Healing Trees at Lumeria Maui

Maui Forest Bathing is excited to host the next event in our Healing Trees program. 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 experience on the grounds of the Lumeria Maui Retreat Center you'll be guided on a slow, intentional stroll in their Whispering Winds Forest. As we move under the shade of the eucalyptus trees, your certified forest therapy guide, Edward Baldwin, 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.

We are extremely honored that joining the walks at Lumeria will be two of the leaders of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, founder Amos Clifford and general manager/trainer/certified forest therapy guide Jackie Kuang.

Upon arrival through the Lumeria entrance, turn left to find parking, then please drive to the end of the lot. We’ll gather in the smaller yoga studio located near the parking lot and to the left of the dining room. We’ll have someone there to help direct you.

Please bring a small towel or waterproof mat to sit/lie on, a rain jacket or plastic poncho, 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 that can easily be removed, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Masks are optional; social distancing encouraged.

This is an ADULTS-ONLY event, minimum age 16 years old.

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.

• If Maui residents would like to stay overnight at this retreat center, call Lumeria for the most up-to-date kamaʻāina rate. There are no room rate specials for the Healing Trees program.
• Additionally, there are no special rates offered to forest bathing participants to dine at Lumeria restaurant, The Wooden Crate. There is, however, a kamaʻāina discount on the prix fixe menu. Guests can make reservations via Open Table or by calling directly to 808-579-8877.