Hiking the trails, healing the mind
Amanda Cun is a final-year PharmD Candidate at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.
One of the most meaningful parts of my recent trip to Hawaii was stepping away from the noise—both literal and mental—and immersing myself in nature. From trekking through tangled jungle paths to standing above the clouds, every step helped me slow down and reconnect with myself, something I hadn’t realized how badly I needed. What made this experience even more meaningful was having my best friend by my side.
Sharing the beauty of the Big Island together created a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Whether it was tackling the Shipman Beach Hike together or marveling at the view from Mauna Kea, we were able to pause and reflect in ways that felt both healing and grounding.
Unforgettable moments
The Shipman Beach Hike stands out as one of those quietly transformative experiences. The trail, winding through a mix of forest and lava fields, ends at a secluded black sand beach, only reachable by foot. It felt symbolic—how some of the most beautiful moments in life require effort, patience, and presence. As I made my way through the uneven terrain, I was reminded of how mental and emotional healing often follows the same unpredictable paths—sometimes rocky, sometimes muddy—but always leading to moments of clarity.
Another unforgettable moment was driving up to Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii. Watching the landscape shift from rainforest to barren alpine felt like ascending through worlds. Standing above the clouds, I was struck by how small yet powerful we all are. It made me realize the importance of perspective. In the hustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, but moments like that remind you to zoom out, reflect, and gain clarity.
Reconnecting with my purpose
As I hiked along various trails on the Big Island, through ancient lava flows, along steep coastal cliffs, and into lush rainforests, I realized how much I had missed the stillness. In the daily life of a student pharmacist, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of to-do lists, deadlines, and constant communication. But out on the trail, there was no signal, no back-to-back meetings. It was just the sound of my footsteps, the wind through the trees, and the crunch of volcanic rock underfoot.
The time spent hiking reminded me of something essential: To care for yourself, you must first take the time to heal. Reconnecting with nature gave me the space to reflect on my mental health and the importance of self-care. It allowed me to reconnect with my purpose, step away from the constant pressure of productivity, and simply be present. In those moments, I realized that taking care of my mental health was just as important as any physical challenge.
A lesson on each trail
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of my trip was witnessing the eruption of Kīlauea. The raw power of the lava reminded me of the challenges we face in life—unexpected, intense, yet full of potential for growth. Just like a volcanic eruption reshapes the land, moments of emotional upheaval can reshape you, making you a stronger, more resilient individual. You can experience mental and emotional “eruptions” yourself, but just as the land heals, you too can grow from those moments, finding new strength and understanding.
Each trail offered its own lesson. The steep switchbacks down to the Captain Cook Monument reminded me that meaningful growth is not always easy, but the rewards at the end are worth it. The landscape of the Kīlauea Iki Trail, where life slowly reclaims scorched earth, echoed the resilience we all carry within us, even after the hardest times. Mauna Kea reinforced how important it is to step back sometimes, to gain perspective and remind yourself that even the most challenging moments are part of the journey.
A sense of grounding
Out there, immersed in the raw beauty and quiet of nature, I felt a sense of grounding that had been missing for months. Nature, in all its unfiltered beauty, has a way of helping reconnect, offering healing through its simplicity. Sometimes, the most powerful way to move forward is by taking a step back, breathing deeply, and allowing yourself the space to heal.