mando & colee : we opened eastside yoga shala & bodywork in 2004 in Pahoa, paused in 2009 to be in Montana, and then began building out hilo yoga shala & bodywork 2015, & opened Jan 1, 2015. and and and…there’s more. let talk story. welcome to the introduction of this years 5 Day Yoga Intensive.
Aloha Friends, Yogis, Teachers, & Practitioners,
Join me in Hilo, Hawaii for a 5 Day Yoga Intensive. Focus is on developing your personal practice, learning the essentials of Ashtanga Vinyasa practice, and broadening your knowledge base of alignment & anatomy. You will gain tools & skills as a practitioner/teacher. The full intensive supplies you with 20 Hours of yoga practice and study; hands on adjustments, individualized attention, learning how to give adjustments and spot a fellow practitioner; developing and deepening connection to the respiratory system, and all systems of the body; it’s experiential education!
We will meet Monday - Friday in the mornings, 6:00 AM-8:30 AM, for chanting, breath work & led ashtanga vinyasa based practice. Afternoon workshops are held Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 5:30-8PM. If you are visiting the island, in between the sessions, explore the east side and its beaches, parks, and volcano. This pause between sessions is an opportunity to book a bodywork session from Armando, co-owner of Hilo Yoga Shala & Bodywork. Hit the surf, take a nap, a walk, a cold plunge, a class, nourish, study, rest, and rejuvenate in our lovely town of Hilo. The basic daily schedule is as follows:
Monday - Friday @ Yoga Centered
6:00 - 8:30 AM Morning Yoga Session
8:30 - 5:00 PM free time, nourishment, meditation, connect with folks in the intensive, go on excursions, rest at the beach, get ready for workshop timeMonday, Tuesday, & Thursday @ Papaikou Hongwanji
5:30 - 8 PM Workshops & Clinics: movement & mobility, postures & adjustments-both giving and receiving and the art thereof, and chanting - a look into the opening & closing mantras, and invocationsFriday
6:00 - 8:30AM Morning Yoga Session (this is our final session of the intensive)5PM and beyond. Closing celebration and feast at colee & armando’s home
See detailed class and workshop schedule below.
Tuition
5 Day Yoga Intensive: $650
Be of Service Credit
Earn $50 Credit towards tuition by doing daily service for the intensive. Examples are but not limited to: opening & preparing practice space & bathrooms, bring flowers and daily upkeep, bring candle and incense like palo santo, sage, amber, myrrh, sandalwood and frankincense, closing practice space, preparing tea for workshops, preparing snack for workshops, hanging flyers, running an errand, etc. There are 6 service spots available. You must be reliable and stoked! I am happy for this exchange and energy. Thank you for considering this option.
Book in Advance Bodywork with Armando
Book your massage(s) Armando Rivas, licensed massage therapist of 23 years, yoga practitioner, surfer, father, and beloved partner of Colee for 20 years. He uses neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue, sports rehabilitation, myofascial release, relaxation and breath work techniques. Focus is on improving blood circulation, increasing ease & efficiency of movement, and teaching you how to regain a posture that brings higher levels of energy & vitality. Book your massage in advance when registering for the intensive. Add 1 or 2 bodywork sessions to your tuition at checkout. Once you have registered, Armando will contact you to schedule your session(s).
colee in sirsasana - morning practice
More Info & In Depth Schedule
Monday, July 17 NEW MOON
6:00-8:30AM *Opening (the Altar, Chanting & Invocations, Pranayama-this is done every morning), Moon Day Restorative & Rejuvenating Asana Practice, Closing
5:30-8:00PM Workshop: The Anatomy of Breathing & The Body In Motion: Form, Alignment, & Imagination; Posture Clinic
Tuesday, July 18
6:00-8:30AM *Opening Led Primary Series with Special Focus on the Internal Forms: Breath, Dristi, Asana, Mudra, and variations to have more fun whether it be with more or less challenging options. Curious. Be curious.
5:30-8PM Workshop: The Art of Transitions and Keys to Opening & Strengthening the Hips; Posture & Movement Clinic; a review and translation of the morning invocations and mantras.
Wednesday, July 19
6:00-8:30AM *Opening,* Led 1/2 Primary Series & a taste of Intermediate Series
Thursday, July 20
6-8:30AM Opening, Led 1/2 Primary Series & 1/2 Intermediate Series
5:30-8PM Workshop: Know Yourself Upside Down: Inversions & Connectivity; Posture Clinic This last workshop is subject to shift a little depending on how the week goes and the needs of the group. We may leave it open to develop through the days together as there may be topics we want to go over, add, special interests, curiosities of the group…a curated final workshop.
Friday, July 21
6:00-8:30AM *Opening, Mysore Style: Self Led Practice with guidance & hands on adjustments
5:30 PM and beyond: Closing Celebration and Feast - a la casa de colee y armando
Please Note: The asana practices will be taught in a way all levels of students & practitioners can participate. There will be modifications & variations of the postures & vinyasa (particular movements in-between the postures) offered throughout all asana classes. Let us be inspired by the current state of body & mind. Just arrive and be ready; it is time to dive deep.
skies off our neighboring island - Maui photo by jennifer thackray
TRAVEL
Plan on arriving by Sunday, July 16, flying into Hilo, Hawaii. Class starts early on Monday, July 17th at 6 am and closing celebration will on Friday evening, July 21st. The actual intensive is over at 8:30am on Friday. You could fly into Kona on the west side of the island, however plan on driving about 1 hour 45 minutes to get to Hilo where we are located on the east side of the island.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Lotus Garden eco-lodge in lush tropical garden, downtown Hilo, run by dear friends Megan & Jasper, reach out to them directly 808-640-8263 as soon as possible to grab this special spot in Hilo. This is the afternoon location of our workshops as well!
The Lo'i Bed & Breakfast located less than one mile to downtown Hilo on a private 1.7 acre property owned by dear surfer friends, contact Cody & Nicole directly and skip the taxes as a friends & family discount 808-258-8879.
The Honomu Boutique Hotel : also run by Cody & Nicole, this hotel has recently been rebuilt from top to bottom and is just reopening. Located 15 minutes north of Hilo in the sweet little town of Honomu, contact Cody & Nicole directly to book a room 808-258-8879. Pictures of the newly renovated hotel are available, just let me know if you are interested, I’ll send them on!
Hilo Beach House Inn a newly built upscale Four Room Beachfront Boutique Inn run by long time friends Gwen & Chris, located oceanfront, nestled in the quiet tropical setting of Onekahakaha Beach Park. So much to offer. Yoga, Pilates, and Salsa Dance Classes are offered in the Inn's Outdoor Yoga - Wellness Atelier. Downtown Hilo is a 10 minute drive.
The Grand Naniloa Resort Hawaii with amenities galore, panoramic views of the bay in some rooms, stand up paddle boards, kayak, snorkeling & bicycle rentals, minutes to downtown Hilo.
The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Old Hawaii Charm Meets Contemporary Style on Hilo Bay. Offers views of the Pacific Ocean, the Hamakua Coastline, and Mauna Kea.
Hilo Reed’s Bay Hotel an Oceanfront hotel with pool by the water at Hilo Reeds Bay. A friendly and affordable Hotel 2 miles away from downtown Hilo. Queen Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens is only a few blocks away.
The Dolphin Bay Hotel just a short walk from downtown Hilo, was built in 1968 by the Alexander family. All rooms feature a fully equipped kitchen, bath and shower, cable TV, ceiling fans, and free WIFI.
The Hilo Bay Hostel a beautifully restored 1913 hotel with old world charm that provides guests with modern amenities. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Hilo.
Arnott’s Lodge a facility that offers almost everything the budget traveler could desire. You may bring your own tent and pitch it in their beautiful camping lawn area or you can enjoy the Deluxe suite with garden views. The lodge also offers semi-private rooms and one, two and three bedroom suites for families and groups.
Kalei Rivas at local break - Honoli’i Beach Park photo - armando rivas
FOOD :: GROCERY :: SHOPPING
Perfect Harmony Boutique & Tea Room (mention you are from this Yoga Intensive and receive 10% Off on everything in this import/local store & tea room), Loved by the Sun, Sweet Cane Cafe, Conscious Culture Cafe, Hilo Bay Cafe, The Poke Market, Moon & Turtle, Ratna’s Green Papaya Salad, Tina’s Garden Gourmet Cafe, Naung Mai Thai Kitchen, Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine, Dragon Kitchen Sushi, Ebisuya Sushi, Sakura Sushi & Grill, Paul’s Place, Miyo’s Restaurant, Short & Sweet, Aloha Mondays, Tabaraka, Liquid Life, The Temple Bar, Island Naturals (grocery), Abundant Life (grocery), plenty of clothes & gift shopping on Bay Front & Keawe Street. Simply go for a walk in the town and take it all in.
ACTIVITIES :: DAY TRIPS
Treat yourself to a bodywork session with Armando Rivas, visit Rainbow Falls, hike in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, explore Kaumana Caves, bliss out on Onomea Scenic Drive and stop at the Botanical Gardens, visit Akaka Falls, Surf & Snorkel around the beach areas of Keaukaha at Richardson’s Beach Park, Surf at Honoli’i Beach Park, walk/run along Bay Front, join zazen meditation on Mondays, support local farmers & artists at Hilo Farmer's Market - Wednesdays and Saturdays, Hakalau Farmer’s Market-Tuesdays, check out Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, trip out in the Pacific Tsunami Museum and Lyman Museum, stroll around the Queen Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens, hike Mauna Kea, Palace Theatre, Classes at Aerial Arts Hawaii & Paradise Performing Arts Center, Yoga at Yoga Centered, Hot Yoga Hilo, Evyr Collective, the list goes on and on! All excursions are self planned. A great opportunity to connect with other folks in the intensive. Have fun! I'll see you on the mat.
CAR RENTAL
At the airport. Or Uber it! If you are staying in Hilo you can walk or ride a bike to and from classes. You can carpool with other attendees. I also have a good friend who rents cars to island guests. If you are interested let me know and I will connect you directly.
HEALTH
Please take great care of your temple. Come with a strong immune system, no fever, or cough. I believe in taking responsibility for our own health and well-being. Come prepared for deep internal work, physical exertion, and self-reflection on all levels. Your medical history is private. If there is anything you think I should know, please do not hesitate to contact me.
COMMUNICATIONS
We will create a WhatsApp group. Please download the app, it’s easy and free. This is a great way to share info, to plan excursions, make a tea date, to share notes, photos, songs, to have a spot for our little community to connect. I have used this app many times with groups and individual communications and really like it! It serves it purpose.
DOCUMENTS & NOTES
There is a packet of info that comes with this Intensive; chants, translations, notes on anatomy, sequences, etc. It may be that I just share it on google docs or print it out and have it ready for you here. In any case, a notebook/journal and writing utensils would be great to bring.
WHAT TO BRING
Yoga gear, reef safe sunscreen or buy local brands here, hat, sunglasses, beach wear, raincoat, slippers, sweatshirt for cool nights/mornings, shorts, sundresses, goggles, fins, binoculars, hiking boots or tennis shoes (the lava rock is no joke), humility (this island is raw, recently occupied, we walk gingerly with deep respect and aloha), notebook/journal, writing utensils, first aid kit…Hilo is super relaxed. Casual kind things. Maybe spice it up for the evening but overall this is a chill environment. No pressure to move fast, we take our time, take in the air, breath by breath, time to slow down. We are guests here. Everywhere. What do you like to have with you? Essentials oils? A good book? Feel free to send me questions.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Colee Garr 808-443-1979 coleeg.yoga@shalalifehawaii.com
Armando Rivas: Bodywork 808-443-1479
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Halema’uma’u
We highly recommend taking the time to visit the park. Hike, sit and meditate, contemplate life, breathe in the air, offer prayers, listen to the birds….it is spectacular.
Ode to this land. We look forward to this time with you.
With love,
Colee & Armando
“Yoga is the art of getting rid of borders. Do not cut yourself off from the infinite with too narrow ideas. Leave always the possibility of saying, “I shall try,” “I shall see.” Create in the infinite.” —B.K.S. Iyengar