Rainforest Ramble 2026

$25.00

Date: September 26, 2026
Location: Hawaiʻi Nature Center
Start Time: 9:00 am
For Ages: 6-14 years old
Registrations begin: August 10, 2026

  • Select how many keiki you want to register;
  • Register each keiki with a new ticket;
  • Complete all tickets then click “Register”

 

Tickets for Rainforest Ramble 2026 are not available.

Event Description

The Hawaiʻi Nature Center (HNC) and the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team (HURT) are collaborating to host the 2nd Annual Rainforest Ramble, an experiential fun run and educational event for keiki (children) aged 6–14. 

The Rainforest Ramble 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. This unique rainforest event is perfect for interactive learning that fosters a deeper connection to nature and Hawaiian culture, while encouraging physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

All registration fees from the event benefit the Hawaiʻi Nature Center as a donation from HURT, Inc. Both operate as 501(c)3 organizations. HURT, Inc. encourages your support of the Hawaiʻi Nature Center in this initiative. 

🌿 Event Overview

  • Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
  • Location: Hawaiʻi Nature Center, 2131 Makiki Heights Drive, Honolulu
  • Check-In Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
  • Event Start Time: 9:00 AM (Wave start will be implemented for two groups)
  • Ages: 6–14 years old
  • Registration Fee: $25 per child, up to 5 for each registration
  • 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 10, 2026 and closes on September 23, 2026. Entrants registering after September 1 are not guaranteed the T-shirt of their size.
  • Event Capacity: Limited to 135 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: Although the event will be timed, Rainforest Ramble primarily aims to encourage participation, learning, and physical activity for keiki. Results will be posted at Rainforest Ramble.
  • Awards: Registered entrants will receive a unique, keiki-designed T-shirt and the opportunity to participate in fun activities after the event!
  • What To Bring: Each participant on the trail should carry a full water bottle or flask. The trail passes through tropical rainforest with mud, roots, rocks, and elevation changes, so wear closed-toe shoes. Be prepared for rain, heat, humidity, mosquitoes and lots of fun—and don’t forget to smile for the photo opportunity!

🏃‍♀️ Course Details

Two courses are offered 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 of the participant as determined by the parent/guardian.

  • The Advanced Trail (First start wave at 9 a.m.): Approximately 2.4 miles on the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. Expect a few hills! The course climbs from the Nature Center up Maunalaha Trail, crosses the valley on Makiki Valley Trail to Kanealole Trail, and finishes with a descent back to the Nature Center (approximately 800 feet of elevation gain/loss). 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 roundtrip). 
  • The Beginner Trail (Second start wave at 9:10 a.m.): The course will be a 1 mile figure-eight course on trails close to the Nature Center. The course is mostly flat with some technical roots and rocks. This course would be appropriate for younger ages (6-8) — though not limited to that age group — or for those who want a more mellow nature hiking experience. 
  • 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 the second start wave. Registration is not required for this hike.
  • HNC and HURT volunteers will be on the course throughout the event to support keiki and parents along the way. 
  • Two water refill stations will be placed on the course.
Beginner Trail Course Map Advanced Trail Course Map

💧 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). Event volunteers will be present to direct traffic and to guide participants to / from 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. 
  • T-shirt: provided to each child entrant. Shirt size cannot be guaranteed if registering after September 1, 2026. 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: Educational activities will occur before, during and following the event

📞 Contact Information

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

You may 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.