Situated on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii just above Honokaa is the sanctuary. A short beautiful drive from small town Honokaa or slightly larger town Waimea. The sanctuary offers a somewhat central location to access the largest towns on island being Kona and Hilo. It sits higher up in a plush tropical area perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. Just a short walk from the Sanctuary are stunning views all the way to the ocean. Even if there were not so many beautiful things to see on the island one simply could find respite on the sanctuary. Relaxing on the land, meditating in the meditation room, eating meals in the open air kitchen with others from all over the world. Hosts Ryan and Jasmine are far beyond accommodating with Ryan’s total adventure style and knowledge of the island he offers each individual all they need to accomplish their desired goals. Be it hiking or finding hidden waterfalls, beaches that are not frequented by numbers of tourist he is your information source. His love for the Aina (land) is obvious and his desire to honor the same infectious. Jasmine the ‘Johanna Gains’ of Hawaii brings her unique ability to make delicious fresh vegetarian meals using not only what has been grown on the land but what others around share as well. Her food is just as beautiful as she is! Not only can she prepare beautiful food she ensures the sanctuary is clean and neat. The beds are incredibly comfortable, fresh linens and comforters that are perfect for ensuring good rest. The bathrooms are clean and showers amazing. My favorite was the outdoor shower after a long day. |The Hamakua Sanctuary is unlike any other place I have been in that it provides a venue for ‘OHANA’ to not only gather but also form. I met incredible people from all over the world who were in the space for a number of different reasons. Each brought a value that was unique and essential to the heart and purpose of the sanctuary. |My journey to the sanctuary was not necessarily to see Hawai’i and its beauty as I once lived there for many years. My journey was to seek sanctuary and renewal for myself. My experience far exceeded my goals and for me personally there is no amount of money or thanks that would be enough for all I received during my time there. |If you are searching for a place that embodies the true meaning of aloha. A place that honors hawaii, its people and the Aina (land). A place that will guide you as you experience Hawai’i and all there is to offer, the Sanctuary is just the place. I have stayed at many places yet this Hamakua Sanctuary is a rare gem because the owners have a genuine desire and purpose far greater than simply business. It’s to share Aloha, OHANA and the true Hawaii to those that choose to stay. | |I walked away from the Sanctuary forever grateful for all that I was offered and given. I’m...
Read moreStaying at Mana Loli was blissful. I truly felt a connection with the land while I was there, and our hosts are lovely stewards of it. Ryan's warmth and attention was refreshing and touching. Yasmin's hospitality and genuine spirit was comforting and healing. We loved Aerie's presence; he watched over me while I did yoga in the lawn and walked me back to the main house when I was done. I truly felt welcomed and safe and cared for here; this is a special place on earth! We can't wait to come again; Mana Loli will be a place we visit every time we come to the islands.
Located about an hour's drive from Hilo, yet feels perfectly remote. Grocery stores in town, about 7 minutes away. Easy to access, no need for 4WD and the hosts give excellent directions. Aeries will be there to wag his tail in welcome! We also drove about 15 minutes to hike to a scenic, secluded waterfall. And a stunning, sacred overlook is just 25 minutes away.
The facilities are rustic and beautiful, and everyone staying there is respectful to keep the space clean for each other. Composting and recycling on site. Excellent kitchen space to prepare meals, and Yasmin's cooking is pure comfort food. We had her homemade lentil soup, macadamia nut butter oat and chia pudding, and homemade coconut yogurt; all vegan, this food was medicine. There are fruit trees on the property, and Ryan took us "shopping" to pick fruit upon arrival. (Remember to thank the tree when you receive its gift!) We had juicy, delicious oranges off the tree and made a fresh-pressed juice that couldn't be rivaled.
Highlights: Waking up in the middle of the night to gaze at a sky full of stars and the Big Dipper. Meditating, conversing, being vulnerable and feeling accepted and cared for. Walking barefoot on the grass and feeding the ducks. Sitting by the fire in the mornings, drinking coffee and tea with a book.
Mana Loli is a beautiful, peaceful space to feel welcomed and inspired. Mahalo to our newest friends...
Read moreAloha! I just want to start off by saying that there are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I have for Hamakua Sanctuary. The sanctuary is such a special place, and it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve met people who I now have lifelong connections with, and I’ve become an important part of their journeys, just as they’ve become an important part of mine. All of this is thanks to Ryan and Hamakua Sanctuary.||I could go on for hours about how much fun I had, how exciting it was, or how much growth I experienced there, but I won’t. I won’t because there truly are no words to describe the depth of emotion I feel for this place and for my time at the sanctuary. Adding more words would only muddy the feeling I hold, and that feeling can’t be put into words. So I’ll keep this short and sweet.||At the sanctuary, you’ll meet people you’ll grow eternally close with. You’ll meet yourself and become a better version of yourself. The amount of growth and learning, about yourself, others, and the way the world works, is immense. It can be overwhelming at times, and also I have nothing but gratitude for it.||The experience I had at the sanctuary was life-changing and will forever impact the way I see the world and the people in it. I’m walking away as a new version of myself, equipped with the tools I learned there to continue growing and evolving every single day.||If you’re thinking about going to Hamakua Sanctuary, I strongly recommend that you do. You’ll have the most positive, fun, and exciting journey, and you’ll meet the coolest people. Ryan has become an important figure in my life, such a cool man, and I’ve never met anyone like him before. I’m beyond grateful for everything he’s helped me through and the mark he’s left on my life.||I will definitely be going back to Hamakua Sanctuary to learn more, grow more, and experience more of this life—and everything that comes with...
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