MOLOKAI HUAKAʻI RETREAT, 2026
Molokai, Hawaiʻi
July 19-28, 2026
A 10-day Spiritual Journey (Huakaʻi) of the island Molokai Nui A Hina.
Find relief from your hectic life and cultivate your innate relationship with your ancestors through ceremonies on Molokai.
DEADLINE of Registration with Early Bird Discount is January 31st
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW →
Experience The Culture and History of the island of Molokai.
Journey back in time as you sense the spiritual power of the land and the Hawaiian heroes and heroines that roamed this island before.
Are you so busy living your life that you can't find the time and space to feed your spirit?
You would love to engage in the traditional culture and language of Hawaiʻi, but you don't want to be inappropriate or fall into a tourist trap?
We hear you and we care about your story.
Maybe you're struggling with:
- Not living from spiritual values
- A missing connection with others, seen and unseen
- Continuously rushing, a lack of deliberate sacred space and time
- The absence of a meaningful relationship to the land, ocean, animals, and elements in your day-to-day life.
Molokai Pule Oʻo
Molokai, Powerful Prayers
Imagine instead you could...
❖ Be part of this retreat with people who accept, understand, and promote the significance of all we hold dear as a people in a nurturing environment.
❖ Come to understand Hula, Oli (Chants), and Ceremony as a form of Prayer, as preserved in the teachings of the Ancestors of Halawa Valley, Molokai, with 50th-generation Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Indigenous Hawaiian) kupuna (elder) Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki.
❖ Leave the island, feeling rejuvenated and remembering your spiritual connection to the Higher Being and Ancestors as an expression full of Aloha (Unconditional Love)
That's what this unique Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat is all about.
LET'S HUAKAʻI →
Take time away from the distractions of your busy life,
… Find the calm you are looking for, because of the people, place, and the Hawaiian lifestyle on Molokai, specially when you are with your newfound ʻOhana (family).
Experience the profound spirituality of the Hawaiian People, which is so strong in Molokai and Hālawa Valley,
... You will appreciate the remarkable lessons by the Ancestors, as you learn Hula, and on your journeys walking on the land in the footsteps of Molokai heroes and heroines.
Knowing what it means to truly live out the sacred teachings of Aloha,
.... Molokai and its people are descendants of Hina, the Mother, Protector, and Goddess of her island child Molokai. Her teachings are all about Aloha, which is our message to you…
READY TO JOIN US ON THIS INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE?
CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER
REGISTER NOW →
WHERE & WHEN
In Person: Kawela ● Molokai Shores, Molokai, Hawaiʻi, USA
2618 Kamehameha V Highway, Kaunakakai, Hawaii 96748
Dates: July 19-28, 2026
❖ Thirteen (13) spots available ❖
Open - and Closing Ceremony
Tī leaf Leimaking
Hula Workshops
Journeys to Wahi Pana (Historical Places) on the Island of Molokai
Storytelling and History of Molokai
How can you expect to feel at the end of the Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat?
1. The Power of Aloha and the profound meaning of Hula
You acknowledge, and experienced it for yourself, that balance always starts with spirit, mind, and then body. You remember to open your heart to Aloha and stop holding back because you are so much more than you ever believed yourself to be.
2. Interconnected with the people, the environment, and the Ancestors
The very deep experience of ceremonies, storytelling, visiting sacred sites, hula, and chanting allows you to deepen your understanding of how we are all related to each other. You can always ask for guidance on a spiritual and physical level. Prayer might become your go-to communication, or you might change how you pray.
3. Happy that you're no longer all alone, and you feel part of an ʻohana who share your interests
In Hawaiian Traditions, everything is about Pilina (relationships) and ʻohana (family). You will be sharing the cooking and meals. You will learn and experience how to work together in harmony and move as a group while developing rich friendships. Beyond that, you can achieve so much together when everybody thinks alike and lives by the same cultural values.
#1200 "‘Ike aku, ‘ike mai, kōkua aku, kōkua mai; pēlā ihola ka nohona ‘ohana."
Recognize and be recognized, help and be helped; such is family life. Family life requires an exchange of mutual help and recognition.
~ by Mary Kawena Pukui. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings (p. 281). Bishop Museum Press.
4. Empowered by Hawaiian Traditional Teachings handed down for more than 50 generations
The teachings as lived by our Ancestors have come alive now that you have personally experienced them on Molokai. When you start to integrate the teachings into your life, your thinking, and your being, your world begins to shift. Take away what it is that you need at this time.
LET'S DO THIS →
“My expectations were far exceeded due to every new day bringing remarkable lessons that felt like exactly what I needed to hear and experience.”
Desiree Leilani R. from Oklahoma, US
“The most valuable aspect of the Huakaʻi was the spiritual connection full of Aloha.”
Margit M. from Germany
“It was a very humbling experience to be part of this huakaʻi with people who accept, understand and promote the significance of all we hold dear as a people.”
Cecilia Kuʻulei R. from Oklahoma, US
“The experience was a journey into the Hawaiian spiritual and cultural teachings that were shared but also a deep journey within.”
Jo R. from Norfolk, Australia
“It is a journey into your naʻau. Everybody will experience it in his or her way, but they have to be open to it and realize that Molokai is Hawaiʻi in its purest. Living partly off the grid will make you contemplate and enjoy the use of the senses you forgot to use. This is not Waikīkī, if you want Waikīkī, you have no business coming to the Molokai”
Harry Kawika Kūmakaekalā L. from The Netherlands
“Without a doubt - I feel more centered, more joyful & light-hearted... Filled with more love, more patience & more understanding of Hula”
Barbara D. from California
Molokai Nui A Hina
Molokai, the island child of the great Mother, Protector, and Goddess Hina
Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat 2026 is a 10-day spiritual journey where you’ll go from feeling alone, living a busy stressful life, to feeling an enormous sense of aloha, nurtured in ʻohana style, and closely connected to your Ancestors .
This is a different kind of retreat because we live the Sacred Teachings of Aloha from the island of Molokai Nui A Hina.
We say Molokai Nui A Hina because most people identify Hina as the Moon Goddess. We know her as the Mother of her island child, Molokai.
Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island, is where you want to learn about the Fire Goddess Pele.
Here's what you'll get from attending the Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat, 2026...
- Discover the Sacred Teachings of Aloha and Pono from the Island of Molokai
- Get to know 50th Generation Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki & Kumu Paʻa Kyrian van Vliet.
- Learn Hula and Oli (Chants) from Molokai, dedicated to Molokai Nui A Hina
- Meet your new ʻOhana and have the most fulfilling learning experience.
Your Purpose and Reason
Everyone comes to the Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat for a different reason and purpose. You will receive an experience that is unique to you. We can't promise you what you will get out of it, we can only show you our program. Your intentions and actions will shape what you will take home with you.
SEE THE ITINERARY →
Itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome to Molokai
July 19, 2026, Sunday — Kawela Barn Houses
You will be greeted at Hoʻolehua Airport by one of the staff with a lei who will bring you directly to your condo. After some rest, we will get together at Kawela Barn Houses (the gathering place) for the welcome ceremony and have an amazing welcome Dinner.
Activity Level — Easy
Day 2 — Opening Ceremony and Tī leaf Lei making
July 20, 2026, Monday — Kawela Barn Houses
- Protocol Ceremony with Group Hoʻoponopono / Pī kai / ʻAwa
- Making Ti Leaf Lei & Hawaiian Chant (Oli) Practice
- Make Hoʻokupu (offering) for our spiritual journeys
Activity Level — Moderate
Day 3 — Hike to Moʻoula Falls, Halawa Valley
July 21, 2026, Tuesday — Halawa Valley
- Protocol at Lele
- Hike to Moʻoula Falls
Activity Level — Heavy
Day 4 — Workshop Hula Kahiko
July 22, 2026, Wednesday — Kawela Barn Houses
- Workshop Kumu Hula Ehulani Stephany from Hawaiʻi Island
Activity Level — Moderate
Day 5 — Workshop Hula ʻAuana
July 23, 2026, Thursday — Kawela Barn Houses
- Workshop Kumu Hula Leiohulani Valerie Dudoit-Temahaga from Molokai
Activity Level — Moderate
Day 6 — ʻĀina Pulapula Farms Work Project
July 24, 2026, Friday — ʻĀina Pulapula Farms
- Work Project
- Kalaupapa Lookout / Phallic Stone
Activity Level — Moderate
Day 7 — Hula Performance
July 25, 2026, Saturday — Kawela Barn Houses
- Hula Performance
Activity Level — Moderate
Day 8 — Mākaukau (Be prepared) (TBA)
- July 26, 2026, Sunday — TBA
Day 9 — Mākaukau (Be prepared) (TBA)
July 27, 2026, Monday — TBA
Day 10 — Closing of the Huakaʻi Retreat with Pāʻina (Dinner)
July 29, 2026, Tuesday — Kawela Barn Houses
- Closing / Manaʻo — Reflections / Oli Mahalo
- Pāʻina (Dinner)
Activity Level — Easy
Day 11 — A hui hou, Molokai
July 29, 2026, Wednesday — Checkout and departure, bound for Hoʻolehua Airport
Mākaukau
Note there is always a chance of the content and program having changes along the way. Be prepared for anything, all the time. Hoʻomākaukau.
"I left with so much more knowledge and insight and with embodied practices that I can share with others."
Natalie P. from California, US
"I found the calm I was looking for because of the people, place, and what I learned about Hawaiian culture"
Valerie B. from Kentucky, US
"Overwhelming Aloha from all participants and ʻohana. Nurturing environment"
Cecilia Kuʻulei R. from Kansas, US
"The experience was one of personal growth and connection with an incredible group of people that I can honestly say was unlike anything I have done before. Each person added to and enriched our journey on this Huakaʻi. Aloha Nā Akua"
Donna Wailani J. from Kansas, US
"A very deep experience of ceremonies, storytelling, visiting sacred sites, hula, chanting, feeling the interconnectedness with the people, the environment and the Ancestors, shared cooking and meals, learning how to function and move as a group, developing rich friendships."
Jen B. from Perth, West Australia.
What's Included
10-Nights of Accommodations | All classes and talk stories | Private vans and drivers |All meals | All group activities and instructors and local practitioners | Full-time huakaʻi director & team | Tips and gratuities
Group Size
We are committed to keeping our group up to 20 participants, currently there is still a place for 13 participants. It will be perfect for immersing in the Hawaiian way of living and learning the cultural practices, the food, and the culture.
Cultural Expertise
Kanaka ʻōiwi cultural expert, born and raised on Molokai, Kumu Paʻa (Teacher of Foundation) Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki and partner Kumu Kyrian van Vliet (living on Molokai since 2013) are your hosts, and have offered Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat since 2015.
For the entire duration of your spiritual journey, you will have a full-time team of chosen, and experienced students by your side.
You will dance hula with two different Kumu (teachers);
- Workshop Hula ʻAuana (modern-style hula) with Kumu Hula Leiohulani Valerie Dudoit-Temahaga from Molokai
- Workshop Hula Kahiko (old-style hula) from Kumu ʻEhulani Stephany, of Hālau Hula Ka Makani Hali ʻAla O Puna from Hawaiʻi Island.
In addition to this, local practitioners will share their ʻike (knowledge and wisdom), and kuleana, responsibility, with you such as Lāʻau Lapaʻau (Hawaiian Herbal Medicine), Hawaiian history, the Hawaiian way of life, and guide you on sacred sites of Hālawa Valley.
Meals
Because meal time is so important in Hawaiian culture, we include all meals during the Huakaʻi Retreat. The only meals not included are those you have during your free time. You will work together as one ʻohana (family) to make sure we have the best food experiences. The closing night will be catered with ʻono delicious Hawaiian food, so you can enjoy a genuine Hawaiian meal.
Transportation
To truly appreciate the ʻāina (land) of Molokai, you discover it with local practitioners. We will be using private 15-passenger vans, driven by our students. Distances are not great on Molokai, since the island is so small. One of the long drives is to Hālawa Valley.
So you can relax in the van and enjoy the beautiful views from high up and down to the ocean.
We also include airport transfers to and from Molokai Hoʻolehua Airport.
Accommodations
You will stay at Molokai Shores, carefully chosen for the closeness to Kawela Barns, the gathering location, which is a central place to visit the island. We make sure you have Wi-Fi where possible. You will also have time to visit the town of Kaunakakai so you can explore and perhaps shop for souvenirs.
Activities
The activities and experiences that you will take part in on our Molokai Huakaʻi Retreat are a combination of the major sights (they are famous for a reason), remote locations, and a small family-run farm, sights. You will make lei, learn about the ancient Hawaiian sites, and ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Knowledge) with local practitioners.
Makana — Generosity and Giving
Before each journey with other Molokai practitioners, you’ll be asked to offer a financial gift to support your teachers. Registration fees do not support local practitioners, and most practitioners don't get paid for what they offer. Your gifts support practitioners to continue their practice and teaching. Our suggestion is to gift the practitioner $20.
Where is the Event Held?
Hale Kumu at Kawela Barns ● Kawela, Molokai ● 2618 Kamehameha V Hwy, Kaunakakai HI, 96748
A cozy oceanfront house on the south shores of Molokai, in the land district of Kawela, where palm trees, the ocean, and the trade winds allow us to gather, dance, and listen to the moʻolelo (stories). Your accommodations are nearby at Molokai Shores.
Where Will You Stay?
Molokai Shores ● Molokai ● 1000 Kamehameha V Hwy, Kaunakakai HI, 96748
An intimate condo complex on the south shores of Molokai with beautiful sunsets and an oceanfront swimming pool where you can relax and decompress. You will share a room with other participants.
There will be a shuttle available between your room and Kawela Barn Houses at designated times.
Photo by Castle Resorts.
“Thank Na Kumu and his beautiful Ohana for this wonderful and beautiful spiritual experience and until you go and actually experience it, there are no words that can describe the trip. [..] this and the love and aloha that they share this was truly a special, special, Huakaʻi, one I will always cherish in my heart.”
Kapio Y. from Kansas, US
“I send to all who were with us, [..], on this Mana O Molokai Huakaʻi, my deepest purest aloha. The impact you have on my life cannot be measured.”
Donna J. from Wichita, KS.
“Mahalo to you all for sharing your aloha as we all dove deeper in the levels and layers of the teachings. Mahalo Na Kumu for leading us there. ❤️🌺"
Crystal M. B. from Seattle, WA
Book the journey of a lifetime now
I’m interested..
At the same time, I'm not yet ready to make the payment.
Keep me updated on this huakaʻi (journey). I understand that if I wait, I might miss this year's huakaʻi, but I'm willing to take that chance.
Your Hosts
Team Mana O Molokai
Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki
Is the 50th Generation of Hālawa Valley, Molokai Lineage of Traditional ʻIke (knowledge). Born and raised in the traditions of the remote Halawa Valley by his maternal Grandparents. Founder and Cultural Expert of Mana O Molokai.
Kumu Hula Kumu Paʻa Kyrian van Vliet
Is one of the 51st Generation Kumu of Hālawa Valley, Molokai Lineage of Traditional ʻIke (knowledge). Born and raised in Rijssen, The Netherlands, and now resides in Kawela, Molokai since 1993. Co-Founder of Mana O Molokai. Kumu Hula of Hālau Hula Ka Makani Laukamani O Hālawa-Iki.
Kumu Paʻa Christine Makapolani Agnes Dietrich (Switzerland)
Is one of the 51st Generation Kumu of Hālawa Valley, Molokai Lineage of Traditional ʻIke (knowledge). Born and raised in Bavaria, Germany, now residing close to Zürich, Switzerland. Currently, a teacher of Mathematics to High School students. Lomilomi Practitioner, Hoʻoponopono Practitioner.
Poʻopuaʻa Katy Keaohiwaokalani Cano (CA)
Poʻopuaʻa (Apprentice) to Kumu Hula Kyrian van Vliet. Haumāna since Sep. 2022. Admin to Mana O Molokai since November 2021. Born in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico, raised in Los Angeles, CA, since age 4. Student of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Student of Kumu Hula Māhealani Linder with Hālau Hula O Ka Mahina Poepoe (LA).
Poʻopuaʻa Tonya ʻIolani Gaboton-Leger (KY)
Poʻopuaʻa (Apprentice) to Kumu Hula Kyrian van Vliet. Haumana since June 2023. Practitioner of Hawaiian bodywork (Lomilomi massage), Lāʻau Lomilomi/ Lomi ‘ohe (Lomi Stick), Lomi Hā (Breathwork), Lāʻau Lapaʻau, Hoʻoponopono, Lomi ʻIliʻili/Pōhaku (Basalt stone massage) for 15 years, ʻOlapa (dancer)
Haumana Katrina Dilag (CA)
Haumana to Kumu Hula Kyrian van Vliet since 2023.
Founder + CEO of The Radical Visionary Collective, Spiritual Life Coach, Speaker, and Healer. ʻŌlapa (Dancer)
Photo Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Aki by PF Bentley. Photos of Kumu Kyrian, Kumu Makapolani, Poʻopuaʻa Keaohiwa by Dewitt Jones.
About Us
Aloha mai kākou, aloha mai, aloha mai kāua,
I'm Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki, the 50th Generation of Kumu from Hālawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaiʻi with my wife Kumu Hula Kyrian van Vliet from Rijssen, The Netherlands.
We teach Kānaka ʻŌiwi and healers all over the world to build a strong and unshakable Hawaiian spiritual foundation, so they know who they are and where they come from.
The one message I have for the world is the message of Aloha.
Hereby, we heed the kāhea (call) to share the teachings of my kūpuna of Hālawa Valley with you here on my home island, Molokai.
In 2010, my blood-uncle and Kumu, Hawaiʻi Treasure Kumu Hula ʻAnakala Pilipo Solatorio since my tenth year, said to me:
“The mango is ripe, and it is at its sweetest point, ready to be plucked.”
A hui hou, see you on Molokai,
Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki
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