4-Day West Side Weekend Yoga and Wellness Escape in Waimea, Kauai

The retreat takes place over a long weekend in Waimea, on the west side of Kauai. Days are anchored by yoga practices that blend the precision of Iyengar Yoga with the flow of Ashtanga Vinyasa, alongside guided and silent meditation in the Insight/Vipassana tradition. Each day starts with a morning practice, and some afternoons include a workshop or asana lab where the group breaks down the mechanics and energetics of the postures. There is also restorative yoga, yin, and yoga nidra woven in, so the schedule balances effort with deep rest. The teaching is alignment-based and breath-focused, and Mary Susan is attentive to individual needs, often tailoring the program on the fly.

One of the standout experiences is the group hike in Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. This is coupled with a lunch at Koke'e Lodge, set within Koke'e State Park, with its sweeping views and cooler mountain air. The retreat also includes a holy cacao ceremony during a journaling session, using cacao grown and made on Kauai, which adds a local, grounding touch. Other included activities are an art and free painting workshop, guided and silent meditation, yoga nidra, and plenty of unstructured beach time to simply relax and restore.

On the accommodation side, guests stay in historic plantation cottages that have been lovingly refreshed but retain their rustic charm. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, and private rooms come with either a queen or twin bed, with ocean or garden views depending on availability. The property has a restaurant, a pool, hammocks, and two miles of black sand beach right on the doorstep. The atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried, with the small town of Waimea close by for exploring.

Mary Susan Stults is the host and teacher. She has been on the mat since 1991 and is certified as a 500+ hour E-RYT yoga and meditation teacher, as well as being certified in SUP and SUP yoga, kids yoga, and adaptive yoga. She is known for her enthusiastic, heart-led teaching style, and students consistently mention her ability to make everyone feel supported, regardless of experience. Her background includes intensive study with the late Maty Ezraty, and she has practiced with teachers like Richard Freeman, Judith Hanson Lasater, and Jack Kornfield. This is a retreat for anyone looking to slow down, deepen their practice, and experience the aloha spirit of Kauai's west side in a genuinely beautiful setting.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private room in a shared plantation-style cottage - Daily breakfast/brunch and dinner - One lunch at Koke'e Lodge during the Waimea Canyon hike - Welcome drink - Morning yoga classes and workshops - Afternoon practice sessions on some days - Guided and silent meditation classes - Yoga nidra and relaxation - Transportation during the retreat - Art/free painting workshop - Journaling sessions - Holy cacao from Kauai during journaling - Group nature hike in Waimea Canyon - Specialized workshops and group excursions - Pre and post retreat support - Professional event photos - Water, tea, and snacks throughout the day - Wifi and parking

What's not included

- Flights to Kauai - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Some lunches and other meals not specified - Additional treatments or activities not in the itinerary - Airport transfers outside the scheduled group shuttle times