5 Unique Wellness Activities on Oʻahu
Take a break from the noise to find some inner peace and connect to the ʻāina.
Hawaiʻi is ranked as the healthiest state in the U.S., according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health index scores. While the mild, consistent weather and close proximity to the ocean and mountains enable year-round outdoor activities, a daily vitamin D boost from the sun and a deep connection to nature all contribute to our overall health. Beyond the common surfing, hiking and paddling, Hawaiʻi is known for, Oʻahu also boasts some unique offerings that bring wellness to your mind, body and spirit.
Yoga Under the Palms
Photo: Courtesy of Yoga Under the Palms/Corey Rothwell
Practice a variety of yoga styles outdoors on a covered lanai to the sounds of the breeze rustling palm trees, monstera and tropical flowers that surround you. There are three locations to choose from: Kakaʻako, Kaimukī and Kailua. yogaunderthepalms.com
Moon Walks at Waimea Valley
Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley
Once a month Waimea Valley—a spiritual living refuge on the North Shore—allows 50 people into the park at night to walk the trail by moonlight. Guests may also sign up for a cultural tour. This event takes place May through October. waimeavalley.net/moon-walks
Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing—the practice of mindfully walking through a forest—was adopted in Japan in the 1980s to reconnect with nature and avoid tech burnout. Choose from a guided forest therapy walk through Lyon Arboretum (a 100-year-old botanical garden) or a hike paired with cultural storytelling in the Waiʻanae Mountains on Oʻahu’s West Side led by forest therapy guide Phyllis Look. forestbathinghi.com
Read More: Soak Up Nature with a Forest Bathing Walk in a Hawaiian Rainforest
Sound Bathing
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Lotus Kailua/Brandon Smith
Sound bathing is a meditative practice using sound as an anchor. A practitioner may play a variety of instruments, but the most common are gongs and Tibetan and/or crystal bowls. At Blue Lotus Kailua, owner Jennifer Reuter incorporates all three with the addition of gentle movement to prime the body for relaxation and a primer on meditation and sound bathing for anyone new to the practice. bluelotuskailua.com/sound-baths
SUP Yoga
Photo: Courtesy of Yoga Floats
Test your agility and core strength by practicing yoga postures on a stand-up paddle board in the calm reef-protected waters of Ala Moana Beach. With Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) as your view and nothing to hear but the sound of the waves lapping, you’ll become one with the ocean. Classes are offered morning and night. yogafloats.com
