Besides being a very safe distance away from the fumings of Kilauea and protected by the persistent trade winds, the lovely historic town of Hawi has much to commend it including a number of great restaurants; a coffee/ice cream shop; and some fun little stores to poke around in.

On top of that, it is just minutes away from fabulous swimming beaches, wonderful spots for snorkeling, and lovely hikes down to secluded beaches and valleys. There are also myriad opportunities for adventure nearby such as horseback riding, ATV touring, or riding the flume. And, just a little farther away, are the beautiful beaches of the Kohala Coast  (deemed by many to be the most beautiful beaches in the world), the rolling ranch lands of the paniolo, and much more.

And, it is home to the Hawi Plantation House and Cottages, our new retreat headquarters and home away from home.  This will give us even more opportunities for ‘ukulele fun while giving you the opportunity to choose where you want to stay,  including the lovely Kohala Village Inn.

Plantation House is still within walking distance of the charming coffee houses, stores, and restaurants in Hawi and just a short drive from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  But, (and here’s another really big plus) the Plantation House has a saltwater swimming pool that we can all enjoy!

Workshops and other activities will be held at the Plantation House. Breakfast, lunch, and the evening meals (with two exceptions), included in the retreat registration, will also be served at the Plantation House. (We thought you’d appreciate the opportunity to explore some of the wonderful local dining establishments in or near Hawi, on your own or with some of your new (or old) friends from the retreat.)

One of the great things about our new arrangement is that you will be able to choose where you want to stay the night.  The Kohala Village Inn is, of course, still an option, but you will now make your arrangements directly with them.  You can also choose to stay at one of several local AirB&B facilities nearby or go all “fancy pants” and stay at one of the nearby resorts…..(Priceline also seems to have some interesting options nearby.)

Rooms at the Hawi Plantation House filled very quickly.  But don’t dispair!  You can still book your room directly with the good folks at the Kohala Village Inn.

We’re excited to be shaking things up a bit and think you will be, too when you see all the new opportunities our new venue opens up!

Hawai’i Island: Historic Paradise

Hawi and the Kohala Coast are not the only attractions on this side of the island! Though Mauna Kea and Kilauea get most of the attention, Kohala was actually the first volcano on Hawai’i Island to breach the ocean’s surface and, as such, is the oldest volcano on the Big Island–its age evident by lush rain forests and deep valleys carved by water runoff. And though the Big Island is known for the mega-resorts on its eastern shores, most of Kohala is still wild and untamed.  It’s north coast is famous for Waipi’o Valley, a storybook tropical valley with a lot of history and a picturesque black sand beach at one end and thousand-foot waterfalls (most notably Hi’ilawe) at the other, and traditional farmlands in between.

Plus there is no shortage of ancient historic sites along the Kohala Coast, for those who are so inclined: the Mo’okini Heiau, an ancient temple dedicated to human sacrifice; the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, with ancient temples from several time periods, including a submerged temple in the bay next to the site that was dedicated to sharks; the Puakō Malama Petroglyph Preserve, one of the most extensive petroglyph fields on the island; and more.

But even with all these other diversions, the emphasis for the week will be on playing your ukulele, making new friends, and learning new music.  And we can’t think of a better place for that, than the Hawai’i Island ‘Ukulele Retreat in Hawi.

In case you’re still on the fence: