Nāhele Explorers
Immerse your keiki in the wonders of Hawai‘i’s lush Mānoa rainforest at Nāhele Explorers, a nature day camp at Lyon Arboretum! This unique day camp offers hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, foster a deep connection to the ‘āina (land), and instill a sense of mālama (stewardship) for Hawai‘i’s natural environment.
Campers will embark on daily adventures through the Arboretum grounds, learning about native and endemic plants, traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, and the delicate balance of our island ecosystems, while engaging in fun and educational activities.
Whether they are an aspiring artist or an outdoor enthusiast, this camp offers the perfect space to explore in a vibrant, nature-filled setting. Keiki should be ready to discover, create, and connect with the wild around them!
WHEN: Two 1-week sessions. Families can sign up for one or both sessions.
Session A: June 2nd – 6th: FULL! Waitlist only- Session B: June 9th – 13th. (Camp WILL be held on Kamehameha Day, a State holiday)
TIME: Camp each day goes from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Children may be dropped off no earlier than 8:00 am each morning.
WHO: The camp is open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Your child must be at least 5 years old, and enrolled in Kindergarten this school year.
Campers should be comfortable and physically able to participate in outdoor activities regardless of the elements (Sun, rain, mosquitoes, mud—no problem!).
Camp participants are expected to be able to take direction and follow guidance from the Lyon Education Staff and constructively and safely work together in large or small groups, with up to 14 other children of varying ages and backgrounds.
The maximum number of campers is 15.
COST: $350.00
REFUNDS: If Lyon Arboretum needs to cancel the camp (e.g., for Covid-related situations) all families will be refunded in full. If a family that has already paid needs to cancel their registration & withdraw their campers, the refund policy will be as follows:
- More than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the camp session in question: A full refund will be issued.
- Less than 2 weeks prior to the first day (even if registering later): A refund of 50% of the cost of the camp will be issued.
- First day of camp or later: no refund or credit will be issued.
If you need to withdraw your camper(s), please notify the Business Office immediately at 808-988-0456 and email LyonEdu@hawaii.edu. Please leave a message with the Business Office if they are unable to answer the phone.
REGISTRATION DATES: Registration opens Friday, April 25th and closes May 23rd.
- We will accept forms starting at 12:00 am, April 25th.
- Any forms sent in prior to 04/25 will NOT be accepted.
- We will send a courtesy email informing you to resend the forms on the correct date.
HOW TO REGISTER
- Complete the Children’s Registration (click to open PDF)
- We prefer you send us a typed, electronically filled version of this form, but if you need help, please call or email us.
- Please name your file using this format: Last Name_Camper First Name_Registration
- Complete the Minors Waiver for Camp Form (click to open PDF)
- Please name your file using this format: Last Name_Camper First Name_ Waiver
- You must upload the forms using UH File Drop (You do NOT need a UH email address to use this system).
- Full instructions to use UH File Drop can be found here.
- More information can be found on the UH ITS website: https://www.hawaii.edu/askus/673
- AFTER confirmation of acceptance into the camp, payment can be made. DO NOT make a payment until instructed to do so.
- We no longer accept credit card payments over the phone.
- Checks can be mailed or dropped off at the Lyon Business Office in person. We are closed on state and federal holidays, and weekends. See our home page for upcoming closures.
- Checks must be made to the UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI.
- Please note that your child’s registration is NOT complete until payment has been received.
ONCE REGISTERED: We will send send out an informational packet a few days prior to the first day of camp. The information will include drop-off/pick-up information, a packing list, tax information, and other details. camp at lyonedu@hawaii.edu.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? CONTACT US!
Call or email the Education Department at 808-988-0461 or LyonEdu@hawaii.edu. E-mail is our primary form of communication for any questions or concerns regarding Nature Cam
EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT UPCOMING CAMP REGISTRATIONS
If you would like to sign up for email notifications before each camp, please fill out the form here: