"Belly Dance & Nia"
February 4th - 9th 2012
TRAVEL
& ACCOMMODATIONS
Kalani Oceanside Resort
For over 30 years, Kalani has been a soulful place of refuge
and renewal for guests from around the world. Kalani is an
educational nonprofit organization that celebrates Hawaii,
nature, culture and wellness. Kalani Honua means harmony of
heaven and earth, and this is what we aspire to. We welcome
all in the spirit of aloha and are guided by the Hawai'ian
tradition of 'ohana (extended family), respecting our diversity
yet sharing in unity. We invite you to open your heart to the
healing energies of the Big Island of Hawaii at Kalani Oceanside
Retreat.
 
 
Lodge Rooms
Bungalows
Air Travel
Flights often go on sale in Nov–Dec, so unless you see
an incredible deal or have miles to use, you should wait. You
do want to get a seat and get in at the right day so keep that
in mind when booking. There are two airports on the Big Island:
Kona and Hilo. Hilo (ITO) is the closest. Participants flying
into Hilo, play it safe and plan to arrive from world wide destinations
by 1:00pm of the first day of your program. Kalani is a 50 minute
shuttle ride from Hilo. Kona is a beautiful three hour rental
car drive, plan accordingly. You want to make the first class
at Kalani at 4:00pm. Kalani check in is at 3:00pm.
Ground Transportation
You will need to get to Kalani one of two ways. Kalani shuttle
to and from airport is around $35-unless you are the only rider at
an odd time. Call Kalani when you have your flight itinerary and make shuttle reservations 1-800-800-6886. Or you can
rent a car if you want more independence. This is not a necessity.
Kalani offers little adventure day packages that include transportation.
Additional local Hotel Accommodations (outside
of retreat dates)
If you need to arrive
the day before your retreat begins or ends, we recommend
staying at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort and site-see the
historic town of Hilo. It has a free 4-minute shuttle from
the airport, beautiful view of Hilo Bay, peaceful grounds,
and restaurants…planning
to stay longer would be a fantastic vacation!
Naniloa
Volcanoes Resort (808) 969-3333
93 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720
Ideas for extended vacation
The Big Island is a magical place. It’s very big. There is a lot to see. We recommend you concentrate on dance and relaxation for the 5 nights we are al Kalani and then add on more days to enjoy what the island has to offer. We are on the Puna coast. It’s the south east tropical side,. Some call it the banana belt because it see lots more sun than Hilo which is very densely green and wetter. Kalani is on a long jungle coastal road away from town. It feels wild and furious as the waves crash on rocky cliffs. It’s very near the active Volcano as the crow flies and sometimes we can even see the glow from property but the trade winds carry the vog in the opposite direction. No worries. The air quality is known to be one of the best in the world where we are.
Because we are mentioning staying on the Big Island longer I am including details about the Big island here for you to read. Also if you want to tool around the island I highly recommend you get a copy of the guide book called “Big Island Revealed”.
THE BIG ISLAND
KONA
On the opposite side of the island is the dryer touristy town of Kona. It’s very quaint and has some inexpensive Hotels as well as fancy ones. I love the ocean front rooms at the Royal Kona. They have a big Luau with live music and hula dancers there every other night. However if you are on a budget the Kona Sea Side is very inexpensive (around $80 a night) and a great location . So much to walk to.
Most of the amazing white sand beaches all take 4 wheel drive but their are some nice beaches at the hotels and big huge public beach strips as well. All north of the airport.
North of the Kona airport is is Waikoloa and the big expensive hotels. Kona Hilton that is pretty amazing place to check out with it’s own dolphin research center that you can get in the water with them.
CAPTAIN COOK BAY
This historic place is south of Kona. It’s great place to catch wild dolphins snorkel kayak and drive around. Also drive to the city of refuge. A beautiful beach.
DIVING AROUND the island
Driving around the island is a very pleasant journey. You can go through lush Hilo and do the coast and water fall drive. The Waipi o Valley on the Hamakua coast where they shot part of the movie water world is a nice side trip. As well as north to Hawaii and on a clear day you can even see Maui. Then the road goes up country to the Parker Ranch before descending down to the dryer side of the island.
Another drive is to cut through the middle of the island on what they call the Saddle Road between the 2 active volcanoes. I love this drive. It’s other worldly. Careful of wild pigs, goats and turkeys running across the road.
The southern route will take you to some huge black sand beaches and small towns. There is even a famous green sand beach that we did one of our famous dances into the sea on one year.
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