FAQS
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. 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 up-to-date with all boosters. 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. Camp Palehua participants need to additionally sign the Camp's online waiver.
2. ARE MASKS REQUIRED?
Currently, masks are optional at both locations. We encourage social distancing (keeping at least 6 feet/2 meters away from people you don’t live with) throughout.
3. ARE WE ACTUALLY WALKING THE ENTIRE TIME?
No. Even on the Camp Palehua hike, there are plenty of occasions to rest, sit, and give your attention to just where you are. All participants should be able to stand or sit on the ground for 15 minutes at a time, and be able to raise themselves from sitting. Bring walking sticks, if you need them, or ask me in advance to bring you a pair.
4. ARE THERE RESTROOMS?
Yes. Restrooms are available at both Lyon Arboretum (the Visitors Center) and Camp Palehua (indoor facilities for the campers).
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 (over the ankle) crew socks. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful. Also bring and apply sunscreen and, for the Rain Forest experience, fragrance-free mosquito repellent. NOTE: the only proven, effective mosquito repellents are DEET-based or picaridin (guide's favorite). More here.
Covered shoes with good traction are recommended for all forest bathing experiences and REQUIRED for the Camp Pālehua experience.
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. And stowing a poncho or rain jacket is always a good idea for a walk in the forest! The pack and wearable rain gear (vs. an umbrella) will also help keep your hands free – the better to touch things in the forest!
6. WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?
Unless there are hazardous conditions, our walks proceed. Check ahead for the hourly weather forecast in the specific locale and be prepared with appropriate outer wear and shoes. You'll find rich new scents and sights and sounds on a walk in the rain!
7. IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO TELL THE GUIDE IN ADVANCE?
If you have any medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, or environmental allergies that may impact your ability to complete the walk, please discuss with the guide before you confirm your booking. Also, a foraged tea and light, healthy snacks are served at the end of the walk, so if you have any dietary restrictions, let your guide know in advance, so that she can accommodate as much as possible.
8. WHAT IS YOUR REFUND AND WALK CANCELLATION POLICY?
You may request a 50% refund if cancelling more than 48 hours in advance. No refunds after that point. 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 or ground conditions, guide's incapacity, or if the venues need to close for any reason. Full refunds offered for cancellations initiated by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi.
Please 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. 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 up-to-date with all boosters. 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. Camp Palehua participants need to additionally sign the Camp's online waiver.
2. ARE MASKS REQUIRED?
Currently, masks are optional at both locations. We encourage social distancing (keeping at least 6 feet/2 meters away from people you don’t live with) throughout.
3. ARE WE ACTUALLY WALKING THE ENTIRE TIME?
No. Even on the Camp Palehua hike, there are plenty of occasions to rest, sit, and give your attention to just where you are. All participants should be able to stand or sit on the ground for 15 minutes at a time, and be able to raise themselves from sitting. Bring walking sticks, if you need them, or ask me in advance to bring you a pair.
4. ARE THERE RESTROOMS?
Yes. Restrooms are available at both Lyon Arboretum (the Visitors Center) and Camp Palehua (indoor facilities for the campers).
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 (over the ankle) crew socks. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful. Also bring and apply sunscreen and, for the Rain Forest experience, fragrance-free mosquito repellent. NOTE: the only proven, effective mosquito repellents are DEET-based or picaridin (guide's favorite). More here.
Covered shoes with good traction are recommended for all forest bathing experiences and REQUIRED for the Camp Pālehua experience.
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. And stowing a poncho or rain jacket is always a good idea for a walk in the forest! The pack and wearable rain gear (vs. an umbrella) will also help keep your hands free – the better to touch things in the forest!
6. WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?
Unless there are hazardous conditions, our walks proceed. Check ahead for the hourly weather forecast in the specific locale and be prepared with appropriate outer wear and shoes. You'll find rich new scents and sights and sounds on a walk in the rain!
7. IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO TELL THE GUIDE IN ADVANCE?
If you have any medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, or environmental allergies that may impact your ability to complete the walk, please discuss with the guide before you confirm your booking. Also, a foraged tea and light, healthy snacks are served at the end of the walk, so if you have any dietary restrictions, let your guide know in advance, so that she can accommodate as much as possible.
8. WHAT IS YOUR REFUND AND WALK CANCELLATION POLICY?
You may request a 50% refund if cancelling more than 48 hours in advance. No refunds after that point. 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 or ground conditions, guide's incapacity, or if the venues need to close for any reason. Full refunds offered for cancellations initiated by Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi.
Please feel free to CONTACT me if you have other questions.
Peace, focus, tranquility. These are just a few words that describe a Forest Bath facilitated by Phyllis Look. We are fortunate to be surrounded by natural wonders in Hawai‘i, but it is easy to ignore them and take them for granted. With gentle intention, Phyllis guided all of us into opening our eyes, hearts, and minds to a deeper level of harmony and healing, with meaningful and lasting results. Highly recommended. -- John Kalani Zak, filmmaker, Climate Reality Leader
I discovered a well of gratitude. -- Sheryl, Oʻahu
