Blue Zones Project® and Beach Cities Health District encourage social connection. A Moai® (pronounced “Mo Eye”) is a group of people meeting for a common purpose and can include activities like walking, purpose discussions and potluck meals. The world’s longest-lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created “Moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So, the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors. Based on this tradition, Moai groups are considered just as important to a person’s health as the benefits of being active, healthy eating and finding a purpose.
View the Virtual Moai Social Events Playlist
Increase your well-being with these recorded presentations to learn about various topics.
Moai Social Events
Get to know your neighbors and neighborhoods
Join us at an upcoming Moai Social Event where you can connect with your community and try out new activities. These events are inspired by our Blue Zones Project® Moais (pronounced “Mo-eye”), social groups that can become a lifelong support network, and they begin with people coming together who share a common purpose or healthy hobby.
In 2023, the Gallup Well-Being Index results showed nearly 1 in 5 Beach Cities residents reported having little or no connection to other people. Join us as we partner with local organizations to promote events that help us explore something new and connect with others in the community.
Upcoming Events
April 30: Plant and Potluck
Wilderness Park Workdays prepare Wilderness Park for the planting season this fall! Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy and BCHD in maintaining, watering and weeding at the park. Gloves and tools are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. We recommend you bring:
- Closed-toe shoes (boots preferred)
- Clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen
Afterwards, we will host a vegetarian potluck where you can chat and share your favorite healthy recipes with other volunteers. We recommend bringing a dish that does not need to be refrigerated and comes in a reusable container to reduce waste. Reusable serving utensils will be provided for attendees in addition to compostable utensils and plates.
Join us from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Hopkins Wilderness Park (1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).
Space is limited.
May 11: Hermosa Beach Murals Walk
In partnership with the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus, join us for a “Jane's Walk” to learn about the Hermosa Beach Murals. The walk will be led by Ken Robertson, an urban planner and retired Hermosa Beach Community Development Director, and Steve Gerhardt, a pedestrian advocate and urbanist. You’ll learn about the murals, the history of Pier Plaza and recent bike and pedestrian improvements in downtown Hermosa Beach.
Jane's Walk is an annual global celebration of urbanism and community building celebrating Jane Jacobs, the journalist and social observer. The walk will take about an hour and a half, is all paved and mostly level with a few small hills. Please wear comfortable shoes, wear sunscreen and bring water. We plan on going for refreshments afterward for those who are available.
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Meet in front of Tower 12 restaurant, 53 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach
May 20: Wilderness Walk
In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are partnering with South Bay Parkland Conservancy to highlight the health benefits of nature by inviting community members to embark on a Wilderness Walk!
Meet us at 10:15 a.m. when the park opens to nourish your connection with your neighbors and your community. Hopkins Wilderness Park (1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).
Your participation can reduce stress, diminish feelings of loneliness and increase your well-being. Space is limited.
If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Uy at Jackie.Uy@bchd.org.
Join a Moai
| View Full Moai List | Best Practices to Keep Your Moai Safe |
Start a Moai
Types of Moais
- Walking Moai
Walking Moais meet once or twice a week and walk together for at least 30 minutes. In the past year, nearly 140 local Walking Moai groups have brought together more than 1,750 people in the Beach Cities, turning strangers into friends. - Potluck Moai
Potluck Moais meet once a month and explore new recipes with a “Plant Slant,” dishes focused on vegetables, fruits and plant-based proteins. Vegans, vegetarians, or those simply looking to eat healthier are all welcome. - Purpose Moai
Purpose Moais meet once a week for 10 weeks to talk about how each member can live their purpose in everyday life. Discover your life’s purpose surrounded by a supportive, encouraging group.
Why I Joined a Moai
"I joined a Walking Moai in April of 2011 and have been walking ever since. I'm sure my health has improved as a result of walking at least sixteen miles per week. However, what has been even more important is the fact that my wife and I have met a group of great people who also walk with our Moai, the Ocean Walkers. We not only walk together but we enjoy each others' company socially. When I walk with our partners in the Moai, it's so much more interesting to find out what our friends did on the weekend or what movies they saw, or to meet their sons or daughters who occasionally join us." – Irwin Brand, Walking Moai participant
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