Yoga, meditation, nourishing meals, private grounds, stunning sunsets, community, exploring, and so much more — all while enjoying the profound beauty and deep relaxation that only Mother Molokai can offer.

Our current culture is filled with yang (active, masculine, striving) and does not tend to value round, moist, deep reserves and sustenance such as those that are found in Hawaii, and especially on Mother Molokai. Spend a week practicing and adoring the things that are often neglected in our culture. Instead of sharp, bright, fast, surface, we will bring to life those energies that are soft and low, slow and deep; the energies that heal and promote what yogis call soma, ease of being. This week will be an antidote to all the noise and speed of the over-culture and a time to rest deeply and replenish your inner stores of wellness and optimism.

What to Expect:

Each day will offer two yoga classes that incorporate our theme and include meditation, pranayama, restorative yoga, chanting, and other surprises. Meditation instruction will be offered in the mornings. You will have one completely free day to explore the island. One of the great benefits of our retreat center, Hui Ho’olana, is that ours will be the only group at the site!

Ecological stewardship of the land is a constant goal at Hui Ho’olana. The center’s intention is to find efficient ways of being environmentally conscious in everything they do and to fulfill their mission to reforest the land with indigenous plants. A primary focus is growing their own organic fruits and vegetables.

Hui Ho’olana is a non-profit organization, so your attendance at this retreat supports their mission of practicing what the Hawaiians call ho’oponopono—“making things right.”

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About Molokai: 

Molokai, Hawaii, know as Mother Molokai, is the birthplace of the hula and the sacred island where Hawaiians sent their kahunas (shamans) for training. It is a quiet and deeply spiritual place. Love and caring surround Hui Ho’olana, a family-owned retreat center. Each day of the retreat includes two yoga classes held in a beautifully crafted jungle yurt. The middle of your days are free, and Wednesday is a free day to hike, get a massage, or spend the day at a quiet, secluded beach.

Accommodations:

You will have two lodging choices: a room in the lodge, or one in the outlying cabins scattered throughout the property. All buildings are connected by footpaths, creating a village-like atmosphere.

• Lodge Room — Lodge rooms are shared between two to four people. The lodge has four bedrooms, living room, dining room, and houses the kitchen areas. Those who stay in the lodge share two indoor bathrooms, an outdoor shower, and two outdoor bathtubs.
• Cabin Room — The cabins are scattered across the property and are a short walk from the shared outdoor bathhouses. Cabin accommodations are one room with a sitting area, and are tucked away in the jungle, affording greater privacy. They contain either a queen bed or two twin beds.

Meals:

The food at Hui Ho’olana is outstanding and will be a highlight of your stay! Three healthy meals a day are lovingly prepared by talented guest chefs from the mainland. Much of the produce comes from the organic gardens on the property.

Meat and fish are served, but are accompanied by an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian options will be supplied if requested in advance. Organic foods are used whenever possible. The center grinds its own flour, makes its own breads and is known for its fabulous salads and delicious, creative cuisine.

Arrival & Departure:

Rooms will be available after 2:00pm on April 18. You will need to check out by noon on April 25. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

Transportation:

• Air: You are responsible for booking your own air transportation, flying into Honolulu (HNL) and taking a local carrier to Molokai. Make your airline reservations early for best prices!
• Ground: Hui Ho’olana is a 15 minute drive from the airport and five minutes from the nearest village. If you think you will be driving to the beach or hiking spots, you can rent a car or share a ride with other retreat attendees. If you are not renting or sharing a car, you will need to make arrangements with a local taxi service.

Schedule:

• Saturday, April 18, 2020 @2pm to Saturday, April 25, 2020 @12pm

Fees:

Prices below are per person, and include lodging, all meals, all yoga & meditation practices and teacher remuneration. A $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot. No refunds will be given after March 1, 2020; please plan carefully.

• Lodge Room: $2,400
• Cabin Room: $2,775

What Past Attendees Say:

“One cannot do justice in words and pictures to the power of the Hui Ho’olana. Cradled in its natural beauty and in the warmth and hospitality of its lovely caretakers, this retreat becomes truly transcendent. One leaves spiritually and physically rejuvenated and desperately hoping that it may be more than a once in a lifetime affair.”  –BD

“What a remarkable experience. A sudden community of unique yoga friends, AMAZING home-cooked organic meals, the living, breathing jungles of Molokai, outdoor bathtubs under star-filled skies, huge ripe avocados, picturesque lanais, and plenty of free time to read, swim, or play on the beach. DO IT!!!” –ST

“How do I love thee, Hui? Avocados the size of my head for the picking, abundant organic meals thrice daily, every whim attended to, puu puu platters under rainbows and sunsets beyond belief, intimacy of new friends and warm ocean waters, yoga and meditation twice daily (with Denise no less!) as open windows bring in tropical birdsong, scents and breezes; tucked away cabins and pools for private reflection, warm baths under the stars, and there’s more, so much more, till you are saturated in beauty.” –A & C

About Your Teachers:

Denise Benitez loves books, dogs, water, movement, dancing, poetry, and the tropics. You’ll find her classes informed by anything from her latest movement fascination to Jungian psychology, all of it anchored by her passion for kinesthetic discovery and wise movement that is sound and effective. Yoga has provided a soul purpose to her life for five decades.

Karen Sprute-Francovich is most influenced by Iyengar and Anusara yoga. She is a writer and a lover of poetry and prose. Karen is a dedicated meditator and thrives on stories, nearness to water, swimming and hiking. She is supported, inspired and renewed by her husband, her two grown sons and her cat, all of whom are Yoga practitioners (the cat especially).