“EVERYTHING. CONNECTED.”
August 1-8, 2017. Supported in an environment that is a little piece of heaven, connect to yourself, to each other and to all that which moves in all things. Retreat led by Catherine Allen and Heidi Sormaz on Big Island in Hawaii.
YOUR GETAWAY EXPERIENCE:
It’s time for you to getaway and unwind at the phenomenal Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center (KMEC) in Pahoa, Hawaii! Everyday you will enjoy:
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- Waking up to the sound of the surf in the distance
- Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner freshly prepared by the on-site chef
- Uplifting and energizing morning yoga practice in an open air yoga studio with a gorgeous ocean view of the Pacific
- Freedom to relax at the Center and soak in all its Beauty
- Mellow evening class which will range from relaxing asana to meditation to contemplation.
- A chance to connect with nature and make new friends
- Clear and beautiful star gazing every night
- Free time for optional excursions on Big Island – like visiting Earth’s largest volcano, sitting on the Rare Green Sands Beach, watching Turtles on the famous Turtle Beach.
Your retreat teachers, Heidi Sormaz and Cat Allen, will guide you through fun and invigorating yoga intensives every morning. You will also learn and practice meditation techniques that you can weave into your everyday life to cultivate more connectedness and compassion with yourself and others.
KMEC offers a wonderful spiritual uplifting environment to heal and grow. Located a half mile from the beach, this ocean view sanctuary has access to swimming, fresh fruits, snorkeling and soaking in the famous thermal warm ponds. The spacious and open 11 acre property is surrounded by a buffer of jungle and features 150+ trees with 30 or so kinds of tropical fruit. You’re welcome to enjoy the freshest fruit possible whenever they’re ripe! Swimming is half a mile away at Isaac Kepo’okalani Hale Park, one of the few safe places for swimming on this rugged, extremely scenic, coast. A body-temperature warm-pond park is just a half mile further, as well as excellent snorkeling in the wave-protected Kapoho Tide Pools with dozens of corals, and thousands of brightly colored fish. The nearly constant lava-flow area is just half an hour to the West of KMEC, and perfect for a sunset, or sunrise, hike where you’ll often see a cascade of red-hot lava plunging 50 or 60 feet into the ocean boiling below. Shopping, a natural foods market, and delicious restaurants are 10 minutes away in Pahoa town. Several large Farmer Markets operate on the weekends too. The 1000 square foot Yoga Hale has a phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean. The teak Meditation Pavilion was made in Bali and is a very sacred and special place for prayer and reflection.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Full accommodations
Nearly 100% solar-powered (generator assistance when needed)
All 3 meals a day included – delicious, vegetarian, mostly organic
Airport pickup and drop-off included (from Hilo)
Daily yoga in 1000 square foot Yoga Hale with ocean view
Daily meditation in custom designed Balinese Meditation Pavilion
Daily Wind Down Yoga or Meditation in the evenings
Fresh linens, blankets, towels
Alkaline water upon request
Jungle warm ponds
11 acres of fruit trees and forest
Ocean views over the orchard
Safe, peaceful, healing ambience; with many flowering plants
Full service laundry facility
Free wifi service (except for Dragonfly Cabin)
Complimentary organic fruit from the orchard on the property (when in season)
Clear and beautiful stargazing
THE ROOMS:
Rooms are assigned on a first come first serve basis to retreatants who pay in full. When you pay in full, you can request your cabin and bed (eg, “I want the Rollinia, queen bed.”). If the cabin/bed you request isn’t available, we will let you know right away. All rates include a non-refundable $500 deposit. You have the option of holding your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit, but you will only be able to request a cabin and bed once you pay the remaining balance.
Shared Cabin with Private Full Bathroom (1 cabin)
Cost Per Person: $1550 ($100 increase after Dec. 1)
Dragonfly (1 queen bed and 1 single bed)
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- DRAGONFLY CABIN: Find solace in this cozy screen cabin nestled in the Puna jungle, with a great ocean view, light trade winds, a lanai (deck), its own private bathroom, outdoor shower, and a comfortable Queen size bed and single bed. 800 feet away from shared kitchen. Wifi doesn’t reach to this Cabin.
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- DRAGONFLY CABIN: Find solace in this cozy screen cabin nestled in the Puna jungle, with a great ocean view, light trade winds, a lanai (deck), its own private bathroom, outdoor shower, and a comfortable Queen size bed and single bed. 800 feet away from shared kitchen. Wifi doesn’t reach to this Cabin.
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- DRAGONFLY CABIN: Find solace in this cozy screen cabin nestled in the Puna jungle, with a great ocean view, light trade winds, a lanai (deck), its own private bathroom, outdoor shower, and a comfortable Queen size bed and single bed. 800 feet away from shared kitchen. Wifi doesn’t reach to this Cabin.
Shared Cabin with Shared Full Bathroom (3 cabins)
Cost Per Person: $1450 ($100 increase after Dec. 1)
Rollinia (1 queen bed and 1 bunk bed)
Mango (1 full bed and 1 bunk bed)
Milo #3 (2 single beds)
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- ROLLINIA CABIN: Catch your breath from the hustle and bustle in the serenity of our charming Rollinia Screen Cabin, offering a queen bed, lovely furniture and a bunk bed. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 50 feet away (a 20 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- ROLLINIA CABIN: Catch your breath from the hustle and bustle in the serenity of our charming Rollinia Screen Cabin, offering a queen bed, lovely furniture and a bunk bed. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 50 feet away (a 20 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MANGO CABIN: A lovely octagonal screen cabin featuring one full size bed and a bunk bed. Built with extra comfort in mind it features 360-degree windows, a couch, and a covered patio. This is a great cabin for those wanting to be close to the kitchen and still have privacy within your own space. Hot showers and bathrooms are right next door. The shared fully equipped kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, with a great jungle view, are about 60 feet away (a 20 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MANGO CABIN: A lovely octagonal screen cabin featuring one full size bed and a bunk bed. Built with extra comfort in mind it features 360-degree windows, a couch, and a covered patio. This is a great cabin for those wanting to be close to the kitchen and still have privacy within your own space. Hot showers and bathrooms are right next door. The shared fully equipped kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, with a great jungle view, are about 60 feet away (a 20 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #3 CABIN: Our newly constructed Milo #3 screen cabin has a large front deck with table and two chairs. Always dry and comfy inside with two very comfortable single beds surrounded by a tropical piece of paradise. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #3 CABIN: Our newly constructed Milo #3 screen cabin has a large front deck with table and two chairs. Always dry and comfy inside with two very comfortable single beds surrounded by a tropical piece of paradise. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
Private Cabin with Shared Full Bathroom (6 cabins)
Cost Per Person: $1650 ($100 increase after Dec. 1)
Milo #1 (1 single bed)
Papaya (1 single bed)
Cacao Cabin (1 double bed)
Lilikoi (1 double bed)
Milo #2 (1 double bed)
Yoga Hale Room (1 double bed)
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- MILO #1 CABIN: Our newly constructed Milo Orchard Single Bed mini screen cabin is small and simple, but always dry and comfy inside with a single bed. It is secluded in our milo and noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #1 CABIN: Our newly constructed Milo Orchard Single Bed mini screen cabin is small and simple, but always dry and comfy inside with a single bed. It is secluded in our milo and noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #2 CABIN: Our very spacious covered Milo Orchard Double Bed Mini Screen Cabin with private deck, offers a lovely jungle cabin for two. Always dry and comfy inside with a double bed and it is secluded in our milo and noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #2 CABIN: Our very spacious covered Milo Orchard Double Bed Mini Screen Cabin with private deck, offers a lovely jungle cabin for two. Always dry and comfy inside with a double bed and it is secluded in our milo and noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- MILO #2 CABIN: Our very spacious covered Milo Orchard Double Bed Mini Screen Cabin with private deck, offers a lovely jungle cabin for two. Always dry and comfy inside with a double bed and it is secluded in our milo and noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- YOGA HALE ROOM: 12×12 ocean viewing room with balcony and double bed has a phenomenal unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. You will have access to the Yoga Hale, its kitchen and bath.
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- YOGA HALE ROOM: 12×12 ocean viewing room with balcony and double bed has a phenomenal unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. You will have access to the Yoga Hale, its kitchen and bath.
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- YOGA HALE ROOM: 12×12 ocean viewing room with balcony and double bed has a phenomenal unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. You will have access to the Yoga Hale, its kitchen and bath.
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- LILIKOI CABIN: This is a cozy, cute, and private ground level walk-in screen cabin surrounded with flowers and plants to sweeten the view. Once inside, this intimate sanctuary gives you all the tranquility you need to find peace within yourself. It is close to the community kitchen and bathrooms and has a very comfortable double mattress, writing desk, and chair. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 20 feet away (a 10 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- LILIKOI CABIN: This is a cozy, cute, and private ground level walk-in screen cabin surrounded with flowers and plants to sweeten the view. Once inside, this intimate sanctuary gives you all the tranquility you need to find peace within yourself. It is close to the community kitchen and bathrooms and has a very comfortable double mattress, writing desk, and chair. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 20 feet away (a 10 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- CACAO CABIN: Beautiful screen cabin for 2 surrounded by cacao trees. Simple and relaxing accommodations with the sound of surf in the distance! Double bed with dresser and a small covered porch.The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 80 feet away (a 30 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- CACAO CABIN: Beautiful screen cabin for 2 surrounded by cacao trees. Simple and relaxing accommodations with the sound of surf in the distance! Double bed with dresser and a small covered porch.The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 80 feet away (a 30 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- PAPAYA CABIN: This little gem is an elegantly simple screen cabin for 1 person. Always dry and comfy inside with a single bed and is secluded in our Noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
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- PAPAYA CABIN: This little gem is an elegantly simple screen cabin for 1 person. Always dry and comfy inside with a single bed and is secluded in our Noni forest orchard. The shared kitchen and two fully equipped, clean, and modern bathrooms, also with jungle view, are about 120 feet away (a 40 second walk). There are 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
Community Spaces and The Land
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- YOGA HALE: 1000 square foot yoga studio overlooking the ocean. Props are provided. Bring your own mat and yoga towels.
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- BALINESE MEDITATION PAVILION: available for your use 24-7 (except for when we have group class)
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- BALINESE MEDITATION PAVILION: Available for your use 24-7 throughout your stay (except for when we have group class)
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- FULLY EQUIPPED COMMUNITY KITCHEN
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- OUTDOOR GAZEBO
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- Our 11-acre organic orchard has been blessed with a pure intention to serve all those who choose to come and experience it. Each of the over 30 different types of trees were planted with the intention to provide food and healing to our guests. The cabins on property have all been built by hand and designed to be in harmony with the trees and nature surrounding them. We enjoy using all of Mother Earth’s sacred resources by harvesting the sun’s power for our electricity and rain for our drinking water. Because we are fully integrated with state-of-the-art solar power and water purification systems, we have all the features of any “on grid” facility which includes free wifi, normal flush toilets, instant hot water, and every room has full electricity. This ensures our guests are comfortable and never feel like they are “off grid” living. Finally, we are just a small part of a much bigger experience on the Big Island, as Hawaii has long been known for its one-of-a-kind features you cannot find anywhere else.
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- FULL BATHROOM: This is one of the 3.5 shared bathrooms. All bathrooms are kept immaculately clean on a daily basis.
Explore Sites on Big Island
These excursions are a separate cost and not included in the price.
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- At Akaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike. The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. As you follow the paved footpath, you’ll first see 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Continue to follow the loop around the bend, and you’ll discover towering Akaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The beautiful Akaka Falls is perhaps Hawaii Island’s most famous waterfall. Easily accessible, this hike takes less than an hour.
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- Located just downstream from world-famous Akaka Falls, the Akaka Falls Skyline Tour offers a 7-line course that accommodates ages 10 and up. The course traverses areas of tropical farmland, waterfalls, and deep ravines with each zipline progressively building on the prior until the ultimate breathtaker that is the longest zipline in the state. The lush scenery, dramatic ocean views, and world-class guides will make this 2.5 hour tour one to remember for a lifetime.
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- Green Sand Beach is named Papakolea. The green sand gets its color from olivine crystals created from volcanic eruptions over 49,000 years ago. Nestled in Mahana Bay, this is truly a unique place and one of only four green sand beaches in the world. It is a magical location cut by the ocean into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that first erupted about 50,000 years ago. From the trailhead entry point it is only a 1 hour hike along the beautiful oceanside, or you can pay a local to drive you in their 4-wheel vehicle back to the beach. Count on a fresh ocean breeze while looking for several ancient sites along the way. The ancient Hawaiians would make an offering of their first catch on these temples to appease the gods. Most of the sites are very eroded and are only foundations. In honor of the land, please don’t touch anything and leave no trace.
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- The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a museum of living plants that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The Garden’s collection of tropical plants is international in scope. Over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, are found in this one-of-a-kind garden. The 40-acre valley is a natural greenhouse, protected from buffeting trade winds and blessed with fertile volcanic soil. Throughout this garden valley, nature trails meander through a true tropical rainforest, crossing bubbling streams, passing several beautiful waterfalls and the exciting ocean vistas along the rugged Pacific coast.
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- Hawaii’s Big Island contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea towers over the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions have created a constantly changing landscape, and the lava flows reveal surprising geological formations. Rare birds and endemic species can be found here, as well as forests of giant ferns. This accessible volcano serves as an excellent example of island building through volcanic processes. Through the process of shield-building volcanism, the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s landscape is one of relatively constant, dynamic change.
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- Ahalanui Park is a lovely park built around the Ahalanui Hot Pond. There is a picnic area, showers, toilet facilities and a lifeguard on duty daily. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The best time to go is during low tide when the ponds are the warmest (water temperatures average 90°F/32°C). The part natural part man-made pool is located right next to the ocean and is connected by a small inlet. This allows for beautiful tropical fish to enter the pool, which you can see through the crystal clear water.
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- Green Mountain is one of the most scenic spots in Hawaii. Surrounded by rainforest, the spring-fed Green Lake that sits in the center is one of only two natural freshwater lakes on the Big Island. Green Mountain, the crater that holds the lake, is over 400 years old. Enjoy the pristine rainforest and beautiful hikes throughout the land. Exotic birds and plants line your journey as you hike towards the stillness of the lake nestled within. Perfect for the adventurous trekker.
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- Snorkeling in the Kapoho Tide Pools is a unique and fantastic experience, some of the best on the east side of the Big Island. It is also considered to be one of the best snorkeling areas in the world, when you have a sunny day. There is a protective reef, and inside this is a maze of tide pools surrounded by lava rock to explore. The tide pools are protected, and the official name of this area is Wai’opae Tidepools Marine Life Conservation District. Before the conservation district was established, people called them the Kapoho Tide Pools because that is the name of the community.
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- MacKenzie State Park is located in Opihikao on the scenic Red Road that follows the rugged Puna coastline. This remote and beautiful 13-acre park is named after Albert J. MacKenzie, a dedicated Forest Ranger on the Big Island, who died in 1938. A forest of tall ironwood trees, many of them planted by MacKenzie himself, surrounds the park and their fallen needles blanket the ground like a thick spongy carpet. The park offers breathtaking views of the oceanfront with lava rock cliffs meeting the blue water of the Pacific Ocean. Decades ago, lava from Kilauea Volcano had flowed in underground channels (lava tubes) through the park and drained into the ocean. Today, a large lava tube cave can be seen near the park’s picnic pavilion, as well as numerous sea caves (lava tube openings) along the cliff’s edge.
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- Located on the eastern edge of Pohoiki Bay on the Big Island’s east shore, Isaac Hale Beach Park is a small two-acre park. It is popular among picnickers, shoreline fishermen, surfers, campers and boaters. There is a boat ramp that fishermen use to launch their boats, and local children use as a jumping point into the water. The Pohoiki Warm Springs, a small hot pond, is another attraction in this beach park and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Water activities that are possible at Isaac Hale, besides fishing, include surfing and bodyboarding. The beach itself is composed of black sand and pebbles, but most surfers and swimmers use the boat ramp as an entry and exit point to the ocean.
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- Located in the Big Island’s Puna district, Kehena Beach is one of the few unofficial “clothing optional” beaches in Hawaii. It is a long, narrow black sand beach that local residents also call Dolphin Beach because of the frequent appearances of spinner dolphins in this area. The beach was formed in 1955 when lava flowed down the sea cliffs and into the ocean here. At the eastern end of the beach, a rocky point of land that was once the tip of the lava flow can still be seen. The beach is well-shaded by coconut palms and ironwood trees, which make up the backshore. Swimming is possible here but can be challenging if the ocean is not calm. This magnificent beach is fully exposed to the open ocean and during times of high surf strong rip currents and undertows can occur, and there is no lifeguard on duty.
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- Residents of lower Puna on the Big Island can’t wait until Wednesday! It’s the day of the night farmer’s market at Uncle Robert’s located at the south end of the Red Road, near the new Kaimu black sand beach. Uncle Robert Keli’iho’omalu is the legendary and beloved patriarch of the old Kalapana village, and his family compound is where the market now stands. Normally it’s a quiet neighborhood of quaint beach shacks and lush coconut groves, but on Wednesday night, it transforms into a huge open-air market with some 700-800 people showing up for fresh produce, tasty food, dancing and live music entertainment. It’s a lively market, with wonderful sounds, sights and smells – and lots of friendly Aloha spirit – for the entire community. SHOPPING & EATING – Besides fruits and vegetables from local farms, there are also all sorts of clothing, arts and crafts, herbal remedies, and handmade jewelry for sale. You will find locals selling homemade desserts, fresh eggs, raw honey, and many traditional Hawaiian foods like poi to sample and purchase. The most crowded area in the market is where all the food vendors set up their makeshift kitchens. Just follow the sizzling and popping sounds and the mouthwatering aroma of food being cooked, and you will find what you want to eat!
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- The Maku’u Farmer’s Market held every Sunday is a busy open-air market with almost a carnival like atmosphere! It is one of the largest markets on the island spreading across approximately 5 acres, with plenty of parking. Maku’u is situated on an even larger, beautiful piece of property known as the Hawaiian Homelands Farm Lots. There are over 150 vendors, most of them from the Pahoa area, as well as nearby Keaau, Kalapana and Hilo. In addition to finding souvenirs and fresh produce, going to the Maku’u Farmer’s Market is like taking a culinary tour of the world! This market is famous for an eclectic mix of foods that vendors prepare and cook for you right on the spot. Nowhere else on this island can you find such a great selection of interesting ethnic foods all in one location. You will find everything from Hawaiian huli huli chicken, French crepes, Samoan breadfruit stew, Indian chickpea curry, Greek pizza, Thai green papaya salad, Indonesian satay, Puerto Rican pasteles, Vietnamese summer rolls, Mexican tamales, to Filipino pan de sal pastries. There are long picnic tables arranged under a large tent for people to sit and enjoy their lunch. There’s also a small stage where local musicians entertain the lunch crowd with everything from Beatles to Bob Marley, or occasionally a Japanese taiko drum band or a Latin marimba ensemble performs to the crowd’s delight. People often clap and sing along, or get up and dance, which might prompt you to drop your groceries and join in on the dancing!
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- Mauna Kea Volcano rises high above the landscape on the north side of the Big Island, stretching 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above the beaches along the Kohala coast. Measured from its base, massive Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, towering 33,476 feet (10,204 meters) above the ocean floor. Mauna Kea is over 1 million years old. Even though the last eruption is estimated to have occurred around 4,500 years ago, it is not considered extinct. If the altitude doesn’t take your breath away, the view certainly will! The air at this elevation is clean and crisp, making for impressive views in all directions. The Mauna Kea Observatory is second to none, with more than a dozen giant telescopes focusing on deep space.
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- Punalu’u Beach (Turtle Beach) is the most famous black sand beach of Hawaii, which has earned it the nickname ‘Black Sand Beach’. It is an expansive and easily accessible black sand beach on the Big Island that is great for swimming, snorkeling, coastal hikes or a picnic. You can often see endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles basking in the sun on the beach!
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE (to be confirmed)
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
9:00am-10:00am Morning Ceremony & Meditation
10:00-11:45am All-Levels Yoga Intensive Class
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-5:30pm Free Time (Explore, Beach, etc.)
5:30-6:30pm Evening Mellow Class (asana, meditation, contemplation)
7:00-8:00pm Dinner
FAQs
What airport do I fly into?
You can fly into Hilo Airport (ITO) or Kona Airport (KOA). Hilo is only 45 minute drive to KMEC. Kona is a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive to KMEC. We will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Hilo. Sign up for one of the 3 scheduled shuttle service times, or rent a car if you can’t make the scheduled service. The last complimentary shuttle will be 6pm. We’ll announce the shuttle times soon.
Can I stay an extra day?
Maybe! Simply call KMEC at (808) 936-2361 to inquire and book directly with KMEC. They provide excellent customer service.
What are the meals like?
All your meals are included! Vegetarian, fresh, and mostly organic prepared daily by the on-site chef. Gluten-free options available. People RAVE about the food at KMEC. It will be delicious. Due to KMEC’s rules, no meat or meat consumption is allowed on the property. You’re welcome to eat all the meat you want at nearby markets, cafes, and restaurants.
Are excursions / tours included?
No, excursions aren’t included. Upon request, KMEC gladly provides transportation and tours for an additional fee. We will send you clear and simple info on how to easily book an excursion, how to get there, and how much it costs.
When are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is between 3-8pm. Checkout is 12pm.
What is the weather like?
KMEC enjoys Hawaii’s ideal climate: Light ocean breezes, sunny days, pleasant year-round temperatures (65-85°F) and occasional tropical showers.
Can I choose my cabin and bed / What is the roommate situation / Can I share a bed / Can I buy out a cabin
We have allocated one bed per person. Once you’ve paid in full, you can request your cabin and bed. Paying your deposit reserves your spot in the retreat. Paying in full gives you the opportunity to reserve your cabin and bed. Cabins aren’t co-ed unless you specifically request otherwise. If you’d like to share a bed with a partner/friend or buy out a cabin, please contact us directly for special rates.
Will my cellphone work at KMEC?
AT&T phone and data works fine at KMEC. They have poor Verizon reception and other carriers vary. Skype works well there, as well as any other wifi connected forms of communication. They don’t have a land line onsite.
How about Internet or wifi? Can I check email at KMEC?
Wireless internet is available in many areas of the property. Usage is free. There are plans soon to extend wifi coverage to the Ocean Vista Cabin. The Dragonfly Cabin does not currently have wifi or internet, however common spaces around the upper village do. Large downloads are strongly discouraged (it slows down bandwidth for everyone).
How about wild animals and creatures?
KMEC celebrates life in its myriad forms. We live in harmony with the jungle environment, which means you will probably encounter harmless creatures such as spiders, geckos and occasionally mongoose. We have the least amount of mosquitos on this side of the island due to our constant trade winds, and we do provide 100% natural repellents if you need it. Our accommodations are simple and comfortable, with no televisions or phones.
Is smoking permitted?
Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.
Do I need to rent a car?
You don’t need to rent a car, but you might want to if you want more freedom to get around. KMEC is located 15 minutes or 8 miles from the nearest town. There are many natural attractions in the vicinity. These can be visited by arranging a paid adventure with a KMEC guide. We will send you clear and simple info on how to easily book an excursion, how to get there, and how much it costs. If you prefer to explore on your own, renting a car from the airport is a good option.
I want to rent a car. What are the directions from Hilo Airport (ITO) to KMEC?
KMEC is only a 45 minute drive from the Hilo airport. Leaving the Hilo Airport, turn left at the traffic light onto HI-11 / Hawaii Belt Road / Kanoelehua Avenue and go about 5.9 miles. Turn left onto HI-130 / Keaau Pahoa Bypass Road continuing to HI-130 and go about 12.2 miles. Turn left onto Kapoho Road and go about 2.7 miles. Continue, staying to the right, onto Pohoiki Road and go about 3.8 miles. KMEC Hawaii will be on the left. After crossing the yellow stripe in the road, the last 0.6 miles turn into a single lane road with turnouts. Look for the KMEC signed gate on the left. HELPFUL HINT – Please try to arrive during daylight hours as this will make your drive easier and will facilitate your check-in process.
I want to rent a car. What are the directions from Kona Airport (KOA) to KMEC?
KMEC is a nice 2.5 to 3 hour scenic drive from Kona Airport, halfway around the Island of Hawai’i, “the Big Island”, via either the northern route or the newly finished Saddle road passing Mauna Kea. Make a left out of the Kona Airport and drive north on Route 19. Continue on Route 19 through Waimea, down the Hamakua coast (still Route 19) until you get to Hilo. Past the waterfront side of town, make a right onto Highway 11 at Ken’s House of Pancakes (sign says Volcano 30 miles). Turn left onto HI-11 / Hawaii Belt Road / Kanoelehua Avenue and go about 5.9 miles. Turn left onto HI-130 / Keaau Pahoa Bypass Road continuing to HI-130 and go about 12.2 miles. Turn left onto HI-132 Kapoho Road and go about 2.7 miles. Continue, staying to the right, onto Pohoiki Road and go about 3.8 miles. KMEC Hawaii will be on the left. After crossing the yellow stripe in the road, the last 0.6 miles turn into a single lane road with turnouts. Look for the KMEC signed gate on the left. HELPFUL HINT – Please try to arrive during daylight hours as this will make your drive easier and will facilitate your check-in process.
Is there public transportation from Hilo Aiport to KMEC?
There is also very limited public transportation via the Hele-On county bus that leaves from downtown Hilo. This is a slow, but inexpensive option, that comes to Isaac Hale Beach Park, if you can coordinate schedules. Isaac Hale Beach Park is located approximately a half mile down Pohoiki Road from KMEC. For more information visit the Hele-On bus website.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
All rates include $500 non-refundable deposit.
You must pay your deposit of $500 by June 20th to guarantee a spot for you.
If you pay in full, you can request a cabin and bed that you want. (Cabins/beds are assigned on a first come first serve basis.)
If you choose to hold your spot with a non-refundable deposit, then you can request a cabin and bed once you have paid in full.
Cancellation Policy:
*60 days prior to retreat: Full refund of monies less credit card fees and $500 non-refundable deposit.
*30-59 days prior to retreat: 50% of monies less credit card fees and $500 non-refundable deposit.
*29 days prior: No refund. No exceptions.
