Retreats at Camp Olowalu, Maui
Retreats at Camp Olowalu:
Nestled along Maui’s serene coastline, Camp Olowalu beckons retreat leaders seeking an idyllic and literal ocean front venue for their guests. Offering a range of accommodations, from cozy beachfront cabins to modern Tentalows, the expansive camp-style venue provides the perfect setting for rejuvenating yoga retreats, immersive wellness experiences, family reunions, and weddings.
Originally established in 1955 as a gathering place for community retreats, Camp Olowalu has evolved into a cherished destination for groups seeking solace and connection amidst nature’s embrace. Managed by Olowalu Elua Associates (OEA) who commit to restoration and enhancement ensures a pristine environment for your retreats. Imagine leading your yoga sessions on the beach at sunrise or under the shade of swaying palms, with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop— and then spending the afternoon snorkeling, surfing, or paddleboarding!
Over the years we’ve been lucky enough to cater a variety of unique events here, from nature immersive yoga retreats, cancer survivor surf camps, Burning Man style weddings, and even a house music festival!
This venue is super unique and a lot of fun for those looking for an adventure style experience.
Considerations for Retreat Leaders at Camp Olowalu
Camp Olowalu: Size and Layout
Camp Olowalu spans a vast expanse of beachfront property on Maui’s dry and sunny westside, offering a diverse range of accommodations amidst the island’s natural beauty. With cabins sleeping 36, 21 Tentalows, and additional campsites, there’s plenty of space for a large group.
The cabins feature a communal mess hall equipped with a spacious kitchen (mandatory for being able to provide food safely for large groups), complemented by a private beach and grass area, ideal for group gatherings and culinary adventures. Meanwhile, the Tentalows offer a more secluded and glamorous camping experience, adding an extra touch of comfort to your stay.
Camp Olowalu A-frame Cabins:
- Literally feet from the ocean
- Semi-circle arrangement evokes the plantation era charm
- 6 cabins offer accommodations for up to 36 guests
- Twin cots provided in all
- Bathrooms with showers separate from sleeping areas
- Spacious mess hall with fully equipped kitchen for group gatherings
- Outdoor picnic tables and grills for al fresco dining
- Designated parking area for easy access
Camp Olowalu Tentalows:
- Newly remodeled and picturesque glamping offerings
- Raised platform design offers elevated sleeping quarters
- Private, open-air showers, sinks, and dressing areas
- Standard Tentalows feature two twin beds, ideal for couples or solo travelers
- Family Tentalows accommodate up to four guests with additional bedding options
Camp Olowalu: Location
Nestled on Maui’s west side, the quaint town of Olowalu is steeped in a tapestry of cultural heritage and natural wonders. With a history rooted in thriving agriculture and revered as a puʻu honua (place of refuge), Olowalu exudes a timeless charm that beckons exploration.
In 2017, the Olowalu reef was designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot, underscoring its pivotal role in preserving oceanic biodiversity. Encompassing the coast from Olowalu to Pāpalaua, this 939-acre reef teems with vibrant coral and hosts the largest manta ray population in the United States, while serving as a vital source of coral larvae for neighboring reefs.
Olowalu’s tranquil waters offer idyllic conditions for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, complemented by its sun-drenched climate on the island’s dry side. Nearby, surf enthusiasts can indulge in the exhilarating waves, while the protected reef ensures a sanctuary for marine life.
Conveniently situated just 30 minutes from Kahului Airport and 15 minutes from Lahaina, Olowalu invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery amidst its pristine coastal paradise.
Camp Olowalu: Chef Considerations:
The large kitchen included with the A-Frame cabin rentals is large and easy to cook in. It has plenty of refrigeration space and room to prepare. Over our years of cooking at Camp Olowalu, we’re pleased to report that there have been many renovations and upgrades that have made the once extremely rustic oceanfront kitchen much more clean and professional. That all being – said it’s still a camp kitchen, and we spend a lot of extra time cleaning and sanitizing than in villas!
The mess hall is also “camp-style” and rustic, and needs extra love to make it fancy, but the ocean views distract from that, and there are picnic benches outside for even more amazing views. We love cooking here!
Pros and Cons for Retreats at Camp Olowalu
Pros:
- Embrace the Sunshine: Maui’s westside is picture perfect, with low rainfall and hot beautiful days.
- Oceanfront Bliss: The A-frame cabins are literally feet from the beach. There is nowhere else on the island that offers such proximity!
- Water Activities: The location is directly on a protected reef with gentle waves that sometimes are so small the ocean looks like a lake, making it perfect to snorkel, SUP, and kayak directly off the beach. Beginning and intermediate surfing locations are within a 15 minute drive in both directions.
- Cost Effective: Compared to the other venues on Maui, Camp Olowalu is extremely affordable, especially for hosting large groups.
- Large Kitchen: The camp kitchen is large and has enough space and equipment to comfortably cook for large groups.
Cons:
- Rustic Camp Accommodations: This is a literal camping venue! The A-frame cabins have a rich history, and while maintained and shaded, they are still bare bones. The tentalows are glamp-tastic, but those in direct sun can get hot during the day.
- No Official Yoga Space: The mess hall is absolutely large enough to accommodate classes and workshops, but it is concrete and doesn’t have the special touches of many retreat centers. Most retreat leaders choose instead to host classes outdoors on the lawn, which means you must plan around the sun.
- Shared Space: While the area around the cabins and mess hall is private, the beach itself is public, and many campers from other parts of the grounds wander in. The tentalows are part of the main grounds, and unless you reserve early, your participants may be scattered amidst regular campers.
- Lahaina Tragedy: We can’t speak about a Westside Maui venue without holding space for the Lahaina fire, which is still devastated just 15 minutes away from the campground. While parts of Lahaina are still unharmed and accessible, you still will feel the very real power of the tragedy that occurred while driving through.
What Lotus Chefs offers
Love in Every Bite
At Lotus Chefs, every dish is more than just a meal – it’s a heartfelt embrace. For our retreat catering, we pour love and intention into every culinary creation, ensuring that each bite resonates with the soulful purpose of your retreat. Our approach transcends mere cooking, turning every meal into a nourishing experience that aligns with the transformative journey of your guests.
High Vibe Ingredients
Drawing inspiration from Maui’s fertile earth, Lotus Chefs embodies a genuine farm-to-table spirit. We proudly source around 80% of our ingredients, from vibrant produce to prime meat & seafood, right from local terrains. Enhanced with high-end organic superfoods and through collaborations with esteemed local purveyors, our offerings are a testament to our unwavering dedication to culinary brilliance and the heart of our community.
Chef Sisterhood
Our services are crafted by a remarkable team of talented chefs and hospitality experts, who happen to be an all-female ensemble. While we don’t wear our gender as a badge, it’s undeniable that our team brings a touch of feminine intuition, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Just as in yoga, where balance and intention are key, our team imbues every meal and event with precision and soul, celebrating the feminine spirit.
Food for Every Belly
Embracing the diverse tapestry of dietary paths, Lotus Chefs seamlessly caters to preferences ranging from vegan to gluten-free, soy-free, and beyond. With each retreat bearing its unique intention, we artfully tailor our menus, ensuring that the nourishment we provide resonates deeply with your retreat’s core essence. Reach out to find out why we are the go-to for retreat catering Maui services.
Overall....
Camp Olowalu’s location is unparalleled for private beachfront access and affordable accommodation for large groups, however, its camp-style property, while perfect for watersport and adventure offerings, would not be conducive to a luxury retreat. Should you decide that Camp Olowalu aligns with your vision – you can reach to them directly on their website, and please let us know as well! We’re happy to share our past experiences, offer insights and advice, and of course, create beautiful and decadent food for you and your guests – just contact us!
If you're considering booking at Camp Olowalu, we'd love to cook for you!
