This 10-day retreat was one of the most positive experiences I've ever had in my life. I went…read moreoriginally in support of my fiance's wishes to have a meditation retreat and entirely skeptical of the usefulness of 10 days in the forest without speaking. I could not have predicted what an amazing, enriching and lasting benefit it had on my own life. If you have ever wondered if it's worth the time. Yes. Unequivocally yes. Anicca. Hawaii Vipassana, you will find a new home in time.

I sat one 10 day meditation course and served a lot here. Vipassana mediation is the most valuable…read moreform of mediation I've ever come across..... so simple yet so profoundly effective. I love where it's located. I'm so thankful that the Hawaii Vipassana center is located on the Big Island and in such an amazing part of the island, otherwise I never would have been to this part of the world. It's an amazing atmosphere to meditate in and filled with some of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life.

I felt like the property was misrepresented by the listing on booking.com. I wasn't expecting a "5…read morestar experience" as listing stated and I don't mind staying in budget accomodations. But really felt mislead since booking.com stated "EVERY selection here includes private bathroom and shower." There was no private bathroom or shower. There were shared bathrooms and showers. I paid extra for a room with a "sea view" but I could not see the ocean. The woman checking us in said, "we ask you turn your lights off by 9pm." I'm all for saving electricity, even more so when on solar, but when paying for a room, I don't like having a 9pm bedtime. What if I wanted to stay up until 11pm reading a book? I understand and respect the concept of quite hours, but lights out is another story. They have a vegan kitchen and I can understand and respect that they don't want you to contaminate the food prep area with any meat/fish/eggs/dairy. But I found the no alcohol rule on the property to be overbearing when we are adults and paying guests. Perhaps we would like to enjoy a single beer on the sea view Lanai where you can't see the ocean? Hare Krishna propaganda on the nightstand as well. Our room didn't look like the pictures here. We were also supposed to spend the night in the "Yoga Hale" which was uncomfortably close to the 7am yoga class for us, and wouldn't have given us the choice to sleep in past 7am if we had wanted to. We decided not to stay the night. If you're looking for any sort of privacy, I would look elsewhere. I've been trying to get a refund through booking.com, but the property refuses to acknowledge their false advertising and booking.com is not accepting any liability. I would recommend spending the same or less amount of money somewhere else.

Incredible experience. A friend and I spent two nights in the Noni cabin. Basic and modest…read moreaccommodations. What makes this place so special are the incredible, lush surroundings, the peaceful tranquility, and the warm and welcoming staff. Come with a sense of adventure and great attitude and you will feel the spiritual energy. We enjoyed yoga every day guided by wonderful teachers, each sharing their own style. The food is clean and healthy, made with love. It was fun hearing everyone's story of why they were there. It's like a work study program. The Koki frogs are loud at night, so if you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gem. I will return someday!

A gorgeous and peaceful spot. Try to visit when you can benefit from local tranquility.read more

I'm told that the temple was visited by the Dalai Lama before he was the Dalai Lama…read more Up the road from the Ka'u Coffee Mill, a $5 donation will gain you entry into the temple. Let me qualify this review by saying that I didn't have $5 cash on me so I didn't go into the temple. Note to self - Next time, bring cash. I took a few shots of the exterior and hung around for a few minutes trying to absorb the serenity and perhaps take some of the good vibes with me.

I must say I was a little skeptical when o first heard about this. Well, I was certainly pleasantly…read moresurprised! Kristie set me up for a powerful experience. I 'dropped in' and I had a sacred plant like experience. I definitely recommend it and look forward to another session. Thank you

Kristie Is amazing and very knowledgeable. She will make you feel at ease right away and after the…read moresession i felt very relaxed, grounded and at peace highly recommended!

Kirston's SUP Yoga classes are great! I've experienced two so far. It was a fun, easy to follow,…read moreand very relaxing journey from start to finish. Kirston helped everyone feel comfortable no matter each person's skill level. She did a great job of leading myself and others in a fun interactive water Yoga adventure. Perfect for beginners in both Yoga and stand up paddle boarding!

Kirston led our group through paddle board basics before taking us out to a super calm spot. We did…read morea mix of meditation, breath work, and yoga. Even though it was gently sprinkling, it was a remarkably beautiful experience together!

A rare place - a welcoming community of spiritual people. This is a supportive place to deepen…read morespiritual practices and experience karma yoga (service) projects. The cost is very low to allow young people, especially, to stay for long periods. I've known Michael and Ann for many years, and I have always been deeply touched by the kindness and inclusivity they have for others. I saw a comment by someone else who wasn't happy about their experience. It doesn't match my experience and that of hundreds of others. But when you open your community and heart as wide as they do, all sorts of people come -- not all of them as open-hearted as others. This is a place to go deep into the Raja Yoga teachings of Yogananda, but all spiritual traditions are honored here. It's a place where people learn that service is joy. And it's a place where serious personal work takes place. It's a rare gift in this world to meet people like Michael and Ann. If you are travelling on the Big Island, try and stop by. This place is a hidden jewel. It's transformed the lives of many people in amazing ways. I especially recommend it for young people; but it's a gift for spiritual seekers of any age.

This was my 2nd visit to Polestar in 2 years. Both times…read moreI've found everyone there to be very warm & welcoming. The location is beautiful. They have created a paradise out of the jungle with manicured lawns and gardens, beehives, chickens with a big beautiful main house and various outbuildings. Due to it's rural location the night skies are ablaze with millions of stars. Polestar maintains a beautiful spiritual practice which is the heart of the community and centers their values and mission. Even so, everyone is welcome, even if they aren't a devotee. You can choose to participate as much or as little as you like in spiritual practices. Highly recommend as a place to rest, connect, recharge and get to meet some great folks.

I stayed at Kalani for 11 nights. I rented a cottage with meals and activities, aka the Kalani…read moreExperience. Then I participated in a Yoga is for Every Body retreat. I walked to the meals from my cottage, and up to the pool almost daily. It was a beautiful and peaceful walk. I was concerned at first but my body quickly adapted. The meals were amazing. I had never experienced such a healthy and delicious cuisine. Most of it was locally-sourced and organic. They had lots of vegetarian options as well as vegan. That's not to say they didn't have wonderful desserts every night with dinner. I participated in several yoga classes. They have all kinds; fast, slow, Vinyasa, Yin, you name it. But they also have cultural classes on Lei making, hula dancing, salsa dancing, permaculture hikes and more. I was not bored for even a moment. If anything I needed to take a nap a couple times during the day for having been so active and busy. The people were friendly and helpful with lots of information about the locals and the community of Pahoa. They took us to Uncles market a local market/party every Wednesday night. If you have the option to do so I would also highly recommend staying at kailani for the Open Mic at least once it's fabulous. The pool is lovely but be fore-warned its clothing optional and there's a lot of nudity. There are lounge chairs to sit in and there's even a sauna area and changing rooms. I enjoyed two massage sessions while I was there. One was an apprentice massage which was just fine and very relaxing, the other was a Lumi Lumi Hawaiian massage which was amazing and different and just... quiet an experience. I would recommend it to anyone. I hope to return next summer on a sabbatical which is 30 days of participating in the community and it includes all of my lodging and meals and some massage work as well. It was hard to leave.

I didn't make for the E-dance or Holiday Festivities or New Years Festivities but I met some people…read morewho partook in them and expressed a good time. I went for a yoga class led by Marcia, 90 minutes flew by. There's places to stay, a store etc

Calley's yoga class was outstanding and I highly recommend it. The setting is so peaceful, on the…read morebeach, amongst the trees, with the sound of waves rolling onto the shore. The movements and stretches were easy to follow as a beginner myself, but the best part was the focus on mindfulness and our connection and grounding to the 'āina (land). This class left me feeling more positive and grateful. Mahalo nui.

Calley is a blessing in our lives, sharing her Elixir Flow technique. Along with these joyous…read moremovements that feel invigorating, Calley leads us in uplifting thoughts as well as positive motions to elevate mood and de-stress us. AMAZING exercise done on the sandy shore, under the trees 20 feet from the ocean--led by a humble Goddess. If you have an opportunity to experience Calley's Elixir Flow, do it!

I am beginning my third class in the Upper Levels Trainings at Konalani. This is the best training…read morein yoga and meditation that I have ever done. It completely changed the way I look at yoga, at my practice and at my teaching in ways I couldn't have imagined. The training combines anatomy, physiology, yoga and spirituality into a something so meaningful. Abhaya and Satyam are amazing teachers - they know and live what they teach and bring a serious but light hearted presence to the practice. I'm in love with this practice and I think it is the way of the future.

Yoga on the Big Island…read more This may be one of your most memorable yoga studios you'll ever visit. The "studio" is a wooden deck covered with a white canvas "tent", overlooking a garden with a gorgeous Boddhi tree with the beauty of the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. It's a very new studio, classes are affordable, and it is NOT crowded (yet). It is well worth the drive from Kona or any surrounding area to take a class. The atmosphere itself made me fall in love and my yoga practice that much more enriching that day.

My daughter and I got a reading and she is spot on! We both are extremely happy and will recommend…read moreher to anyone who is looking for a great psychic!

I've been getting readings done a little over a year now and just had a session with Jaecinta. She…read morewas amazing, helped me get closure on a very touchy subject and drew a better picture for me to understand why I go through what I do she was also very specific with the details and I appreciate that, at least she knows I left very reassured and with nothing left unanswered. Mahalo Jaecinta, we will definitely talk again soon !