Living Aloha: 6-Day Hawai'i Island Hula & Wellness Retreat

• Learn Hula: Learn both traditional and modern styles of hula, delving into the rich storytelling of this ancient cultural dance form.
• Learn Hawaiian Chants: Experience the power of chant (oli) to bring inspiration and healing.
• Explore Cultural Sites: Huaka’i (journey) to sacred sites and immerse yourself in the mo’olelo—the stories, myths, and legends—of the area, shared by esteemed cultural practitioners.
• Create Lei: Gather materials from the ‘aina (land) and learn the art of lei-making, crafting beautiful adornments for the body that hold deep cultural significance.
• Connect with Nature: Relax and rejuvenate at the beach or explore the mountains, both just a short drive away, offering opportunities for scenic hikes and tranquil moments in nature.
• Reconnect and Revitalize: Take this time to reconnect with yourself and community to rediscover your vitality for life and find peace in the embrace of Hawaii's landscapes.
• Live Aloha: Embrace the Aloha Spirit in all that you do, fostering love, compassion, and harmony in your interactions with others… carrying this essence with you as you return to daily life.

Our retreat will be held at a vacation rental on Hawai’i Island's North Kohala coast. Set on 23 acres with pastures, orchards and stunning ocean views, this lovely home is the perfect setting to relax, unwind, recharge, and draw on the energy of North Kohala’s powerful and sacred land. The towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, with local boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and farmer's markets, are less than a mile from where we'll be staying and are well worth the visit for a taste of local Hawaiian culture.

Choose from spacious ocean or garden view rooms with queen beds that offer single or double occupancy, or shared occupancy in a room with two twin beds, or a full futon for single occupancy. There are two full bathrooms and a half bath, which will be share amongst the 6-10 participants. All rooms are fitted with Hawaiian style furniture. Linens and towels, including beach towels are provided.

We'll also have the opportunity to spend time at Pu’ukōlea, the land where Kumu and her husband live. Set on 9 acres, their home is just a short walk from historic and beautiful Kapanai’a Bay.

This is a tentative schedule only! The activities and times may be adjusted depending on availability and scheduling.

Day of Arrival

• 3-4 pm Arrivals
• 4:30 pm Opening Circle & Intention Setting
• 6 pm Dinner
• 7:30 pm Oli (Hawaiian chant) Class

Sample Daily Schedule

• 8 am Breakfast
• 9 am: Hula Class and/or Local Activity (Legends and Lore talk story; or excursion to nearby sacred or historical site)
• 12 pm: Lunch
• 1 pm: Free Time and optional Pololu Valley + Beach Hike; explore Kapa’au and Hawi towns; or local beach outing
• 4 pm: Living Pono talk story time; Oli (chant) Class; or Lei-Making Workshop
• 6:30 pm: Dinner

Alternate full or half day Huaka’i (excursions) to sacred or historical sites or cultural activities with local practitioners (ex: Kukuipahu Heiau, Kohala; Mo'okini Heiau, Kohala; Halema'uma'u, Volcano National Park).

Option to kōkua (provide hands-on service work) to give back to the local community (ex: Kahua Pa'a Mua, Kohala; Konea O Kukui, Kohala).

Day of Departure

• 7 am Breakfast
• 8 am Hō’ike to share what you’ve learned
• 9 am Closing circle
• 11 am Check Out and Departures

The closest airport to our accommodations is Kona International Airport (KOA), which is about 50 miles and approximately 1 hour drive. The cost of airport transfer to the retreat is not included, however we are happy to help coordinate shared transport. We will share the home address and a list of private taxi companies and drivers with all participants approximately 2 months prior to the start of the retreat. You may choose to rent your own car as well. Discount Hawai’i Car Rental is a reputable, affordable company. You could consider renting from Turo or other company as well.

We will provide transportation to and from any activities off-site. If you end up renting a car and would like to be a driver and have other participants ride with you, please email our team at [email protected] to let us know.

If your budget and schedule allow it, we recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate and adjust to a new time zone. Similarly, if you can stay a day or more after the retreat, that will give you time to integrate your experience before returning home. We are not able to offer accommodations for any additional nights, so regardless of your travels, please plan for the check-in and check-out times at our accommodations, as specified in the sample tentative schedule above.

All participants must be 21 or over. Retreat limited to 10 participants.

Our 2024 retreat is sold out. Check back soon for 2025 dates.

A $500 deposit is required to secure your spot or you may pay in full. The balance is due by September 15, 2024. Each room type has the option to make three additional payments (August 1, September 1 and September 15) or you can pay any amount amount when making a payment until the retreat is fully paid. You will receive reminder emails a few days prior to your balance due date.

If you would like to share a room with a friend who is booking separately please mention their name on your registration form. If you are traveling solo and would like to be matched up with other travelers of the same sex in a shared room, you are welcome to register for your preferred room type with the agreement that you may need to upgrade if we are unable to fill the room with others closer to the retreat date, subject to availability at that time. 

All prices are per person, not per room.

• Ocean View with Queen Bed (2 rooms available) - Double Occupancy (1 Queen Bed) - USD $2,385 per person (Early Bird rate through April 15: USD $2,146.50 per person)
• Garden View with Queen Bed (3 rooms available) - Single Occupancy (1 Queen Bed) - USD $2,945 per person (Early Bird rate through April 15: USD $2,650.50 per person)
• West Wing Garden View with Twin Beds (1 room available) - Double Occupancy (2 Twin Beds) - USD $2,560 per person (Early Bird rate through April 15: USD $2,304 per person)
• Garden View Futon in Private Office (1 room available) - Single Occupancy (1 Queen Bed) - USD $2,560 per person (Early Bird rate: USD $2,304 per person)