PLANNING GUIDE
FOR YOUR RETREAT
E KOMO MAI - WELCOME
The retreat will be held outdoors on the beachfront lawn under a tent. In the Tibetan traditional style, retreatants will be asked to sit on carpeted ground. If you have a favorite meditation cushion or aids to help you sit for longer periods of time, please bring them. We will have some chairs and beach chairs available for those who are unable to sit on the ground. Please let me know in advance if you will be requiring that for the retreat.
You are more than welcome to spend time on the beach or have your meals on the property during the break and meal times.
Coming to Hawaii
Aloha Dharma Retreats is located at the Pohakupuna Beach Club in sunny Ewa Beach, Hawaii on the island of O’ahu. Tucked away on the South Shore away from the hustle and bustle, the retreat will be held outdoors on the beautiful Club Lawn right on the beach, with stunning views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Honolulu to the East and sunset views on the ocean to the west.
Located near beaches, legendary golf courses and parks, there are restaurants, shopping and cafes all within a 10 minute drive.
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A FULL RETREAT SCHEDULE WILL BE PROVIDED TO REGISTERED RETREATANTS
TENTATIVE RETREAT SCHEDULE
Retreat schedule is listed in Hawaii Standard Time (HST).
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
4:30pm - Welcome
6:00pm - INITIATING CEREMONY + PRACTICES
8:00pm - Group Dinner and sharing opportunity
SATURDAY, SEPT 14
10 am to 12 noon: FIRST SESSION
12 noon to 2 pm: Lunch (2 hr)
2 pm to 4:30 pm: SECOND SESSION (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION AVAILABLE)
6:00pm: SESSION
POST- SESSION OPPORTUNITY TO DINNER TOGETHER
SUNDAY, SEPT 15
10am - 12pm: FIRST SESSION
12pm-2pm: Lunch
2pm-4:00pm: SECOND SESSION
6:00: FINAL SESSION AND CONCLUDING CEREMONIES
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$250 FULL RETREAT (3 days)
$108 each day to join in person Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday, lodging and meals not included.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Your registration fee supports Aloha Dharma Retreats in presenting this retreat.
Financial assistance toward the cost of registration is available. Please contact info@alohadharmaretreats for details.
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Refunds are available up to 7 days before the retreat. It is highly recommended that you purchase Travel Insurance in the event of you having to cancel for any reason.
In the event that we must cancel the retreat due to changing , weather, etc. we will reschedule the retreat date. We will refund those retreatants that are unable to make the new date.
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The retreat begins on Friday, September 13 at 4:30pm. Please arrive at the venue early to get settled. The retreat concludes Sunday September 15 at around 9pm; or if you’d like to remain for optional practices we may be holding, you are welcome to observe or participate. Details will be shared at the retreat.
Book your plane tickets to Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the only airport on the island of O’ahu. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour away (depending on traffic) from the retreat site.
For domestic travel, COVID restrictions have been lifted to and from Hawaii; there are no requirements. To keep up to date, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/ or https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/covid-test-options
TRANSPORTATION TO THE VENUE
Uber/Lyft is available from HNL airport to the venue located in Ewa Beach, HI - which will cost approximately $50 for a one way trip (30 minutes without traffic).
Guests are also welcome to rent a car for their stay. There are many rental car companies available at HNL airport. Parking is available on site in the event parking lot.
There is a public bus available from HNL to a stop about a 5 minute walk away from the venue. Enter the venue address (91-839 Pohakupuna Road Ewa Beach HI 96706) into the Google Maps app to get public transportation directions.
The bus trip between Hampton Inn & Suites and Ewa Beach takes about 30 minutes, and the bus runs twice an hour. For public transport from the airport to local hotels, please allow 1.5 or 2 hours each way.
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We regret that onsite housing is not available for this retreat.
Please reserve accommodations as soon as possible.
Below are a few hotels where you may find accommodations:
Hampton Inn & Suites O’ahu/Kapolei
10 min drive (5 miles away)
This is the closest hotel to Pohakupuna Beach Club and is located at the Ka Makana Ali’i Mall with restaurants, grocery, and stores within walking distance
Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei
14 min drive (5.7 miles away).
Outdoor pool, restaurant, and rooms with kitchens available.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei
14 min drive (5.8 miles)
Outdoor pool, restaurant, and rooms with kitchens available.
25 min drive (14.4 miles away)
There are four hotels at Ko Olina (Four Seasons, Aulani Disney, Beach Villas, and Marriot). Ko Olina is a resort location with walking distance access to the famous calm beach lagoons (for swimming and snorkeling). There are restaurants and pools at each resort.
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**** NO PROOF OF VACCINATION OR COVID TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO HAWAII***
Hawaii Safe Travels restrictions ended on 03/25/2022 at 11:59pm (HST). Travelers arriving on 03/26/2022 and beyond will no longer be required to complete a Safe Travels application to enter Hawaii.
This means that you no longer have to show proof of vaccination nor take a COVID test to arrive in Hawaii after March 26, 2022
For more information, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/ or https://ets.hawaii.gov/travelhelp/
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The climate in Hawaii in August is usually a balmy 80-85F degrees during the day. The nights will dip down into the mid 70’s. Most people do not need more than a light sweater or jacket in these temperatures.
The retreat will be held outdoors on the lawn under a tent. In the Tibetan traditional style, retreatants will be asked to sit on carpeted ground. If you have a favorite meditation cushion or aids to help you sit for longer periods of time, please bring them. We will have some chairs and beach chairs available for those who are unable to sit on the ground. Please let me know in advance if you will be requiring that for the retreat.
Here is a list of items I recommend you to bring. This is not an exhaustive list and is a recommendation of items to bring in addition to your usual travel items (such as prescription medications, favorite pajamas, eyeglasses/contact lenses):
Reef Safe Sunscreen at least SPF 30 (This is available for purchase in Hawaii). Hazardous sunscreens have been banned for sale in Hawaii.
Bug repellant (mosquitos)
Hiking Shoes for muddy conditions
Slippers
Swim shoes (the beach at Pohakupuna Beach Club has rocky coral)
Swimsuit, swim shorts
Comfortable clothing that you can sit in for long periods
Meditation cushion
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Light poncho or rain jacket
If you forget any items, no worries. There are many convenient stores close to the retreat venue to pick up what you need (Safeway, Target, Walgreens, 7-11 to name a few).
Questions? Email info@alohadharmaretreat.com
ADDRESS
POHAKUPUNA BEACH CLUB
*This is the address to enter into your GPS system
91-839 Pohakupuna Road
Ewa Beach HI 96706