The minute we walked through the doors of the Kohala Village Inn, we knew we had found the perfect venue for the 2015 Hawai’i Island ‘Ukulele Retreat. Located in the historic plantation town of Hawi, in the northernmost corner of the Big Island, it has everything we were looking for—quaint, but modern guest rooms; numerous, welcoming communal areas that invite small group gatherings; a number of well-appointed and comfortable classrooms for workshops; and a dedicated performance area—all within the confines of this lovingly renovated historic inn. It’s big enough to accommodate all of our participants and small enough so that we can occupy every room in the place.

And it is a part of a larger complex known as the Village Hub with ongoing classes in Hawaiian arts and crafts, dance, music, and yoga, so there will be plenty for companions who don’t play the ‘ukulele to do as well.

The little town of Hawi also has a lot to commend it: a number of great restaurants within walking distance (if the food at the Inn is not sufficient;) a coffee shop; and some fun little stores to poke around in, including a very well-stocked ‘ukulele store full of vintage ‘ukuleles and Hawaiian shirts!  It’s just minutes away from some fabulous swimming beaches, wonderful spots for snorkeling, and lovely hikes down to secluded beaches and valleys. And we’ll finally get to have our ‘ukulele beach barbecue! There are also myriad opportunities for adventure: horseback riding, ATV tours, or tubing down a water 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) and the rolling ranch lands of the paniolo. What’s not to like?

We are still in the process of building the staff and the program right now, but in the meantime I thought you might want to pencil in the dates on your calendar: October 11 – 17, 2015 or register to attend! It’s a brand new ‘ukulele adventure, on Hawai’i’s youngest, and biggest, island. I hope you’ll join us!