Healing Trees at Hui Noʻeau FOR FAMILIES

BRING A KEIKI! This event welcomes families, especially those with kids 8 - 12 years old. If you're reserving for adults and not bringing a young person, please consider attending instead the afternoon adults-only session.

"Healing Trees" is offered as a gift to the people of Maui after last year’s tragic wildfires. This monthly series of mindful walks is inspired by the practice of Shinrin-yoku (translated as “forest bathing”) that began as a public health initiative in Japan. Today, forest bathing is a growing global wellness movement backed by more than 40 years of scientific research on the physical and mental health benefits of immersing yourself in nature.

On your 2-hour forest bathing walk, you'll be guided on a slow, intentional stroll on the grounds of Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center. As we move over the grassy lawn, under the spreading monkeypod trees, and through the gardens, your certified forest therapy guide will offer a series of sensory-opening “invitations” to help you find your own personal connection with the natural world. A highly interactive and respectful experience, you'll have opportunities to sit quietly in contemplation, as well as share with others in the small group, all at a safe physical distance outdoors.

Our guest artist at this event is Melinda Caroll, founder of When We Shine, and 2024 Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominee.

Please bring a small towel or mat to sit/lie on, a rain jacket or waterproof poncho (if it promises to be a rainy day), plus a backpack to carry everything in (you'll want to keep your hands free so you can touch the grass, leaves, tree trunks). We also recommend wearing walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Masks are optional; social distancing encouraged.

For more walks throughout 2024 showcasing some of Maui's most beautiful green spaces and healing trees, go to bit.ly/healingtreesmaui.

The Healing Trees series is participating in research conducted by the University of California, San Diego's Department of Psychiatry on the effects of forest bathing as an effective therapy for climate trauma. All participants are encouraged to respond to the pre- and post-walk surveys and cognitive tests. You will receive an email directly from UCSD's BrainE NEATLabs. For completing both the pre- and post-walk surveys and tests, you will receive a $10 Amazon giftcard.

You will also be asked to share an email of a family member who is NOT going on the forest bathing walk and they will be contacted to answer the same surveys and tests. (They are the "control" subjects). They will also be able to receive a $10 Amazon gift card on completion.

Healing Trees: A Series of Free Forest Bathing Walks for Maui is presented by Maui Forest Bathing and Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi. With this series, we are also hoping to encourage a handful of Maui residents to embark on the 6-month online training to become certified forest therapy guides. Their long-term, active service on the island will assist in the ongoing healing from the trauma of the wildfires. Your donation will support these efforts. Donate when reserving your tickets. (Donations are not tax-deductible.)

MAHALO NUI LOA to Maui Forest Bathing, Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, UC San Diego's Department of Psychiatry, and all our location partners for their generous support.