Help Build the Hawaii Yoga Shala!

Hello, my name is Robin Duryea. Originally from San Francisco, I now live in the jungle along the raw, wild and beautiful coastline of Puna, Big Island, Hawaii. In 2020 I got an intuitive hit that very clearly & specifically directed me this part of the world, East Side, Big Island, Hawaii. At the time, I didn't have plans or thoughts to visit Hawaii, so at first, I resisted. After a month of resistance & inquiry, I bought a one-way ticket thinking the stay would be a nice month or two of rest and recalibration. Little did I know I was about to receive an invitation from the universe that would completely change my life. I found a spot to stay on craigslist though I had no idea where I was going or what I was doing. Once I arrived I dropped into my practice of deep listening & surrender which allowed me to keep receiving from my inner guidance. What I heard from within was an invitation to let go of my life in San Francisco and purchase an off-grid, three-acre property, that I could use as a wellness retreat center; for myself, my students back home and anyone else interested in a place of refuge for wholistic health, healing and connection. This all came through very clearly, though, my first thoughts were, "What?! No way! I can't possibly do that! I'm a city kid! I live in 900 square feet. How big is an acre anyway?!" It is my experience, however, that when we allow the universe to support and guide our innermost callings what seems impossible becomes very possible. It did take every resource and ounce of courage and tenacity to see it through. I lived out of my suitcase for a year while I studied, researched and did what I had to do to make this all happen. The whole journey proved quite the challenge and with quite the reward. I'm so glad I didn't give up. I let go of my life in San Francisco and purchased this stunning three-acre property full of mana, beauty, magic, awe, wonder, truth and abundance that I have been bringing back to life and building up to share out into the world. It's been just over a year and we are running and functioning as a wellness retreat center & accommodations for those visiting the island in search of reconnecting with nature and themselves. We are available to any facilitator looking for a space to host, we have hosted our first wedding, we have hosted several retreats and have welcomed travelers from all over the world who come here to experience the profound healing found in the many layers of this powerful earth.

Now, I need some help.

There is a space to build a Yoga Shala - a gathering space for practice, celebration & ceremony. There is a 30x30-foot platform that needs to be rebuilt with new floor and roof. The jungle elements are unforgiving, so I've been researching the best materials and designs for this environment. We are now ready! The money collected will be to pay for materials, labor, shipping, tools, haul away, excavation & unforeseen expenditures. I, along with a team of support from people I've met are ready to start the build!

Learn more and see photos at https://kualoliretreats.com

Reviews

"So many great things about spending the week here for a retreat. From the fresh fruit and flowers, which were brilliant and everyday, to the natural habitat of many wildlife surrounding the jungalows making it delightful to wake up in the jungle surrounded by the unique ecosystem."

"This stay was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The open-air bungalow allowed us to fall asleep to the sound of the jungle and waves."

"Robin’s place was just amazing. The property is one of the best properties we’ve stayed in and was phenomenal. We were so impressed with the property that we spent half a day at this place making it a destination in itself."

"Great energies to soak in and the sounds of the jungle were stimulating. There’s wild mangoes, passion fruit, and so much more growing on the property. And witnessing it in the full moonlight was an experience in itself."

"We stayed with her for two nights. Be sure to sample food with her. She had a repertoire of local fresh produce for us. From mango oysters, fresh coconut, papaya bowls, micro greens, coconut heart, cacao, etc. There was just so much variety and I’m glad we were able to stay with her. She’s a very accomplished Yogi with 20+ years of experience teaching yoga. And she lead us through a morning practice that was adapted to us. There are hot springs nearby and there’s a famous Pohoiki black sand beach down the road. We went walking across the road to watch the ocean waves crash."

"This place is absolutely magical, like nothing I have experienced before. You step into a world of butterflies and rainbows, sweet flowers, fruit, and refreshing rain. It is a vacation for your senses with a billion stars shining thru a screened bedroom window. You hear the sounds of the surf, exotic birds and frogs. I found myself laughing with the pleasure of new experiences. ( My husband joked that we might see a unicorn, but we didn’t miss it). This is off the beaten path and not for anyone wanting a resort experience. Here, you connect with nature, locals, and the natural beauty of Hawaii. Absolutely the best part of our two week vacation."

Across from the ocean, the grounds of Kūaloli (koo-ah-low-lee) feels part Botanical Garden, Part Sanctuary. Kūaloli is Hawaiian for metamorphosis and is beautifully designed to highlight the nature specific to this part of the island. There are abundant fruit trees; coconut, banana, papaya, lilikoi, ulu, guava, cashew, noni, cacao & more, three vibrant butterfly habitats and three lotus ponds. We are here for you in your journey of health, healing & inspiration.

If you can donate, thank you! If you can offer time and expertise, let me know! If you can offer both - Great! [email redacted]

Thank you for reading, for showing interest and for all your continued support and donations.