In March 2016, a group from the Waikoloa Senior Club learned about Blue Zones Project and decided to get moving by creating a Walking Moai — a group of people that meet to walk at least once a week for 10 weeks. Today, 21 months later, the group is still together and calls themselves the Waikoloa Wanderers.
The word moai comes from Okinawa, Japan and means “meeting for a common purpose.” Blue Zones Project adopted this and creates Moai Walking teams to provide social interaction and support that are just as important as the physical exercise they’re getting during their walk.
Almost two years ago, a small group of eight people gathered at Hooko Park at 5 p.m. and took a leisurely stroll. Since then, a core group of four has continued this on a weekly basis and has made a bunch of new friends. The Waikoloa Wanderers average 4,000 steps each week during an hour of walking, chatting and building friendships.
These small groups have totaled over 60 people over the past 21 months. Starting with a brief 30-minute walk last year, they now last up to 1.5 hours and end with ohana time at the swimming pool. The group walks together, has gatherings with their families together and even volunteers together.
Vicki Coronel and Peter Haynes wanted to get involved after moving to the area in 2016.
“Joining the Waikoloa Wanderers Moai provided us the opportunity to meet people in the village and become integrated into the community. It is a great group of people,” they said.
Since joining the Walking Moai, they have become integral leaders in the community and have chaired the Health Fair and the Waikoloa Literacy Run, one of the largest events in the area.
Another Moai leader, Marjorie Mrasek, excitedly shared her story.
“Our Waikoloa Wanderers has made a great difference in my life. Two things come right to mind: I have gotten to know some very nice people in a special way and I am really feeling so much better about myself having taken the better part of an hour to get out and move my body,” she said. “The friends I have made through the project share a common appreciation for the importance of Blue Zones goals and ideals. I enjoy sharing what different things we are all trying with our food and health.”
To get involved with Blue Zones Project — Hawaii or join a Walking Moai, email bluezonesprojecthawaii@sharecare.com or visit Hawaii.bluezonesproject.com. Find them on Facebook (@bzphawaii) and Instagram (@bzphawaii) too.