Rainforest Ramble

$25.00

Date: September 20, 2025
Location: Hawaiʻi Nature Center
Start Time: 9:00 am
For Ages: 6-14 years old
Registrations begin: August 2, 2025
Select ticket quantity up to 5

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE

Event Description

The Hawaiʻi Nature Center (HNC) and the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team (HURT) are collaborating to host the Rainforest Ramble, an experiential fun run and educational event for keiki (children) aged 6–14. 

This unique event encourages keiki to explore the ʻāina while running or walking through portions of the scenic Makiki Trail System near the Hawaiʻi Nature Center with their parents or guardians. Along the way, they’ll engage in interactive learning activities that deepen their connection to nature and Hawaiian culture, all the while being physically active to promote a healthy lifestyle.All registration fees from the event will benefit the Hawaiʻi Nature Center as a donation from HURT, Inc. as both operate at 501(c)3 organizations. HURT, Inc. encourages your support of the Hawaiʻi Nature Center in this initiative. 

🌿 Event Overview

  • Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
  • Location: Hawaiʻi Nature Center, 2131 Makiki Heights Drive, Honolulu
  • Check-In Time: 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
  • Event Start Time: 9:00 AM (Wave start will be implemented for the two groups)
  • Ages: 6–14 years old
  • Registration Fee: $25 for the first child; $15 for each additional sibling up to 5 total participants from the same family. After the initial 5 the cycle will restart.
  • Parent/Guardian Participation: Required for children aged 6–10. Encouraged for children aged 11-14.  Parents / guardians participate for free and will receive a “Pacer Bib” at check in on race morning.
  • Registration: Pre-registration only; registration opens on August 2, 2025 and closes on September 13, 2025. Entrants registering after September 1 are not guaranteed the T-shirt of their size.
  • Event Capacity: Limited to 100 registered children (parents/guardians are not counted toward this limit).
  • Registration Site and Waiver: Registration and waiver to participate must be completed at HURT
  • Timing: The event will be timed, however the objective of the event is to encourage participation, learning and physical activity for the keiki. Results will be posted at Rainforest Ramble
  • Awards: Registered entrants will receive a T-shirt, a safety whistle, and their stamped event bib with their educational opportunities placed on their bib. Parents / Guardians will receive a great day on the trail with their keiki while encouraging exercise and learning about the environment.
  • What To Bring: Please bring a full water bottle or flask to carry while out on the trail for each individual. The trail(s) traverses a tropical rainforest and includes some mud, roots, rocks, and elevation changes (participants should wear closed toe shoes / sneakers). Participants should be prepared for potential rain, heat, mosquitos, high humidity and a whole lot of fun. Remember the smile at the photo opportunity!

🏃‍♀️ Course Details

Two courses have been designed for the event. Each course has been designed in an effort to keep the event all inclusive for those between the ages of 6-14, based upon the fitness level for the participant as determined by the parent / guardian.

  • The Beginner Trail (Second start wave): The course will be a 1 mile figure eight course including trails close to the Nature Center. The course is mostly flat with some technical roots and rocks. This course would be more appropriate for younger ages (6-8)  though not limited to that age group or for those who want a more mellow nature hiking experience. 
  • The Advanced Trail (First start wave): Approximately 2.4 miles on the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. The course begins at the Nature Center and climbs up Maunalaha trail, crossing over the valley on Makiki Valley Trail to Kanealole trail, the trail then descends back to the Nature Center. This course is open to all ages. During the event, those choosing this course will have the option to turn around at the top of Maunalaha trail and descend back to the Nature Center (1.7 miles). 
  • Optional Family Guided Hike: This hike is designed for parents and children not old enough to formally participate. The course will be an exploratory hike of the Herring loop and will occur after all runners and hikers are on the course. Registration is not required for this hike
  • HNC and HURT volunteers will be on the course throughout the event to help the keiki and parents along the way. 
  • Two water refill stations will be placed on the course

💧 Sustainability Note

In alignment with environmentally sound practices, the event will be cupless. Participants are asked to bring their own reusable cup or water bottle for hydration at aid stations and the finish line.

📝 Race Day Procedures

  • Check-In: All participants must check in between 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM at the Hawaiʻi Nature Center.
  • Parking: Limited parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Hālau Kū Māna (HKM) Charter School, 2101 Makiki Heights Drive. Once the lot is full, participants are asked to park along the road shoulder (on Maikiki Heights Drive) with all tires completely off the roadway. Participants are NOT allowed to park above the “Makiki Forest Recreation Area” sign (see picture below). Volunteers of the event will be present to direct traffic and to provide ingress / egress to the event via the arboretum trail. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Please plan ahead and arrive early.
  • Entrant Bibs: Each registered entrant will receive a bib with an assigned number and an emergency contact number (active only during the event). The event will be timed via Webscorer. The bib will be stamped along the way as participants complete an educational activity. 
  • Safety Whistle (with attached lanyard): Provided to each child at check-in for use in case of distress and for their personal use on future hikes..
  • T-shirt: provided to each child entrant. Shirt size cannot be guaranteed if registering after September 1, 2025. A limited supply of T-shirts might be available for purchase at the event.
  • Toilets: Restrooms are available at the start/finish area, along with portable toilets.
  • Course Markings: The course will be marked with flagging tape and directional signs. A course map will be provided at check-in for those unable to download it beforehand.
  • Aid Stations: Dependent on the course; participants (including parent / guardian) should carry a minimum of 250ml (8 oz) of water from the start.
  • Trail Etiquette: The trail is open to the public; please be courteous to other trail users and yield right of way.
  • Activities During Event: Educational activities will occur before, during and following the event

📞 Contact Information

For questions or more information, please contact the event organizers:

You can also reach out through the HURT Hawaii contact page

Rainforest Ramble | September 20, 2025
Location: Hawaiʻi Nature Center
Ages: Keiki 6–14

Join us for the Rainforest Ramble, a fun and educational trail experience designed for keiki ages 6–14! This unique event encourages children to explore the ʻāina while running or walking through portions of the scenic Makiki Trail System near the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. Along the way, they’ll engage in interactive learning stations that deepen their connection to nature and Hawaiian culture.

In collaboration with HURT, Inc., this initiative supports keiki development—mentally and physically—while promoting parent participation and ʻohana engagement.

🌱 All registration proceeds directly support the Hawaiʻi Nature Center and its mission to educate and inspire environmental stewardship.

Let’s nurture the next generation of ʻāina-loving explorers—together!

Save the date and stay tuned for more details!

Rainforest Ramble

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

MUST BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN FOR MINOR PARTICIPANT

Participation in this event is limited to children from ages 6-14.

I wish to allow my child to enter and participate in the Rainforest Ramble event. I accept the rules, conditions, and regulations of the event and will ensure compliance on behalf of my child. I acknowledge and assume all risks associated with this event, recognizing the potential hazardous conditions. The event covers moderate mountainous terrain within a tropical rainforest and spans great extremes of humidity and temperature. I certify that (a) my child is in condition to complete the event, (b) they have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person, and (c) they are capable of participating in this event.  I am also aware that they may be exposed to physical injury from a number of natural factors on the trail, such as lack of water, threat from wildlife, rainstorms, & potential rockslides. I understand and accept that the risks include the fact my child may become injured or incapacitated in a location where it is difficult or impossible to get required medical aid to them in time to avoid additional physical injury, even death. Knowing these facts, nevertheless in consideration of HURT, Inc. & Hawaii Nature Center, &  I accept on behalf of my child  this entry, I HEREBY FOR MYSELF, MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS, WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE the HURT Inc., Hawaii Nature Center, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Na Ala Hele Trail Group, The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), RRCA, any official sponsor, entity, and the officers, trustees, directors, shareholders and/or members, agents and employees of each, all medical and other personnel assisting with the Run, or any of them and any other person connected with this running event, their representatives, successors and assigns, “Run Management”, FROM ANY AND ALL RIGHTS CLAIMS OR LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE for any and all injuries to me or my property, or for damage caused by me or by any else (including Acts of God), arising out of or in connection with my child’s participation in this event, and further indemnify and hold harmless the said Run Management from any and all liability or claims arising out of or in connection with my/our participation in this event.

As the parent/guardian of the participant under the age of 14, I acknowledge and agree to the following conditions in order for my child to participate in the Rainforest Ramble event:

  • I understand that as the parent/guardian of a minor participant, I must approve and digitally sign this waiver for my child to participate in the event. 
  • I’m aware that entry fees are required to cover the costs of event preparation, which occur months in advance. I also understand that if the event is canceled due to Acts of God or other circumstances beyond the event management’s control, the entry fee will not be refunded.
  • I understand that if my child chooses not to participate in the event, there will be no refund of the entry fee.
  • I acknowledge that I cannot roll over my child’s entry fee to the next year if they decide not to participate in the current event.
  • I understand that the entry to the event is non-transferable to another participant due to event limitations set by permitting agencies.
  • I grant permission for the free use of my child’s name, voice, picture, or written content related to the event in any magazine or newspaper articles, broadcasts, promotions, or other accounts of the event.

I, as the parent/guardian of the participant, hereby acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions set forth for my child’s participation in the Rainforest Ramble event. By digitally signing this waiver, I confirm that I understand and accept the following above.

I agree that this release is as broad as allowed by Hawaii law and will be governed by it. If any part of this Release is found invalid by a court, the rest will remain in effect.

Please note that if these boxes are not checked to indicate your agreement to the terms and conditions, your child’s participation in the Ramble In The Rainforest event will not be registered, and they will not be included in the event.

  • By checking this box, I confirm that the participant(s) are between the ages of 6-14.
  • By checking this box, I confirm my understanding and agreement to the above terms and conditions for my child’s participation in the Ramble In The Rainforest event.
  • By checking this box, I confirm my understanding and agreement to the above terms and conditions for my own participation in the Ramble In The Rainforest event as a parnt / guardian.