From July 2014 to December 2015 I called Kalani Honua my home, my work, and my play ground. Kalani is a Oceanside Retreat Center located in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawai'i.
People come to here from all over the world to visit, attend group events, take a yoga teacher training course or to volunteer. I came to volunteer in the kitchen department as a "Hoozie," (nickname for new kitchen volunteers).
A meal prepared by the Kalani Kitchen Crew
Upgraded Tent
For the first time in my life, I called a small tent in the Hawaiian rainforest my home. Of course I upgraded to a much larger tent and finally ditched the tent life for electricity and moved into an A-Frame when I was promoted to Assistant Shift Leader.
Front porch of A-Frame I lived in.
I had so many life changing experiences during this time. To name a few, I learned how to make a bonfire in less than 60 seconds, survived hurricane Iselle, learned extensively about schizophrenia and how it feels to have a erotomaniac stalker, became comfortable hitch hiking, became comfortable with nudity, swam 3 miles into the Pacific Ocean in search of dolphins without drowning while having a debilitating fear of the ocean and sharks. Oh yeah, and I almost died, twice.
Chasing Dolphins with Tinks
Having Kalani as a safe place to call home in Hawaii, I was presented with so many wonderful opportunities to explore the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, New Zealand, Slovenia, & Italy while working on my photography. During this time, I met some of the most wonderful people, fell in love, broke some hearts, had my heart broken by some. I learned how to make delicious baked mussels and was taught how to make mashed potatoes from Uncle Ted ;o)
Friends and I take a selfie before I leave for the airport ...
From Left to Right: Kaisa, Dan, Me, & Erin on my last day at Kalani
On the way to the airport we stopped at one of my favorite spots near Kalani and I followed a common Hawaiian tradition tossing my Lei into the Pacific Ocean and thanked Tutu Pele for all the wonderful experiences.
Tossing my farewell Lei into the Ocean.
Perhaps one day I will return to the Kalani, perhaps I won't. We can plan out our future all we want but can never truly know exactly what our future holds. I'm proud to say I have no regrets and look forward to how the next adventure unfolds.
Whether you've been here in the past 40 years and are feeling nostalgic or are planning a visit as a guest or volunteer, below is a video showcasing the property ...
Enjoy,
Asim