1. What is the food situation?

Sharing meals is a big part of community living. Households often self organize a meal plan that might happen a few days a week or every night with the residents taking turns. There is one community wide meal a week and we request that residents attend these as it’s the one time each week when the whole community gathers. All community meals are vegetarian. The Lotus house has a vegetarian kitchen. 

It is also common for households to organize shopping together and buy bulk items. You are not required to participate. 

2. What activities are available?

Onsite: Each weekday morning there is a meditation from 7:30-8am. This is followed by a movement class from 8-9am. This can be yoga, tai-chi, dance or other types of movement depending on the day. These classes are put on by residents so they can share their gifts. You can also advertise and have people from the neighborhood attend and collect a class fee from them. There are also frequent afternoon and evening classes and workshops for physical, emotional and mental wellness. These can include yoga, divine play, authentic relating and more. On Wednesdays we host an ecstatic dance. There are also frequent concerts, sound healings and movie nights on our big screen. Each Sunday morning we have Kirtan and cacao!

In the immediate area: There is a lot to do in this area. There are numerous centers that host many different kinds of events and classes. There are also many dances. On Saturday mornings there is a local farmers market where you can find good food, produce, handicrafts and more. There is also a market on Sundays in Pahoa.

Nature Adventures: The scenic Red Road is just minutes away. Along it you can find magical places where waves crash on cliffs and amazing jungles to explore. Ten minutes from us is the Kehena black sand nude beach. Further down you will find the hardened 2018 lava flow and beyond that our wonderful warm ponds where you can soak and listen to the ocean surf. Further out you will find great hiking at Volcano National Park, lava caves, waterfalls, tropical gardens, countless beautiful beaches and more on the Island. Infinite places to explore on your own, with our team or with an outside tour group. This island is a feast for the senses!

 

3. What’s the bug and and animal situation?

We have some mosquitoes during the dusk hours; if you’re sensitive, bring herbal bug deterrent. This is the jungle and you will find an occasional cockroach though we do our best to deter them. Other than that we have plenty of fascinating tropical bugs including honeybees and a multitude of butterflies. For animals we have chickens and a number of outdoor cats scattered around the property. You will also see occasional wild pigs foraging. 

4. What’s the wifi and phone situation?

AT&T has good 3G coverage on the property. Verizon not so much. We have decent wifi on site.

5. What about intoxicants?

We believe in the appropriate ceremonial use of plant medicines and the like. Sobriety in daily life is admired and appreciated as “waking up” is part of what we’re all about. Occasional recreational use is fine, but keep out of public spaces. 

 

6. How do I Get Around?

Owning a car is highly suggested if you plan on staying. For shorter stays you can often find car rentals from locals who are not on island for cheaper than a car rental place. There is a bus that runs not far from us in to Hilo and even Kona. There is no uber and taxi service is not feasible.

7. What about power and water?

We’re on solar power and water catchment. It’s a low impact environment. We have a back up generator for emergencies.

 

8. What if I need medical care?

We have a basic first aid kit on the land. We suggest to bring your medicines and a portable first aid kit for hiking. There’s also a clinic in Pahoa, and a hospital in Hilo if it comes to that.

Directions to Sundari’s RAINBOW SHALA from Pahoa

Take 130 toward Kalapana about 9.5 miles. Turn right at the Noni Factory/across from the painted church. Turn right onto the paved road. Take your first right at the cat statue onto the dirt road to get to the Rainbow Shala, and park on the road in front of the 2-story building. (Address is 12-1092 Kaimu-Makena Homestead Rd in Pahoa).

Directions to Sundari’s YOGA SHALA & LOTUS HOUSE from Pahoa

Take 130 toward Kalapana about 9.5 miles. Turn right at the Noni Factory/across from the painted church. Turn right to go up the hill on the paved road. Take your first SECOND RIGHT (after the cat statue) and park to your right (at the bottom of the driveway below the yellow flower pot). Walk up the hill and find the Yoga Shala on the right & Lotus on the left. (Address is 12-1092 Kaimu-Makena Homestead Rd in Pahoa).

When you see the Meditating Cat 🐱 statue, instead of turning onto gravel road (where you would come to the Rainbow Shala), keep going straight, then turn right into next driveway, park up the hill next to the Lotus House & Yoga Shala (or at bottom of driveway if parking full).