moderate
4 days
Participants should have a moderate fitness level to comfortably engage in walking tours, boat activities, and light hikes involved in the retreat.
Join a transformative 4-day retreat on Hawaii’s Big Island that combines cultural healing, nature, and adventure. Explore stunning landscapes, engage in traditional practices, and support conservation efforts while connecting with fellow travelers.
About Our Sustainable Tourism Immersive Retreat
Embark on a transformative 4-day retreat on Hawaii's Big Island, where you'll connect with nature and culture through immersive experiences. Explore stunning landscapes, participate in traditional healing activities, and contribute to local conservation efforts. Forge meaningful connections with fellow travelers while discovering the rich heritage of Hawaii in a sustainable way.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure while experiencing the healing power of Hawaii’s environment and communities Overview 4-day immersive retreat for those seeking cultural healing and connection Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Big Island in a mindful and respectful way Learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions while participating in healing activities Highlights Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Contribute to local conservation efforts through reforestation projects Discover the pristine beaches, lush jungles, and majestic waterfalls of Hawaii’s Big Island Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, learn about its rich history and participate in traditional healing activities Forge lasting connections with like-minded travelers and local community members Snorkel with graceful manta rays, hike through verdant rainforests, and stargaze at the world-renowned Mauna Kea Observatory Program Description 3 Nights/4 Days program length Engage in meaningful activities that address local environmental and community issues Gain cultural insights and develop personal connections with fellow travelers About the Host Friendly and knowledgeable host dedicated to ensuring an unforgettable experience Facilitates deeper understanding of the island’s rich culture and history through cultural exchanges and interactions with local communities Provides valuable education about sustainable tourism practices and how to travel responsibly Retreat Timeline Join us on a 4-day immersive retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii Our itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences that showcase the natural beauty and rich culture of the island Day 1: Welcome to the Big Island
Arrive at Kona International Airport and take a shuttle to Hale Nani Resort Check in to your room and get settled Meet and greet with your host and other participants at the lobby Enjoy a welcome dinner at the resort restaurant featuring traditional Hawaiian cuisine Watch a presentation on the overview and objectives of the retreat Day 2: Explore the Big Island
Wake up early and join a yoga session at the resort garden Have a healthy breakfast at the resort restaurant featuring locally-sourced ingredients Take a bus to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visit Kilauea Volcano and see lava flowing into the sea while learning about its cultural significance to native Hawaiians Explore the park and see craters, lava tubes, steam vents, and wildlife while learning about their importance in Hawaiian culture Have a picnic lunch at the park featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes Day 3: Learn from the Big Island
Wake up early and join a meditation session at the resort beach led by a native Hawaiian practitioner Have a healthy breakfast at the resort restaurant featuring locally-sourced ingredients Take a bus to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau and see a sacred place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians while learning about its cultural significance What Do We Offer? At Travel for Change: Explore & Empower Big Island Hawaii, we’re changing the way people travel in Hawaii. Our focus is on sustainable tourism, environmental restoration, and cultural preservation.
We offer a range of eco-friendly tours in Hawaii that showcase the natural beauty and rich culture of the islands. Our sustainable tourism retreats provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature and local communities while making a positive impact.
Our voluntourism programs allow travelers to give back while exploring the islands. Whether it’s helping with beach cleanups or supporting local conservation efforts, our programs provide meaningful ways to make a difference.
Join us in creating a more sustainable future for Hawaii through responsible travel. 🌿
Comments about your Sustainable Tourism Immersive Retreat Our program is designed to provide a unique and unforgettable experience while promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities and the environment. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and encourage our participants to do the same by practicing responsible travel behaviors such as reducing waste, conserving water, and respecting local customs and traditions. Our knowledgeable and friendly host will be there to ensure that your experience is positive and enriching. Cultural Healing Travel Retreat to the Big Island of Hawaii About Our Sustainable Tourism Immersive Retreat Our program is designed to provide a unique and unforgettable experience while promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities and the environment We strive to minimize our environmental impact and encourage our participants to do the same by practicing responsible travel behaviors such as reducing waste, conserving water, and respecting local customs and traditions Our knowledgeable and friendly host will be there to ensure that your experience is positive and enriching What is Included Accommodation, meals, transportation, activities, and excursions Services of a knowledgeable and friendly host Workshops Learn from experts on how to incorporate Hawaiian cultural values into your daily life Attend workshops on topics such as aloha, pono, and kuleana Do exercises and assignments on incorporating these values into your personal and professional life Share your work with other participants and get feedback Networking Network and collaborate with other like-minded individuals who share your vision and values Exchange ideas, insights, tips, contacts, resources, opportunities and more Form friendships and partnerships that will last beyond the retreat Have access to ongoing support and resources after the event Fun Have lots of fun and create memories that will last a lifetime Enjoy delicious food and drinks made from local ingredients Watch performances of hula dancing, fire dancing and music that showcase the culture and spirit of Hawaii Celebrate achievements and successes Receive a certificate of completion What to bring Sturdy shoes (avoid heels, or at least bring a secondary pair) Sunscreen is always your friend! Even in summer months, pack layers as it can still get cooler in the evenings with the wind Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities Swimwear Hat Insect repellent Reusable water bottle Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings What Not Included
Not included in the program are flights to and from Hawaii, travel insurance, and personal expenses
How to prepare To prepare for your adventure, we recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities as well as swimwear and a hat. Don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellent! We also suggest bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while reducing your environmental impact.
Cultural Healing Travel Retreat to the Big Island of Hawaii Packages We offer three different retreat package options with varying sizes and quality of accommodations, and optional island activities as add-ons Package A: The Basic Package
Includes everything in the itinerary, except island activities Stay in a standard room at Hale Nani Resort Visit stunning natural attractions, learn about Hawaiian history and traditions, participate in fun and meaningful activities, learn from experts on how to incorporate Hawaiian cultural values into your daily life, network with other like-minded individuals Standard room includes a queen-size bed, private bathroom, TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, garden view, located on ground floor of resort Accommodates up to two people Costs $5,000 per person Package B: The Premium Package
Includes everything in the basic package Stay in a deluxe room at Hale Nani Resort Deluxe room includes a king-size bed, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, ocean view, located on second floor of resort Accommodates up to two people Costs $6,000 per person Package C: The Deluxe Package
Includes everything in the basic package Stay in a suite at Hale Nani Resort Suite includes a king-size bed, private bathroom with jacuzzi tub and shower, living room with sofa bed and TV, kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, ocean view, located on third floor of resort Accommodates up to four people Costs $7,000 per person Island Activities Add adventure and excitement to your retreat by choosing one or more island activities such as helicopter tour or zipline adventure. The zipline activity is a 3-hour adventure where you’ll soar over the treetops and valleys on 11 different ziplines. You’ll also get to walk on two suspension bridges and enjoy panoramic views of the island. You’ll also get to rappel down a waterfall and swim in a natural pool. You’ll feel the adrenaline rush of zipping through the air and seeing the island from above. You’ll also feel the joy of exploring more of the island’s natural wonders and cooling off in more water. – The manta ray night snorkel activity is a 4-hour experience where you’ll snorkel with manta rays in the dark. You’ll see these gentle giants glide and feed on plankton under the light of underwater torches. You’ll also get to see other marine creatures like fish, turtles, and dolphins. You’ll also get to enjoy a sunset dinner on board the boat. You’ll feel more awe of swimming with manta rays and seeing their graceful movements. You’ll also feel more wonder of discovering more of the underwater world at night and seeing its colorful inhabitants. – The dolphin watch activity is a 5-hour cruise where you’ll see spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. You’ll learn more about their behavior and communication from a marine biologist. You’ll also get to snorkel in two coral reefs and see more colorful fish and coral. You’ll also get to enjoy a barbecue lunch on board the boat. You’ll feel more delight of watching dolphins play and interact with each other. You’ll also feel more curiosity of learning more about these intelligent animals and their environment. – Each island activity costs $1,000 per person. – If you want to add an island activity or activities to your package, please let me know when you apply
As you embark on this unforgettable journey, you’ll have the opportunity to engage all of your senses as you explore hidden waterfalls, snorkel with manta rays, and taste delicious farm-to-table cuisine. With our focus on sustainable tourism practices and our commitment to supporting local communities and the environment, you’ll return home with memories that will last a lifetime and the knowledge that your travel choices have made a positive impact. 🌿
Allow your heart to swell with pride and satisfaction, knowing that your journey has left an indelible mark on the world and within you. Escape the ordinary and embrace the exceptional; embark on the most meaningful and inspiring trip of your life.
Join us for the “Explore & Empower” program, and rediscover the beauty and responsibility of travel. Together, we will create lasting connections, harmonize with nature, and contribute to a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come. With every footstep on this mystical land, you are one step closer to a better tomorrow.
Are you ready to illuminate your soul and ignite the world with the Explore & Empower experience? Book your once-in-a-lifetime adventure today!
Want to Learn More About Community Tourism? You’ve come to the right place! At Travel for Change: Explore & Empower Big Island Hawaii, we’re committed to promoting community tourism on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Community tourism is a form of responsible travel that focuses on supporting local communities and preserving their cultural heritage. By engaging with local communities and participating in authentic cultural experiences, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit and the people who call them home.
We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about community tourism and how you can get involved. Discover our eco-friendly tours, sustainable tourism retreats, and voluntourism programs that provide meaningful opportunities to support local communities and make a positive impact.
By choosing to travel with us, you’ll be making a real difference on the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether it’s supporting local conservation efforts, participating in beach cleanups, or learning about sustainable agriculture, your travel choices can have a positive impact on the local community and environment.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about community tourism and how you can join us in creating a more sustainable future for the Big Island of Hawaii through responsible travel. Click around and start exploring now! 🌿
Hawaii’s tropical climate can be warm and humid, so bring a reusable water bottle and drink regularly during all activities.
Prepare for diverse terrain including coastal paths, forest trails, and boat decks by choosing sturdy, supportive footwear.
Follow guidelines during healing ceremonies and avoid touching or removing plants and artifacts without permission.
Hilo’s weather can shift from sunshine to rain quickly, so bring a lightweight rain jacket and breathable clothing.
Hilo was once a central hub for ancient Hawaiian culture and remains rich with historic sites and practices that influence the retreat’s healing experiences.
The retreat supports local conservation by partnering with organizations focused on native plant restoration and marine habitat protection.
Staying hydrated is crucial during outdoor activities in Hawaii’s tropical environment.
Proper footwear protects your feet while exploring diverse natural landscapes.
A compact rain jacket helps you stay dry during frequent tropical showers.
fall specific
Protect skin and eyes from strong UV rays during boat tours and hikes.
summer specific