatively easy hike and takes approximately three hours; we'll cover two miles. Whichever experience you've chosen, please plan on staying the entire time. We won't be actually walking throughout. There'll be opportunities to sit (though it may be on the ground) and your guide will make adjustments to suit the group's abilities.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE ARRIVE AROUND 8:45AM, SO THAT OUR WALK CAN BEGIN AT 9:00AM. (Latecomers and no-shows will not be refunded.)
You’re welcome to remain on the Arboretum's grounds after the walk. The Arboretum closes at 3pm.
4. WHERE DO I PARK/WHERE DO I MEET THE GUIDE?
(Participants in the Forest Bathing, Walk, & Hike at Camp Pālehua in Nānākuli will be sent separate instructions to enter this private property.)
For those forest bathing at Lyon Arboretum: Once you pass through the Arboretum's front gate, continue up the winding drive (about a quarter mile) until you reach the small parking lot at the top. Parking is free; however, it is limited, so early arrival is advised. Also consider carpooling or public transportation (TheBus #5 route stops about half a mile away).
All members of your party need to sign in at the Arboretum's Visitor Center (which is at the far end of the parking lot). If you drove in, also pick up a parking pass there to display on your dashboard.
Your guide will meet you at the Visitor Center.
Restrooms are available at both Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi walk locations.
5. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING?
For your protection from the sun and insect life, we suggest wearing a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, plus socks over your ankles. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful. Also bring and apply sunscreen and an effective mosquito repellent (fragrance-free is highly preferred for our sensory immersion). And stowing a poncho or rain jacket is always a good idea for a walk in the rain forest!
The ground we'll be walking on will be grassy lawns and well-maintained trails at the Arboretum -- there are some easy elevation changes. The Nānākuli Overlook Trail at Camp Pālehua is rocky and uneven in parts with more elevation gain -- this is the hiking part of the experience. Covered shoes with good traction are recommended and REQUIRED for the Camp Pālehua experience. If you need a walking stick, please let me know or bring your own.
In a small backpack, carry a towel or mat to sit on -- ground or benches may be damp. You may also want to carry some water in your pack. The pack will help keep your hands free – the better to touch things in the forest!
6. SPECIAL REQUESTS.
Please let your guide know in advance if you have any medical conditions, environmental allergies, or dietary restrictions. A foraged tea and light, healthy snacks will be served at the end of the walk.
Minimum age for participants is 16. Private walks can be specially designed for family groups and younger ages on request.
7. REFUND AND WALK CANCELLATION POLICY.
You may request a 50% refund if cancelling more than 48 hours in advance. If you are sick with, tested positive for COVID-19, or know you were exposed to COVID-19 within 15 days of the walk date, please immediately cancel your reservation. If at any time before the walk, you are simply not feeling well (fever, dry cough, fatigue, etc.) and need to cancel, do so as soon as possible. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi will give as much notice as possible and only cancel because of hazardous weather conditions or guide's incapacity. Usually, walks will proceed even if it's raining. Full refunds offered for the above weather-related reasons and cancellations initiated by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi.
WALKS MAY BE CANCELLED if either location closes for any reason. We will give as much advance notice as possible and full refunds are offered for cancellations due to closure of facilities.
Feel free to CONTACT me if you have other questions.
When I hike, I love being out in nature, but to be honest, I don't really absorb much of what is going on around me. I'm more fixed on my goal. Forest bathing is a totally different experience and much healthier for your mind and spirit! With Phyllis there to guide you, you will see everything around you in a new way. It was an amazing, uplifting experience and truly something you should try!!! -- Crysttal, O‘ahu
I discovered a well of gratitude. -- Sheryl, Oʻahu
