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:
| Forest Bathing 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. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi and Lyon Arboretum (a research unit of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) follow CDC and State of Hawaiʻi protocols to protect you and others from COVID.
Effective September 13, 2021, Lyon is adhering to University of Hawaiʻi, State, and City and County guidelines which require from all visitors to their grounds proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test (FDA EUA approved test) within 48 hours of visit. Proof of vaccination can include a hard copy or photo of vaccination card, or the Safe Travels Hawaii application showing proof of vaccination. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. You will be also be asked to check your temperature on check-in. 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 cloth face covering at the Arboretum gate, in the parking lot, and in or near the Visitor Center. 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 experience is approximately two hours and 15 minutes long – please plan on staying that entire time. We won't be actually walking throughout and the total distance covered will be less than a mile. 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?
Once you pass through the Arboretum's front gate, continue up the winding drive (about .25 miles) 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 .5 miles 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 the Visitor Center.
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: As rental cars are scarce in Honolulu at this time, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has suggested these options. Click here
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. There are some easy elevation changes. Covered shoes with good traction are recommended. 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 individually-packaged 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.
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. Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi and Lyon Arboretum (a research unit of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) follow CDC and State of Hawaiʻi protocols to protect you and others from COVID.
Effective September 13, 2021, Lyon is adhering to University of Hawaiʻi, State, and City and County guidelines which require from all visitors to their grounds proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test (FDA EUA approved test) within 48 hours of visit. Proof of vaccination can include a hard copy or photo of vaccination card, or the Safe Travels Hawaii application showing proof of vaccination. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. You will be also be asked to check your temperature on check-in. 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 cloth face covering at the Arboretum gate, in the parking lot, and in or near the Visitor Center. 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 experience is approximately two hours and 15 minutes long – please plan on staying that entire time. We won't be actually walking throughout and the total distance covered will be less than a mile. 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?
Once you pass through the Arboretum's front gate, continue up the winding drive (about .25 miles) 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 .5 miles 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 the Visitor Center.
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: As rental cars are scarce in Honolulu at this time, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has suggested these options. Click here
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. There are some easy elevation changes. Covered shoes with good traction are recommended. 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 individually-packaged 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.
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
