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Sometimes, getting outside starts with something simple.
A trail. A family. A new experience in nature.
For Hawaiʻi Nature Center and HURT Hawaiʻi, the Rainforest Ramble grew from a longstanding partnership and a shared desire to introduce more keiki to the joy of trail running and spending time outdoors.
But the idea was about more than one event.
It was about creating a welcoming opportunity for local kids and families to get outside together, explore the trails, and discover what can happen when time in nature becomes part of everyday life.
Where the Idea Began
HURT Hawaiʻi has been a longstanding partner of Hawaiʻi Nature Center, with the HURT 100 trail race starting line beginning from HNC. That connection helped inspire the Rainforest Ramble.
The idea grew from a shared belief that more keiki should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors—not simply by watching or learning about nature, but by getting out there and experiencing it firsthand.
The goal was to create a fun and welcoming way for local kids and families to explore the trails together while building healthy habits along the way.
For children, those early experiences can become something that stays with them.
A positive experience outdoors can be the beginning of a lifelong love of being active in nature.
The Moment That Makes It Real
Sometimes, the impact of connecting children with nature can be seen in a single moment.
During a Nature Adventure Camp, one camper caught a huge Tahitian prawn in the stream. It was the biggest prawn many of the keiki had ever seen.
The reaction was immediate. The other campers gathered around, fascinated by what they were seeing. They called out observations about the prawn—its size, its color, and its claws—and their excitement quickly spread through the group.
It was a simple moment, but a memorable one. There was no need to explain why the experience mattered. The keiki were simply amazed to see an animal up close, in its natural environment, and to discover something for themselves.
Moments like this are a reminder of the power of firsthand experiences in nature. When children have the opportunity to explore, observe, and encounter something unexpected, curiosity can take over. And sometimes, that sense of wonder is what makes an experience unforgettable.
Making Space to Connect
For local families, spending time outdoors can offer something that is easy to lose in the busyness of everyday life: time to slow down and connect.
When kids and families experience nature together, the experience becomes something shared. It can encourage healthier, more active lifestyles while also supporting mental and emotional well-being. Just as importantly, it can create meaningful family memories.
A trail can become a place where families spend time together, discover something new, and step away from the pace of everyday life. The Rainforest Ramble creates space for that kind of experience—bringing movement, the outdoors, and family connection together.
From Outdoor Experiences to Environmental Stewards
There is another part of the story that goes beyond running.
When children have positive experiences in nature, they can begin to develop a personal connection with the environment around them. That connection matters.
It is one thing to know that the natural world should be cared for. It is another to have spent time exploring it, noticing it, and feeling a sense of curiosity and wonder about the living things around you.
The experience of seeing a Tahitian prawn up close is one small example. A child sees something unfamiliar, becomes curious, and wants to understand what is in front of them. Those experiences can help build a sense of care and responsibility for the environment.
Over time, that connection can help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Why We’re Supporting the Rainforest Ramble
At haimont, we believe being outdoors is about more than the miles you cover. It is about the experiences that happen along the way.
The Rainforest Ramble represents an opportunity for local kids and families to experience the trails together, discover the joy of being active outdoors, and build a connection with the environment around them.
We're proud to support Hawaiʻi Nature Center and the work behind the Rainforest Ramble. Because introducing a child to the outdoors can be about more than one day on the trail.
It can be the beginning of healthier habits, meaningful family memories, a deeper connection to nature, and a lifelong desire to keep exploring.
Sometimes, all it takes is a chance to get outside.
