Meet Blue Zones Project Champion, BETTINA MOK

Meet Blue Zones Project^® Champion Bettina Mok who improved her social life by joining a Makiki Walking Moai in July 2018.

Bettina Mok, far right, walking with her Makiki Walking Moai

"As a self-employed consultant, I work from home and often find myself working through the day without leaving my apartment or talking to other people face-to-face. When I heard about the Blue Zones Project walking moai starting up in Makiki, I knew it would be a good reason to get out and stretch my legs once a week, and hopefully meet some of my neighbors. Now, eight weeks later, I’ve walked an average of 1.6 miles each Thursday and made new friends among the growing group of residents from the “4M's” community in Honolulu (Mānoa-Makiki-McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili).

"Each week we pick a different route to walk and each route is mapped out in advance by one of the group members. We’ve been on forested trails, historic neighborhood walks, and what’s turned out to be a favorite destination – local cemeteries, full of history, leafy foliage and peaceful views!"

Makiki Walking Moai Team

"Group members have shared how much they value this time, both for getting exercise and fresh air as well as connecting with others each week. One member had never heard wind through the trees before our walk up in Saint Louis Heights. When we learned that another member had gone to the hospital for an injury, we all signed a card to send to her. This week we’ll celebrate a birthday over dinner after walking. Our group loves eating before or after walks – sometimes at a farmer’s market in Makiki, other times in local family restaurants.

"I myself have made some fantastic connections and good friends through this group. I’ve only lived in Hawaii for three years, and my current neighborhood for one, so it’s really special to meet local folks who teach me about local history and good eats in the area. Several have even helped me with my housing search and invited me to family events. We wear our Blue Zones Project shirts proudly on our walks, and remind each other of healthy eating habits when we go out to eat. I’m happy to say that this moai will continue on beyond the initial 10-week session that Blue Zones Project staff helped initiate. There’s so much to see in our community, so many restaurants to try out, more neighbors to get to know… the path to wellness and community-building is limitless!"

Join the Well-Being Movement!

Join a Walking Moai in Mānoa-Makiki-McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili.
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out free upcoming events inMānoa-Makiki-McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili.

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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com