Kapua Beyer Cavaco’s mind, body, and spirit were put to the test when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40. She was also battling endometriosis, trying to grow her private therapy practice, and raising her two young daughters with her husband.
Forest bathing, or immersing oneself in nature, was a crucial part of Beyer Cavaco’s healing journey. Now a certified forest therapy guide, the Maui psychologist harnesses the power of nature to help others. Find out more about forest bathing from Beyer Cavaco and how you can benefit, too.
A resounding endorsement
One afternoon, after trying a forest bathing class, Beyer Cavaco’s parents came home raving about it. “I immediately noticed something was different,” she says. “They were calm but also alert and present. They’re 79 and 81 now, and although they’re in great shape, they don’t always get excited about new experiences anymore since they’ve seen a lot and experienced so much. It’s rare for them to gush about something, but after forest bathing, they were engaged, talkative, and genuinely moved.”
For Beyer Cavaco, it wasn’t just about what they said; it was how they said it. “They seemed grounded and connected in a way I hadn’t seen in a while,” she says. “That kind of shift was beautiful to see in them. Also, I was surprised that they didn’t have any mobility issues. I was so curious and excited to try it.”
An unexpected bond
It wasn’t long before she and her husband went forest bathing at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens with Phyllis Look, a certified forest therapy guide and owner of Forest Bathing Hawaii. “Phyllis’ guiding style was gentle and supportive,” Beyer Cavaco says. “It was embodied, slow, and exactly the kind of unwinding and disconnect I rarely get in my day-to-day life as a mom, but the kind that I so appreciate. It was a truly lovely experience.”
While Beyer Cavaco anticipated connecting with nature, she was surprised by how much their group of 10 bonded. “I expected the experience to be introspective and personal, and it was, but the moments when the group shared what they were feeling was unexpectedly moving, funny, and insightful,” she says. “Listening to others reflect added depth to my own experience. It felt like community in its purest form, and it was surprising how quickly that bond happened.”
Kapua Beyer Cavaco (middle) immersed in the forest.
An abundance of benefits
The practice of forest bathing comes from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku and is a way to take a break from the stresses of life. Beyer Cavaco sees forest bathing as a non-invasive, low-cost preventive health intervention that requires no special equipment. “It’s accessible across diverse communities and adaptable for all ages and mobility levels,” she says. “It offers meaningful return on investment for insurers by reducing the burden of chronic disease, behavioral health claims, and stress-related conditions.” Other health benefits include:
- Reducing stress and cortisol levels. Forest bathing has been shown to lower the body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Spending time in nature can lower the heart rate and calm the nervous system.
- Supporting mental and emotional well-being. A study conducted by Frontiers in Psychology found that forest bathing participants reported improvement in their anxiety, depression, and overall mood.
- Improving cardiovascular health. In 2017, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study that showed blood pressure reductions in participants after a forest bathing session. Increasing relaxation can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Enhancing sleep quality. Studies show that spending time in nature has been linked to having an easier time falling asleep, longer sleep duration, and overall better sleep quality.
Keep in mind that while forest bathing may not be a covered benefit under your medical plan, self-directed exploration is always free!
Gaining a deeper understanding
At first, Beyer Cavaco decided to become a certified forest therapy guide, just for herself. “I wanted to try something new that aligned with my work as a psychologist that also allowed me to step outside the office and into nature,” she says. “But as I started the process, I found myself wanting to share everything I was learning. I couldn’t stop talking about it!”
And after going through breast cancer treatments and radiation, she found herself searching for more. “I was seeking healing on my own, healing that I couldn’t always find in clinical settings,” she says. “Being outdoors felt like the next natural step.”
Beyer Cavaco received her training through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). “Everything they provided was incredibly accessible,” she says. “They host regular informational Zoom calls where you can meet trainers from around the world. My trainers, Ken from Canada and Amanda from Hong Kong, had a teaching style, depth of knowledge, and humility that made me feel immediately connected.”
A serene forest bathing session.
She feels fortunate that she was able to meet the founder of the ANFT, Amos Clifford, who made a special visit to Maui to support the training group. “He spoke candidly, answered all of our questions, and led a couple of forest bathing session for us,” Beyer Cavaco says. “It was really special to experience firsthand.”
Her training cohort began on Aug. 8, 2024. “It was exactly one year after the Maui wildfires,” she says. “That timing felt significant to me, almost like a sign. It felt pono (good, righteous, in harmony) to be honoring those we lost by dedicating myself to something rooted in healing — not only for myself, but hopefully, for Maui’s future, too.”
Throughout the six months of weekly online classes, Beyer Cavaco learned a lot about forest therapy and herself. “As someone who’s completed 12 years of higher education, I found the training, without a doubt, to be one of the most well-designed, meaningful courses I’ve taken,” she says. “It was rigorous and thoughtfully structured, but also deeply personal. The trainers were humble, present, and incredibly supportive. Their guidance made the experience transformative.”
The final component of certification was a four-day, in-person immersion. While the immersions are offered in locations around the world, ANFT hosted one on Maui to support local guides. “I appreciated this because it was both accessible and affordable,” Beyer Cavaco says. “Eight of us from Maui and others from around the U.S. graduated in June 2025, and it felt powerful to complete that journey on the same aina that I hope to serve through this work.”
After getting certified in forest bathing, guides can go further and train in relational forest therapy, which ANFT describes as emphasizing the forest as a therapeutic partner to foster a sense of interconnectedness.
“Though it’s not an ancient tradition in itself, the essence of forest bathing, and its evolution into relational forest therapy, has many parallels with indigenous wisdom,” Beyer Cavaco says. “At its core, this practice invites a reconnection with nature as a way to remember who we are. It speaks to a deeper, global calling: for humanity to return to relationship and reciprocity with the natural world.”
Information from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Spreading the word
According to the ANFT, forest bathing is now practiced worldwide, with nearly 3,000 guides in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit ANFT’s website or Forest Bathing Hawaii. Whether you’re interested in the physical and mental health benefits, or you simply enjoy nature, forest bathing can a worthwhile endeavor. “For me, forest bathing has been a gentle reminder to slow down, practice being in my body, and kilo (observe),” Beyer Cavaco says. “My mental and emotional health have benefited so much, and it has truly been a gift to be able to see nature with love, appreciation, and feel connected to aina.”
Enjoy the outdoors
From hiking to swimming to yoga outside, there are so many ways to connect with nature in Hawaii. Here are ideas on unique ways to spend time outdoors:
free ohana yoga
As a mother and physical therapist, Suma Metla, DPT, understands how important it is for parents to have a strong support system when raising their children. That’s why she began coordinating community events, such as free ohana yoga, throughout Oahu. Read to learn more!
hiking kaena point trail with kids
Intimidated by the thought of hiking this remote and scenic trail with kids? We got you covered! Find out what to expect and what to bring to make it a fun outing for all.
hiking manoa falls trail with kids
One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, Manoa Falls is a gorgeous, beginner- and keiki-friendly trail.
hiking puu pia trail with kids
Here’s another beginner hike that, while relatively short, boasts breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Koolau range.
plumeria paradise on oahu’s north shore
Explore this hidden gem on the North Shore filled with an abundance of plumerias.
take a walk in the forest
We’re written about forest bathing before! Learn how it gives participants an opportunity to practice the three Rs—rest, recuperation, and reflection.
Photos courtesy Kapua Beyer Cavaco
