The Keanae peninsula a sacred place to Mauians and it is indeed a magical place. The camp itself is 9 acres, overlooking the one of the deepest trenches in this region of the Pacific ocean. The high ground of the camp overlooks terraced plateaus with a smallish taro plantation and rocky beaches. A short walk inland takes you to an arboretum and a waterfall fed pool set in volcanic rocks 1/8 mi. down the road.
The camp itself is 9 acres. Guests who are not attending workshops can enjoy the peninsula while workshops are in session; teachers and students may take breaks as needed. Standing or seated meditation, especially at sunrise viewing the Pacific is pure, cosmic, oceanic bliss. Children love this place; it’s fenced off and has never reported any accidents. You can make this both a family vacation and a rich learning experience for everyone.
James Michener remarked that it was the one place that evoked the island world of 150 years back, with a distinctly Chinese history. In the late 1870’s, construction of the East Maui Irrigation system brought immigrant workers from China. The Ching family store in Ko’olau opened two stores in Keanae. Prior to the sugar cane industry, “Steamer Days” welcomed the arrival of molasses, majong, rum and opium into Opau Bay. Today, traditional taro farming continues on the Keanae Peninsula. A half-mile past Keanae Peninsula is a road-side store marking a “half-way” point to Hana. For the finest shaved ice in the Hawaiian Islands, a brief stop here is a must. Side trips to historic markers on the road to Hana include St. Gabriel’s Church, the coastal town of Nahiku, Wananalua Church, petroglyphs and heiaus.
June is not the rainy season but it can still sometimes rain, usually at night. The rain is gentle, warm and brief. There are lots of outdoor, covered spaces for gathering and indoor spaces to congregate.
Food, kitchen rental and chefs are our biggest expense (meals = breakfast, $8, lunch, $10 and dinner, $12). There are ice machines and filtered water in the kitchen. There is phone service in the dining hall area.
The day-pass with meals and one workshop will be $45, $60 for the whole day for individuals or $100 for a (small) family. The whole Fest without accommodations will be $225, and this applies to Shaolin, the mother art of all the internals as well. Body workers will be on hand for massages as needed.
Accommodations are YMCA dormitory style. Upper dorm is separated into 4 rooms with several bunks in each. No one must take an upper bunk unless they want one. Think college and summer camp, all rolled into one, except you’re in paradise!
Stay in one of the dorms or come with a tent or stay in a cabin (early sign-ups will have more options- we just are keeping costs down for all this way). Some people love to camp out and even prefer it to be closer to nature. The cabins are reserved for people with special needs and presenters who will be coordinating workshops to meet your needs.
There are two separate women’s dorms in addition to the co-ed dorms. The giant dorm attached to the gym is the least private. There are two bath/shower houses with separate sections for men and women.
Camping certainly takes more resources. Make sure your tent is rainproof with a fly or overhead tarp and that you pitch it on high ground. Camping affords the most privacy, but also requires the most self-reliance.
It’s no hotel, but so perfect! Maui residents love this place. It’s sacred to them.
We have huge indoor spaces for multiple workshops. The workshops range from dynamic to mellow and are scheduled so that you can work within your own capabilities and desires.
Even without a tent, everyone should bring a sleeping bag, bedroll (or rent bedding from the camp for $35.00- pillow, sheets and a light blanket), a towel or two, swimwear, bug repellent, sunscreen, water-bottle, flashlight, rain-gear (umbrella or waterproof poncho), toiletries of course, & warmer clothes for evening (one light jacket, one pair of jeans) Although this is not a necessity, you can bring an optional mosquito net to drape over the top bunk as there are hundreds of bunk beds. The site is not that buggy and bringing the spray is just precautionary.
The food will be local, organic (of course!) with both vegetarian and wild caught options. Maui’s best deer hunter and fishermen bring the freshest, healthiest protein you will ever experience. Maui is rich with deer and fish and are caught daily. The food there is unsurpassed. Coconuts and mac nuts fall from the trees. You will eat fruits you never knew existed, that taste delicious and have healing properties as well.
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