After a long flight to Hawaii, what better way to unwind than with a little bit of yoga?
The ancient Indian practice will surely loosen those stiff necks and get the blood flowing after sitting for hours in those cramped airplane quarters. In fact, yoga has become so mainstream that it’s not uncommon for travelers to seek out ways to continue their practice from back home or to try something new during their vacay.
Luckily, Hawaii offers plenty of opportunities to find your inner yogi. Visitors will come across numerous studios on each of the major islands, as well as several outdoor classes at the park or beach. Even hotels and airports have been adjusting to the trend. Some hotels offer yoga at their in-house fitness centers, while several airports nationwide opened a room dedicated to the practice.
The best part (aside from feeling amazingly relaxed and rejuvenated) about yoga in Hawaii would have to be that it doesn’t break the bank. Yoga classes in the Aloha State costs about half as much as classes on the mainland. That’s thanks to the plethora of instructors, studios, co-ops and pop-up classes taught in backyards, houses and community centers. Also, there are quite a few studios that run strictly by donations, so travelers pay what they can afford.
Practicing yoga while on a vacation doesn’t need to take up much space in your suitcase either. All that’s needed is a mat or a towel, both of which may be easily rented from various studios and hotels. Otherwise, practice completely equipment-free on your hotel room floor or on a sandy beach. Some poses and stretches can even be done while sitting in an airplane seat or at the airport gate.
Here is a list where visitors may get their yoga on in Hawaii. Namaste!
OAHU
Power Yoga Hawaii • Honolulu & Kahala • Donation based • www.poweryogahawaii.com
Turtle Bay Resort • Kahuku • $10 for guests and non-guests, $6 punch cards also available • www.turtlebay.com/oahu_spa/wellness
Sunset Yoga Hawaii • Waikiki • Donation-based for locals, $65 for visitors via a 5-class pass • www.sunsetyogahawaii.com
Kahala Hotel & Resort • Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga, yogaquatic, yoga with weights, vinyasa yoga • $25 to $35 • www.kahalaresort.com/activities_events/fitness_center/
MAUI
Lumeria Maui • Luxury educational retreat center in Paia • www.lumeriamaui.com
Hotel Wailea • Package includes 5 days of private 1-hour yoga sessions on the beach, personal yoga mat to take home, water, towels, yoga equipment, 5-night accommodation • $795 per person • www.hotelwailea.com/hotel-specials/maui-yoga/
BIG ISLAND
Mauna Kea Resort • Various yoga classes offered at the in-house fitness center
Yoga Oasis • Pahoa • To see various retreats and classes, visit www.yogaoasis.org
KAUAI
Sheraton Poipu • www.sheraton-kauai.com/property/activities/fitness
Photo Courtesy: Power Yoga Hawaii Facebook Fan Page
