Kalani Oceanside Retreat:
Celebrating Hawaii, Nature & Wellness
for Over 30 Years

We all have places that we know will renew us; places that when we visit them rejuvenate us in a way that we feel as if we have been removed from all of the seemingly crucial minutiae of our busy lives. As for myself, Kalani Honua, nestled in Pahoa, Hawaii is the place that restores me most. The allure of Hawaii is in its pristine, welcoming and magical qualities. Kalani captures this beautifully; it is a welcoming, supportive and fun haven. I have many reminders of Kalani at home. A painting by Arthur Johnsen, a local artist of high acclaim, hangs above my mantle. It depicts what the locals call the Red Road. This painting reminds me that Kalani is just a road away.

I first experienced Kalani in 2000 on a yoga retreat. Perhaps the best instance of renewal occurred when I visited soon after my grandmother passed away. Having visited prior years, I was fully aware of Kalani's transformational powers. I received the utmost of nurturing through massages, yoga classes, and discussions with members of the Kalani community. Also, eating healthy food, breathing clean air and swimming in the gorgeous ocean aided the emotional healing. Already a year has passed since my last visit. Last Christmas, Richard Koob, the founder/owner, led the Hula. He also provided a celebratory toast. Little white lights and paper snowflakes decorated the Lanai. It was a beautiful setting amidst the tropical foliage and Aloha spirit.

Whenever I am at Kalani I feel wholly alive. From the clothing optional swims in the evening to the volleyball games filled with laughter and friendly banter to the poignant moments across the Red Road at The Point.

There is just something utterly magnificent about spending time at The Point. It overlooks an unobstructed, spectacular ocean vista. Often, on closer look sea turtles ride the waves. One night, star gazing teacher, Donna Giesler, and I waited at The Point for the rain clouds to part. After awhile she quickly pointed to portions of constellations, only to have the clouds cover them up again. It was breathtaking to be part of this. We were amidst the elements: the roaring sea, the moving clouds, the gentle wind.

Experiencing the sky that way reminded me to appreciate living amidst Nature's brilliance.

Mother Nature reveals herself beautifully at Kalani. I remember Dan leading nature walks filled with his colorful stories and descriptions. It is a delight to walk up to the Lanai: walking amidst many native plants. It is particularly a treat to walk under the arched plumiera trees. I have tried many of the activities that Kalani offers; including the blissful, free-form dancing. Snorkeling in pristine tide pools and swimming in warm ponds are among the many delightful excursions offered. My body just feels healthier when at Kalani: eating deliciously prepared meals, made with organic produce, breathing clean air, swimming in clean water and walking more and driving less.

Also, I am inspired by the integrity of healthy, vibrant living at Kalani. Members of the Kalani community inspire me to live a more balanced, slower paced life at home. This pace is filled with self awareness-listening to and honoring what my body needs most. I have learned that taking the extra time to meditate in the morning like acclaimed yoga teacher, Kathy Elder, recommends is essential to my well being. She is right when she said that the person who says he does not have time in the day for meditating needs it the most. It is easy to feel the Aloha, the love, at Kalani. I am particularly grateful for the friendships established with the staff, volunteers and guests. I keep in touch with my Kalani friends; they are a little extra special. They know that magic exists and they know where to find heaven on Earth.