by Audrina Kingston

Created on: September 23, 2010   Last Updated: September 24, 2010

As daily life becomes more hectic, an increasing number of people are embracing yoga as a way to combat stress. For new and advanced students of yoga, a trip to a yoga retreat is the best way to relax, achieve balance, and find deeper meaning in your lives. Read on to learn more about a few island retreats in Hawaii.

Kalani Oceanside Retreat, Pahoa
www.kalani.com

Yoga classes at Kalani cost only $15 per session, which is a mere fraction of the cost of a yoga session at a metropolitan fitness center. This value can’t be beaten when you consider the benefits of yoga—health and well being, inner calm, a sense of peace, and achieving a mind-body connection.

The following classes are held daily, beginning early in the morning, through until late evening. And, there’s a wide variety of disciplines to pick from: Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga (flow yoga). You do need to bring a yoga mat to class, but props (like blocks) are available to use in the yoga studio.

Workshops are an integral, but not mandatory part of the program. Each workshop runs the entire week, with a new series starting the following week. The topics sound interesting and are intended to promote positive thinking. Consider signing up for  healing workshops like:

- Boot Camp for the Ascending Mind
- Find Your ‘Ono’
- Ayurveda: Yoga as a Way of Life
- Mastering Stress for Optimal Health

The natural setting at Kalani is stunning and lush, thanks in part to the beautiful flora and fauna on the property. High marks are also awarded for the cuisine, which is not only tasty, but also extremely healthy. Tropical fruits, fresh veggies, fish, and seafood are always on the menu.

Yoga Hale, Kailua Kona
http://www.yogahale.com

On your first evening at Yoga Hale, you will be treated to a ‘welcome dinner’ filled with island flavors. At dinner, you also have the opportunity to become acquainted with other patrons. You begin your remaining days at dawn with yoga instruction, followed by activities of your choice. You may opt to relax by the salt water pool, take in a sightseeing tour, or perhaps you prefer to have a therapeutic massage.

You don’t have to be a devoted yogi to visit Yoga Hale. The retreat is gay-friendly, very open, and welcoming to everyone. Cancer patients, in particular, are treated with extreme tenderness and devotion by the staff. Current patients and cancer survivors are welcome to take advantage of free

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