Where is the Big Island, Hawaii?
Larger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, or Hawaii's Big Island, is vast enough to hold 11 of the world’s 13 climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. Seewaterfalls, rainforests and botanical gardens in Hilo, explore the calm and clear water off of Kona, or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii’s Big Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a journey off the beaten path, you’ll discover it all on Hawaii’s Island of Adventure.
It’s easy to feel small on Hawaii’s Big Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii’s Big Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be intimidating. You’ll find all but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.
Regions of the Big Island:We look forward to your registration! You are in excellent hands!
Not Included?
Airfare to and from the trip, lodging before and/or after the trip if you are coming early or staying later, gratuities for your guides, special services at the Resort such as a Spa andother activities not listed and personal items purchased during your trip. Some meals are not included during this trip to allow you the opportunity to explore the cuisine on your own.
TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guides may be given at your discretion in response to their leadership and professionalism throughout the trip. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual to be divided between the guiding team as an industry standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, transportation and local events are paid for by the retreat organizers.
8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast
9:30am - 11am Vinyasa flow yoga
12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm - 5:30pm Daytime Fun (Beach, Spa, Hiking, & More)
6:00pm - 7:00pm Vinyasa flow yoga
8:00pm Dinner
Afternoon:
1:00pm Meet at the airport to Hotel
2:00pm Arrive at Hotel and check in
3:00pm Beach
Evening:
6:00pm Yoga practice
8:00pm Dinner
Morning:
8:00 Breakfast: Orientation
9:30 Yoga practice
10:30 Morning Hike to sister hotel
Afternoon:
1:30 Cycling Trip
6:00 Yoga practice
8:00 Dinner
Morning:
6:30 Sunrise Yoga practice
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Trip to Hilo
Afternoon: 12:00 Packed Lunch 2:00 Yoga practice on the beach
Evening:
8:00 Dinner
Morning:
9:30 Yoga practice
Afternoon:
Free time
Evening:
6:00 Yoga practice
8:00 Dinner
Morning:
7:00 Breakfast
Afternoon:
12:00 Packed Lunch
2:00 Yoga practice at the park
Evening:
8:00 Social Hour and closing dinner
Morning
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Closing Yoga practice
11:00 Check out and free time
Afternoon
4:00 Load up shuttle for Kona airport, downtown Kona visit
7:00 Kona airport
**Please note that scheduled itinerary is subject to change due to the ebb and flow of life!
You will be guided by Jacob Young and Silvia Mordini.
Jacob is an avid cyclist, runner, and lover of all things outdoors, involving people. With over 10 years of guiding experience, beginning on Mt. Rainier, he has broadened his horizons by transitioning to guiding cycling trips around the world. He has been living in, and exploring the Olympic & Cascade mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest for the past 11 years, and can often be found cycling, trail running, hiking and skiing in the greater Seattle area when not practicing yoga indoors. Jacob is a Certified Carmichael Training Systems coach and is CPR/First Aid certified, but his real experience comes from his passion for showing people new places and exploring along with them.
Your Yoga will be taught by Silvia Mordini whose loving Anusara-inspired Vinyasa Flow teaching style is influenced by more than 10 years of Hatha yoga study. She studies primarily under Shiva Rea. With over 7,500 hours of yoga teaching experience, as a nationally recognized Experienced Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT) she owns and teaches at Total Body Yoga, a 3,900 square foot Chicagoland yoga center with over 200 monthly classes and countless weekly workshops as well as for a fifth year teaching a Nationally accredited 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. Silvia also enjoys working privately with athletes of all ages applying her knowledge of therapeutic yoga to aid healing old injuries or preventing new ones. Silvia’s dedication to her students makes her classes upbeat and fun, serious and informative, supportive and authentic.. When her students leave class, they have been inspired to be good to themselves and thereby kinder to others. Silvia finds healing in the beauty and stillness of Moab and considers nature and the relationship of human spirit her greatest teachers!!
When will I need to arrive and when do I leave?
Arrival Location: You will need to arrive by 1pm at the Kona International Airport.
Departure Location:
At the end of your trip, you will be shuttled back to Kona International Airport. We will arrive at the airport at 7:30pm
How do I get to Hawaii’s Big Island?
Getting to Hawaii's Big Island:
Travel to Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona to the west, or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo to the east. Most visitors arrive in Kona. There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first and then taking a short, 35-40 minute flight to Hawaii’s Big Island.
Getting to Hawaii’s Big Island is easier than ever with daily direct flights into Kona International Airport. Major air carriers from Canada, the U.S. and Japan fly directly into Kona. Most of the direct flights are from the U.S. West Coast — mostly Los Angeles and San Francisco — plus Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Chicago, and internationally from Tokyo. Some seasonal carriers also make the trip with charters.
Traveling on Hawaii's Big Island
We will use a luxury van.
Useful Phone Numbers and Links:
The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808).
Airport Visitor Information: (808) 329-3432 (Kona), (808) 934-5838 (Hilo)
Volcano Activity (808) 985-6000
Agricultural Inspection: (808) 326-1252 (Kona), (808) 933-6930 (Hilo)
Camping Permits: (808) 961-8311 (county), (808) 974-6200 (state)
Hilo Medical Center: (808) 974-4700
Kona Community Hospital: (808) 322-9311
Hualalai Urgent Care (Kona): (808) 327-4357
TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, or credit card/Paypal invoice (subject to a 3% service charge within the USA /4% international). Please send checks to Total Body Yoga Retreats, 210 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL 60061. Contact us at retreats@totalbodyyoga.com if we can answer any questions or offer more details. We are always happy to talk more at 847-772-9642.
PAYMENT POLICIES:
Early-bird discount: $125 discount to those who register before September 15th Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space. Balance must be received by November 15th, 30 days prior to retreat.
What if I have to change or cancel my trip?
We understand that life happens, so If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is no cancellation fee; between 61 – 90 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; between 31 – 60 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price; Unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund if you have to cancel less than 30 days prior to departure.
If you choose to change your trip to a different date or location more than 90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee. From 61 – 90 days, there will be a $500 administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure date.
If I book a trip, can I be guaranteed that it will run?
We need a minimum of six people to run most of our trips (although some trips require a minimum of eight people). As long as we meet our minimum requirement, then our trips are guaranteed to run. If a trip must be canceled due to low enrollment, we will make every effort to do so at least 45 days prior to the trip start and a full refund will be issued. Trips will not be cancelled due to low enrollment within 30 days of the trip start.
What is the weather like on The Big Island in December?
Weather on all of the Hawaiian Islands is consistent, offering only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. There are really only two seasons: the summer months that extend from May to October and the winter months that run from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10 degrees F. lower. However, at higher elevations, temperatures can drop dramatically.
Hawaii’s Big Island is an incredible collection of many diverse micro-environments, each with its own weather. There are as many different climate zones here as there are along the entire coast from Alaska to Costa Rica, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. Experience this for yourself as you explore Hawaii Island by car or helicopter. See the tropical rainforests in the Hamakua Coast, the cool uplands of Waimea, the volcanic deserts of Kau and the sunny beaches of Kona, all within the span of a day’s drive.
What kind of clothes do I need to bring?
You will want yoga clothes, t-shirts, mostly short sleeved, but one or two long-sleeved, a lightweight jacket, shorts (for hiking and swimming), hiking socks, trail-running shoes or hiking boots, swimsuit, sunglasses, hat.
What do I need to bring besides clothes?
We recommend you bring a camera, a journal, toiletries, an extra pair of contacts if you wear them, sunglasses and sunscreen. For hiking, be sure to have a lightweight backpack to carry your personal belongings. If you plan on mountain biking, bring bike shoes and pedals if you have them, along with padded shorts and appropriate gear. Helmets, water bottles and flat pedals will be provided, along with tools for adjusting, etc.
Do I need to bring my yoga mat?
Yes please bring your own mat.