Retreats at Wailea Inn, Maui
Retreats at Hale Akua:
We’re excited to introduce you to one of our absolute favorite venues on Maui’s North Shore: Hale Akua Garden Farms. Tucked away in the lush jungle along the coastline, Hale Akua offers a secluded and intimate retreat experience with stunning views of the ocean. It’s a hidden gem where spiritual and transcend groups have been meeting since the 1970s, and you can feel the energy onsite.
Our team at Lotus Chefs has had the privilege of working with Hale Akua for a number of different retreats over the past decade, from yoga to grief healing to ecstatic dance and more, using produce directly from the land, and always crafting culinary experiences that enhance the serene atmosphere of the retreat center.
What makes Hale Akua truly special is its unique location amidst Maui’s jungle landscape. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, it offers a one-of-a-kind retreat experience that fosters relaxation and rejuvenation. With its spacious accommodations and focus on holistic wellness, Hale Akua provides an ideal sanctuary for a variety of retreats and workshops.
The expansive property is also home to a certified organic farm and education facility, committed to a full holistic approach to well-being. You can book a farm tour while on the property, and our team always sources ingredients directly from the farm to use in our menus.
We’re honored to be a part of the Hale Akua community and look forward to sharing more about our experiences catering at this magical venue.
Considerations for Retreat Leaders at Hale Akua
Hale Akua: Size and Layout
Hale Akua Garden Farm & Eco-Retreat Center offers an expansive and serene sanctuary spanning several acres of manicured jungle paths, farm, and housing. The retreat center boasts a spacious yoga room covering 957 square feet, accommodating both intimate and larger group sessions with state-of-the-art amenities. Multiple pools and hot tubs are scattered throughout the property, providing guests with opportunities for relaxation amidst panoramic views. Additionally, a sauna overlooking the ocean on the cliffs offers a unique wellness experience.
- Gazebo Room: 144 sq.ft., 1 Queen Bed, Ocean & Garden View
- Ocean Vista: 264 sq.ft., 1 Queen & 1 Twin Bed, Ocean View
- Cabana Garden Room: 255 sq.ft., 1 Queen & 1 Twin Bed, Garden & Pool View
- Cabana Lotus Room: 435 sq.ft., 2 Queen Beds & 1 Futon, Ocean & Pool View
- Sunrise Room: 187 sq.ft., 2 Twin Beds, Ocean & Garden View
- Bamboo Room: 187 sq.ft., 2 Twin Beds, Mountain & Garden View
- Ohana Plumeria Room: 368 sq.ft., 1 King & 1 Queen Bed, Garden View
- Ohana Gardenia Room: 450 sq.ft., 1 King & 1 Twin Bed, Garden View
- Ohana Jasmine Suite: 818 sq.ft., 1 King Bed & 1 Futon, Ocean & Garden View
- The Villa: 2278 sq.ft., 1 King & 2 Twin Beds, Ocean & Garden View\
- Cliff House: 890 sq.ft., 1 King Bed, Ocean & Garden View
- Waterfall House: 1720 sq.ft., 1 Queen & 1 Round Bed, Ocean & Garden View
Hale Akua: Location
Hale Akua is located above the stunning oceanfront cliffs of Huelo, Maui, just off the iconic Hana Highway, and is a secluded and intimate retreat destination. Perched amidst lush landscapes and offering expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Waipio Bay, Hoalua Bay, and the majestic slopes of Haleakala, this haven is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, serenity and natural beauty. Although the location lacks traditional beaches, it compensates with dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, creating a mesmerizing backdrop to your retreat experience. It is a 20-minute drive from Haiku town, 30 minutes from the vibrant hub of Paia where beaches are abundant, and 40 minutes from Kahului Airport. Transportation is mandatory for this location, whether you choose to provide or alert your guests to do so.
Hale Akua: Chef Considerations
Cooking at Hale Akua is a chef’s dream. The full kitchen in the main house is expansive, with multiple fridges for safe food storage, commercial equipment, a prep table, and an abundance of space, it’s one of our favorites!
The dining room is adjacent to the kitchen and has plenty of seating for large groups, and there is also a large outdoor lanai with jungle garden surroundings, and some other tables scattered by the pool if guests would like privacy to eat.
The onsite organic farm is a wonderful resource for us, and while we always tout our farm-to-table sourcing, it doesn’t get much fresher than Hale Akua! All compost made from food preparation is put back directly into the farm.
Some considerations to mention:
- Hale Akua does charge a daily fee for use of the chef’s kitchen, so be sure to factor that on. Thier cleaning requirements are also much more stringent than traditional rentals, due both to the remote location and realities of the jungle.
- The dining room is rustic, and requires significant styling for anyone looking for a high-end experience – if you would like to amplify the luxury we can provide rentals to do so.
- The remote location means that we cannot easily accommodate last minute requests or grab extra ingredients without planning, as it’s a good hour drive to and from Paia, where the nearest reliable grocery store is. However, we’ve been cooking here for years, and always plan accordingly for food sourcing.
Pros and Cons for Retreats at Hale Akua Garden Farms
Pros:
- Rare remote location with cliffside waterfall views: Hale Akua offers a unique and remote setting, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of cliffside waterfalls and breathtaking ocean vistas.
- Diverse housing options: With a variety of housing options available, ranging in size, price, and luxury level, guests can choose accommodations that best suit their preferences and budget.
- Large yoga/meeting room with full props: The spacious yoga/meeting room, complete with state-of-the-art amenities and full props, provides an ideal space for both intimate and larger group gatherings.
- Immense history with rare architecture, statues, landscaping: Hale Akua boasts a rich history, showcasing rare architecture, intricate statues, and meticulously landscaped grounds, adding depth and character to the retreat experience.
- Onsite organic farm: The onsite organic farm allows guests to connect with nature and enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce during their stay, promoting sustainability and wellness.
- Abundant pools, hot tubs, sauna: Guests can indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation with multiple pools, hot tubs, and a sauna scattered throughout the property, offering ample opportunities for unwinding and unwinding.
Cons:
- Remote location: While the remote location can be a pro for those seeking seclusion, it may pose challenges for guests who prefer more accessible accommodations or easy access to amenities.
- Weather-related challenges: Being on the jungle side of the island, Hale Akua may experience weather-related issues such as power outages and treacherous roads during inclement weather, impacting guest comfort and accessibility.
- Vehicle dependency: Guests will need a vehicle to enter and leave the property, which may inconvenience those without access to transportation or those who prefer alternative modes of travel.
- Disparity in accommodations: While parts of Hale Akua offer luxurious amenities and modern conveniences, other areas may be older and more rustic, resulting in varying guest experiences based on accommodation choice.
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....
If you’re looking for a secluded and intentional space reminiscent of Bali, with plenty of space for participants to explore and have their own experience, then Hale Akua is perfect.
If you’re looking for something more central with beaches and town life, then this may not be ideal for your group.
From a local and chef’s perspective, we love Hale Akua! We feel the remote location creates an intentional space and sacred container for growth and transcendence, and it’s our honor to nourish this with our culinary services.
You can view the Hale Akua website for more information, and reach out to them directly for booking information.
If you're considering booking at Hale Akua Garden Farms - we'd love to cook for you!
