A rare place - a welcoming community of spiritual people. This is a supportive place to deepen spiritual 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. read more

This was my 2nd visit to Polestar in 2 years. Both times I'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. read more

I loved my time at Polestar! I was there for 3 weeks as an intern in Feb 2018. I went seeking a break from the busy pace on the mainland & to have some quiet reflection time as I've been through a lot of life changes in the last few years. Even though there was always something to do at Polestar it always felt peaceful and purposeful. The people were warm, open and genuine. The vegetarian food was fresh and delicious. I especially enjoyed the abundance from the fruit and avocado trees and the beautiful organic garden. The spiritual practice included meditation 2-3 times per day, yoga a few times per week, and a weekly Kirtan (chanting). They host groups as well as guests and interns so there is a lively and ever changing mix of people, as well as the community residents. I felt I had a pretty good balance between time for my own spiritual practice, work trade/service projects and time off to explore the beauty and majesty of the Big Island. I hope to visit again! Mahal nui loa! read more

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I would not recommend this experience for anyone seeking a heart-centered, awake, spiritual community. Michael and Ann (the founders) are very caught up in the matrix/illusion (3D), not very heart-centered, closed-minded, and domineering. Like attracts like; thus, many of the members, visitors, and guests are of similar vibration. Being here feels like living in the rat race of LA vs. the aloha I feel elsewhere in Hawaii. I was planning on staying for 3+ months - life, but identified this community was not for me early in my second week. Albeit I don't put a lot of emphasis into the 'cost' - as connection to the Divine/Spirit is priceless to me - I do not feel that the internship was a good value considering the cost and required work hours. $700/month plus 25+ hours of work-trade to live in a tent and eat meals which are not 100% organic is exorbitant. On at least 3 occasions within 4 weeks, there wasn't enough food cooked to feed everyone at dinner, which I found a little surprising, especially considering the high total cost of the internship. I have completed other work-trades and internships and the internship at Polestar feels much more like a WOOFING experience - you are treated like a worker bee. A week ago I was asked if others guests had negative experiences. After talking to short-term guests, long-term guests, a local, and one current member, I identified that many others have had challenges with Michael and Ann and with their experience in general. 2/3 guests that arrived at Polestar after me ended up leaving early due to their own negative experiences. The last person arranged to stay for 2 weeks and planned on staying longer if she enjoyed the experience. Long story short is that that she was not happy and left after 2 weeks. She informed me that her experience with Bernadette toward the end was very unprofessional and unpleasant. If you are looking for a calm, peaceful, spiritual retreat with a heart-centered community and lots of aloha, then look elsewhere. read more

I recently finished an internship here at Polestar Gardens and I can say that I had a fabulous experience and that it was almost exactly what I was looking for. I personally wanted to do something to get me out of my same ol' routine at home. I am a graphic artist and as a consequence I spend lots of hours indoors in front of computer. Craving sunshine and physical work I started out looking for WOOFING options in Hawaii as I had loved the beauty of the islands the one other time I went there. Polestar Gardens caught my eye on a WOOFING website because I notice that they have daily mediation morning, noon and night, and since I am a serious meditator, this was a plus. I was also curious about spiritual communities as I have never stayed at one before and wanted to get a feel as to what this lifestyle is all about so it seemed a natural fit for me. Regarding community life, on Polestar's website they do talk about the challenges of communal living and I can see where it may not be a good fit for everyone. You need to be flexible and understanding to deal with all the personalities there, and when living in a such a close environment, some may feel that not everyone is working -- or living up-- to their potential, and that may cause some friction if you can't go with the flow. For me all these challenges were a bonus. The wisdom you gain about yourself when interacting with others, sometimes in non-optimal situations, is priceless. I also made some awesome friends while I was there and am planning other events in the future with some of my homey interns. My experience sounds completely opposite of what Travis W. posted and I have no idea what he means by Michael and Ann being caught up the matrix/illusion (3D). The vibration I got was one of intense spirituality and creativity and open-mindedness. Nothing domineering or closed-minded about them or the staff. As far as the price, $700 is really cheap for a month accommodation in Hawaii. Most nightly rates for anything somewhat nice in Hawaii is about $150 a night. It was so cheap I even upgraded to a room for $300 more per month. Another bonus, if you want to travel around the Big Island, a couple of residents at Polestar rent out their cars at very reasonable rates. I took trips every weekend and split the cost with others. A very affordable way to get around. Regarding food, most of it came from their garden or was purchased from other organic farms nearby. I would have liked to see more organic eggs, but virtually everything else was organic and was delicious. Dave and Renee and Matt are very talented chefs they made fabulously tasty meals. I almost never wanted to go to town to eat as the food was just too good! All in all a fabulous experience. I highly recommend this for all ages. read more

The Beauty of Hawaii and the Spiritual Community of Polestar makes for a perfect retreat! I signed up for 3 days and stayed for 7! I've been to many retreats in California. I've always enjoyed Spiritual Community,,,Polestar offered me an experiance of real community,,from the first day! I couldn't tell who was staff and who was a visitor. The only question I had when I left,,,,was when will I be back! Chris Cunnie read more

I had the absolute privilege of staying at Polestar for a week with a dear friend of mine who lives on the property. The time with her and the Polestar community was unbeatable. From harvesting bananas and avocados, to participating in yoga and worship, to playing volleyball, to sharing the delicious healthy meals, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Those staying at Polestar were warm and welcoming with strong work ethics and an overwhelming air of positivity. Ann and Michael are phenomenal hosts and gentle leaders in the community. Natural wonders abound a short distance from the property offering endless local adventures - from the ocean to the mountain! I would return in a heart-beat, and I'm beyond grateful for my time spent at Polestar. MANY THANKS! read more

I've had the privilege of visiting Polestar twice during different summers and it's always been incredible. The people are welcoming and open, and the focus is community and spirituality without pressure. The space is gorgeous, the food is spectacular, and more importantly the opportunity and space to meditate isn't lost in the details. read more

Polestar is so much more than a place to stay on a vacation! I stayed at Polestar when I was looking to gain more perspective on my life during a time of transition. I arrived looking for adventure and personal growth and not only found that but also left feeling inspired, empowered, re-energized for my next step in life. Polestar is a community of people living in an intentional and conscious way based on meditation, life-long learning, connection to place, and community. The food is healthy and delicious--much of which is grown on-site--the grounds are beautiful, and the location is surrounded by the natural wonders of the Big Island of Hawaii with many possibilities for both adventure and relaxation. I can't recommend Polestar Gardens enough! read more

Polestar is an absolute blessing! I've had the privilege of participating in the summer "Adventures in Spirit" multiple times and every year it gets better and better. Absolutely the highlight of my summers. The Polestar property is a lush oasis with comfortable accommodations at a fair price. Big mountain and ocean views and the stars on a clear night are magic. Ann and Michael(the founders) are two of the most loving and kind people I've ever met. In fact, all of the staff are so special. A wealth of knowledge available about spirituality, meditation, organic farming and so much more. The icing on the cake (sometimes literally) is the stellar food. Matt is a superb chef and many of the meals come from the beautiful gardens and trees on property. All in all polestar is a gift to the puna area and definitely worth a visit! Id recommend scheduling a stay during one of the many retreat or event weeks. read more

My recent stay at Polestar fulfilled all of my wishes for a special sabbatical and much more. I came away renewed, refreshed, refocused and with an new spirit of what the possibilities for what my future can be. I came to this place of peace, fun and community quite burned-out as an RN (Registered Nurse) and at a standstill as far as my future goes. Where do I start? Beautifully rural yet 25 minutes from Hilo; 100% solar powered, rain catchment, their own organic gardens. A main house with beautiful out-buildings, an open-roofed community center, The people: like-minded, all ages, inspiring, hopeful, kind and fun. People from all over the world create an atmosphere of community, cultures and creativity. The directors Michael and Ann: great spiritual mentors, hard-working and full of common sense. The accommodations: a great choice offered as to one's comfort zone. My room and shared bath were lovely and comfortable (next time I will be bold and try the tent accommodations for a few months). The cost: so very reasonable for either a work/stay intern or an older person on a personal vacation. The spiritual offerings: EVERY person of every faith or no faith can be comfortable here! We are all welcome and you can find your own comfort level---absolutely heartwarming meditation, singing/music, activities and day trips to special places only the locals know. Food: included in cost of stay are three AMAZING vegetarian meals per day. The banana and peanut butter ice cream was a treat! Much of the food is grown on-site and is beautiful. I am returning for a longer stay in a few months and am going on the Polestar-sponsored trip to India in Feb. 2017. Thanky you and Mahalo and Blessings Polestar!!! read more