Explore Big Island
Be inspired and renewed on the exotic Big Island, which is still alive and growing with the raw power of Pele, the volcano Goddess.
We will go to some of the most unique and beautiful places on the east side of the island of Hawai'i, and dance and make prayers there.
This is an inexpensive option for seeing these a
Four days on a Spiritual Dance Pilgrimage:
Our program Overview
We will be focusing strongly on spiritual renewal, and song and dance at sacred sites.
It's easier to shift and tap into higher energies and our higher selves when away from home, and immersed in the beauty of nature.
We will we walking to these places, so mobility is needed for short hikes. None of our activities involve strenuous exercise.
Join us for
*Dances of Universal Peace
*Sufi zikr singing
*Heart centered meditation practices
*Soaking in the natural hot springs
*Pilgrimages to natural sites
Our Venue
We will be staying at the Puna Rainforest Retreat, a small center near Pahoa. From there we will journey out to various places for day trips, and come back to rest and sing in the evening.
Puna Rainforest Hot Spring Retreat is a private and luxurious estate that offers a secluded and serene getaway surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking ocean views. The main house and four cottages are beautifully appointed, providing a comfortable and peaceful living space that includes access to a swimming pool, volcanic hot spring tubs, and private 1.2-mile nature trail.
Program details
We have a fantastic well planned schedule, along with ceremonies and practices to share.
MORNINGS:
Every morning enjoy a breakfast at 8-9 am, and then we will journey out for an adventure.
AFTERNOONS:
Our afternoon times will include some time after lunch for swimming or exploring on short trips to beautiful natural spots.
One meal a day will be in HIlo or Pahoa at different restaurants, and are not included in the price. This gives you more flexibility to get what you want. Plan for between $15 and $30 extra for 2 meals.
EVENINGS:
We will be staying at our venue for Dances of Universal Peace, Zikr and sharing. Or, we will be star gazing on the top of Mauna Kea, or watching the lava.
Registration opening soon.
DAY TRIP ACTIVITIES
Isaac Hale Hot WAter Blessings
After breakfast we will drive to the ocean at Isaac Hale beach park. This park was half covered by the last lava flow in 2018, making a dramatic scene where the 15- 20 high new lava wall meets the manicured lawns. The black sand beach there was formed within a week as the lava hit the ocean and shattered into sand. It enclosed the boat ramp access and created a beautiful hot pool.
Recent efforts to open the boat channel to the ocean were blocked by the ocean, which filled in the channel the dredged within a couple weeks. There are also several small hot pools hidden in the lava wall.
It offers a protected small lawn that is perfect for Dances of Universal Peace.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park, and rainbow falls
Take a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls, and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion but is not strenuous.
Rainbow Falls is another waterfall in HIlo that is impressive.
Volcano National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
There we could hike through a huge crater, explore a large lava tube, drive around the rim of a crater, see petroglyphs, and potentially see an actual eruption, if Pele is feeling active that day!
Mauna kea Visitor Info Station
At 9,200 feet above sea level, perched on the rugged flanks of Mauna Kea, the Onizuka Visitor Center is a threshold between Earth and sky, between science and culture, between the seen and the infinite. The view of the stars is incomparable because of the location on the planet and lack of city lights. Learn about
* The sacred nature of Maunakea to Native Hawaiians
- Ongoing efforts to protect endemic plant life
- The island’s volcanic and astronomical significance
Sundari Spa
On this trip we can also visit Sundari Spa, a lovely small spa with a hot tub, round swiming pool, sauna, and cold plunge, all overlooking a wonderful ocean view.
Kalapana ocean cliffs
We will go to an ocean access to the south that offers a walk across the lava fields to overlook a rough black sand beach.
Tour of a permaculture community garden
Down the road from our venue is La'akea Community, a 20 year old group on 24 acres of rainforest land. It is full of gardens, orchards, unusual buildings made with ecological building techniques, and friendly people committed to living lightly on the earth, and caring for each other. We will get a tour and learn about local plants, and sample some fresh fruits.
ceremony at the steam vents
Down the road from our venue is a continual steam vent that crosses the road, creating an opportunity to touch the warm rocks and offer prayers and songs to Pele and the wild natural world.
Facilitators
Timory MCDONALD
Timory McDonald is mother of two teenage boys, an international traveler (47 countries), photographer, certified DUP dance leader and retreat leader. Kauai has been her home since 1999. Timory is wildly passionate about speaking Spanish and sharing the Mexican culture, especially about Dia de Muertos. (She has spent over a year on Cozumel in the last few years world schooling her son and learning about culture.)
One of her favorite things is sharing the deep beauty and spirituality of the Mexican culture and the Spanish language. Timory has dedicated her life to manifestation practices and inspiring and enabling others to consciously create their own realities.
Amara Karuna
Amara has been leading the Dances of Universal Peace since 1985 and is a Senior Dance Leader, and has been involved in mentoring new Dance leaders.
She lives on the Big Island at La'akea Community since 2009, and enjoys sharing the beauty of this magical island.
She served as Secretary, and then President, on the Core of the International Council for the Dances of Universal Peace, working as a volunteer to oversee the organization for several years.
She specializes in Dances from the Goddess and Earth traditions, and leads with lively humor and devotion. She is a Sheikha in the SRI lineage of Sufism