Huaka'i Ho'ōla
A figure stands with arms open beneath a full rainbow on the Big Island

Huaka'i Ho'ōla — a 10-day healing retreat on the Big Island of Hawai'i

A restorative journey on the Big Island of Hawai'i

Maybe you already know the feeling you are looking to leave behind — the constant doing, the noise, the rush that never lets you catch your breath, the sense that you have drifted from your own center. There is a quieter, more connected self waiting deep within you.

The Big Island has long been a place where people come to gather, pause, and remember who they are. Not through a program borrowed from elsewhere, but through practices as old as the island itself, shared in a small circle rather than a crowd. This is your invitation to do the same — experiencing the elements in their purest form, from the moment you arrive.

Step out of everyday life for 10 days of guided self-healing on Hawai'i's Healing Island. Become personally acquainted and develop a relationship with the four elements — Fire, Air, Water & Earth — as resources for expanding your awareness of self. Hike through forests and valleys, learning to remember your true nature through nature itself. Experience the island's waters and winds as they assist in your realignment, discovering a new healing rhythm within yourself. Come with an open heart, and let the island support you in choosing a new way of being.

Waves breaking on a rocky Big Island shoreline at sunrise

The Shape of Your Days

This is the rough shape of a typical retreat session, not a fixed schedule. The order and content of excursions may shift based on weather, island conditions, and the group itself — including how many participants are staying the full 10 days versus departing after 6. The island has its own pace and agenda; we listen, pay attention, and adjust based on what it tells us.

1
Gather in the morning for an introduction to elemental breathing as a meditative practice. Afternoon free.
2
Forest excursion, plus one other activity to be determined.
3
Excursion to the volcano and ancient petroglyphs.
4
Talk Story in the morning. Afternoon free.
5
Visit to cultural sites, with Earth Therapy.
6
Excursion — determined by island conditions.
7
Visit to cultural sites, with Water Therapy.
8
Talk Story in the morning. Afternoon free.
9
Excursion — determined by island conditions.
10
Sunrise ritual, followed by Talk Story. Afternoon free.
Closing farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Joining for the 6-day option? You will experience a curated selection of these days rather than the full ten — your facilitators will confirm which excursions and healing events are included once your session dates are set.

Even this shape is held loosely. Weather, tides, and the island's own rhythm may reorder these days once you arrive.

Tribal wave pattern with mountains, islands, and sun in the site's colors

Rooted in the old ways

This retreat draws its inspiration from a long lineage of medical kahuna (masters) who understood the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the elements and the natural world around them. A willingness to develop this relationship is at the core of listening to and understanding your own body on a deeper, more intimate level. Cultivating a connection to nature and the elements increases awareness of what your body needs, and where, for its own well-being.

Through group travel around the island to explore its sacred sites, and through personal healing experiences, participants begin a journey toward that deeper knowing of self. Several gatherings of the group will include “talk story” — a communal sharing of one's experiences from the excursions. This continues the old ways of Hawai'i, when villages and communities would gather to share knowledge as a means of growth, cooperation, healing, and mutual support.

ʻAkaka Falls plunging into a deep, moss-covered gorge

In keeping with the old ways, there will never be a rush to get anywhere, nor will excursions be crammed together. One cannot move on to the next experience without time to digest what has just been felt. The free time built into the schedule between excursions allows for personal reflection — and is also the perfect chance for a bit of personal exploration, or simply relaxing at the beach and listening to the waves.

A mountain stream flowing over volcanic boulders

The island runs on its own timetable. What needs to happen will happen when it is meant to. Leaving expectations behind opens the door to all the possibilities.

Where
Based on the Kona side of the Big Island
When — three sessions
April 4–13, 2027
April 18–27, 2027
May 2–11, 2027 (Men Only)
Group size
Each session is limited to 12 participants. Open to all — no prior experience required.

What's Included

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Rainbow Falls near Hilo
A clear natural ocean tide pool
Steam rising from the Kilauea volcanic crater at sunset
A quiet white sand beach on the Big Island
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Facilitators

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Cost

$2,665
Full 10-day retreat
$1,935
6-day option, for those unable to attend the full session — includes at least two excursions and two healing events

Prices include the Hawai'i 4.5% general excise tax.

  • $250 deposit required to secure a space ($50 of the deposit is non-refundable)
Session 1
Apr 4–13
Session 2
Apr 18–27
Session 3
May 2–11
50% Due By Jan 15, 2027 Jan 30, 2027 Feb 14, 2027
Full Payment Due Mar 1, 2027 Mar 15, 2027 Apr 1, 2027
Save $150 — Register with full payment by December 31, 2026

Cancellation Policy

Session 1
Apr 4–13
Session 2
Apr 18–27
Session 3
May 2–11
100% refund, less $50 fee, if before Jan 15, 2027 Jan 30, 2027 Feb 14, 2027
50% refund Jan 15 – Mar 1, 2027 Jan 30 – Mar 15, 2027 Feb 14 – Apr 1, 2027
Non-refundable after Mar 1, 2027 Mar 15, 2027 Apr 1, 2027

A Session You Want Is Full?

Let us know which date you're hoping for — we'll reach out first if a spot opens.

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All three sessions currently have space. If your date fills up before you register, a waitlist option will appear here.

None of These Dates Work?

We're already planning future retreats beyond these three sessions. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as new dates are set.

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What's NOT Included

  • Airfare to the islands
  • Airport transfers
  • Daily meals
  • Accommodations (suggestions available)
  • Personal rental car
Honu (green sea turtles) resting on the black sand at Punaluʻu

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have a Question?

Ask us anything before you register — we're happy to help.

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Jay Kinātau Ko'ohinani Arovas
Rick Pono'uhane Ho'okuakua Vrenios
A calm sunset reflected on still water
Come with an open heart, and let the island support you in choosing a new way of being.
Register Here

Huaka'i Ho'ōla — A Healing Journey

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