FOLLOW ME

The 'Awapuhi Labyrinth in Hawaiian Paradise Park, only 30 minutes south of Hilo on the Big Island's east side, was not easy to find. But after being advised to look for a Little Free Library and with help from my traveling partner, I found it. This massive 90-foot, eleven-circuit replica of Chartres Cathedral's design — crafted from live plants in 1999 — spans a full mile round-trip walk. I parked, hiked in through lush greenery, and delved down the winding path. Awapuhi is a

Welcome to the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary near Captain Cook, just a quick 12-mile drive south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Tucked into seven acres of tropical bliss overlooking Kealakekua Bay, this spot is pure magic. I wandered the winding 50-foot lava rock labyrinth called the Mother of Creativity, built by the community in 1996. The galaxy garden and ancient petroglyphs added to the ultra-chill vibe of the whole place, with birds chirping and ocean views everywhe

I strolled into the Maluhia Garden Labyrinth at Queen's North Hawaii Community Hospital right in Waimea (aka Kamuela), the heart of North Kohala on the Big Island, aka Hawai'i, about 1 hour north of Kona. This meditative gem, dedicated to peace, features 1,350 hand-made tiles with heartfelt messages honoring loved ones. Amid the hospital grounds, it felt surprisingly serene; I traced the peaceful paths, reading notes of goodwill and positivity throughout. It's free, open to v

I stopped by Christ Church Episcopal which once had an attractive labyrinth behind the church. But a staffer there told me that it had been destroyed by wild pigs who had continually uprooted the stones. It was unfortunate as it's a perfect location, elevated on a small hill and surrounded by gorgeous banyan trees. This is just north of the Captain Cook region of the island of Hawai'i.

When a new public labyrinth is created, I sometimes wonder how it came to be. What was it competing for, or was it a tough debate to get it installed? There's a new neighborhood park in Kirkland, Washington, that crams an awful lot of features into a small space. There's a playground, a raised-stone massaging rock feature for meditation and healing, athletic fields, a zipline, a hill for kids' sledding, and much more. And there's also a labyrinth, a sharp 11-circuit brick pat

This large brick labyrinth was dedicated as a memorial nearly 20 years ago. It is still in good condition and is located at the Vancouver United Church of Christ in a grove of trees, set back from the parking lot. There's a wood-frame entryway directing visitors to the site. On the day I went, services had just ended so it was relatively quiet as people drove away.

I heard about the labyrinths at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Vancouver as part of a COVID Day of Remembrance. The church had scheduled a special afternoon service around that theme and then invited people to come and walk their indoor and outdoor labyrinths. I had not been to that church so I was eager to go. The church members who I met could not have been more welcoming and kinder. I was able to quietly walk a portable labyrinth set up in the large hall, and then move outd

Whenever I come across a labyrinth that's not just new to me (which isn't that rare as I've only been to a small fraction of the total number), but also is new to the world, that's exciting. This stone pattern in a set-off grassy area was just established in June 2025, according to Shoreline Free Methodist Church. It's compact, neat and provides a pleasant respite.

As I walked this labyrinth, a much younger visitor turned to her parent and exclaimed, "Look, Dad, a fairy garden!" I guess that could be an accurate descriptor too. This terrific labyrinth sits dramatically on a coastal bluff near Shell Beach in Jenner, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean just feet away. Conveniently located near the Kortum Trail parking lot, it's easily accessible for hikers and beachgoers alike. What makes this labyrinth truly special is its w

Perched on a hillside within Oak Hill Park, this stone labyrinth offers a nice of the rolling parkland below. The elevated position gave me a nice viewpoint, both literally and generally, as I walked it. Constructed with stones, the labyrinth fits naturally into the hillside landscape, making it feel like an organic part of the park's topography. Oak Hill Park is nestled in a residential area of Petaluma, just a few minutes from one of the best small-town experiences anywhere