Vacations are not only an essential part of self-care. They are a gift of time that you can use to do something you normally wouldn’t or have no time to do. Besides the usual tourist activities like beaches and sightseeing, the Big Island offers many classes and lessons that can make your vacation more enjoyable. We feature some of them in this blog.
Yoga and Fitness Classes
The Big Island boasts a large concentration of yoga studios and some of the best yoga teachers you can find in the country. If you are in the mood to do some good for yourself and your loved ones, visit Yoga Barre Hawaii and try one of their classes.
The studio is conveniently located at the heart of Waikoloa Beach Resort, in the Queen’s Shopping Center. They offer several yoga and fitness classes suitable for any age and fitness level. Most of them are held under the shade in the beautiful Queens Marketplace Coronation Pavilion, and you can enjoy our beautiful Hawaiian weather while taking a yoga class.
A must-try is a Wednesday morning Pau Hana Yoga class taught by one of Hawaii’s best teachers Noah Giltner. Noah is a sought-after instructor born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. His teaching style helps his participants access and engage deep parts of themselves, allowing for a unique practice, even for regular practitioners. Practicing with Noah is an authentic experience that you will treasure.
His approachable and welcoming vinyasa class will encourage a reset of your body, mind, and spirit after a day of travel or sightseeing. This practice aligns your body, leaving you in a vibrant and peaceful state. Meet in Queen’s Marketplace Coronation Pavilion at 8:20 am. The class is held outdoors and socially distanced. Bring your mat and props.
In addition to yoga practice, Yoga Barre offers Barre, HIIT, pilates, and other fitness classes. Choose what works best for you and enjoy the vitality that movement brings into your body and soul.
Besides classes, the studio features a juice bar where you can get fresh cold-pressed juices and acai bowls and a small yoga apparel shop if you need a fresh outfit or a new yoga mat. Yoga Barre is open daily till 7 pm, and you can find more information about class schedules on their website.
Surfing Lessons
Not many people know that the Big Island is the birthplace of surfing. It all started at Lyman’s Point, which was once a location of the royal residency and where the first surfers used to entertain the royals by riding the big waves on their wooden longboards. As part of ancient Polynesian culture, surfing was viewed as more than just recreation or sport, but instead as an art form.
So, it is no surprise that many famous professional surfers come from the Big Island, and some of the best surfing instructors live and work here.
If you like a fun physical challenge, you will love surfing, and you can have a blast learning to catch a wave during your Big Island vacation!
It’s best to schedule surf lessons at the beginning of your trip since water conditions don’t always cooperate with your scheduled time, leaving you time to reschedule your lesson. Ask the company about their policy regarding this before booking to make sure it works for you.
Take a lesson or two from one of these schools, and you’ll be riding the waves in no time!
MAUNA LANI SEA ADVENTURES
Guests staying at the Mauna Lani Resort can take surf lessons at the Mauna Lani Private Beach Club with Mauna Lani Sea Adventures. Lessons are first-come-first-serve and depend on the surf conditions for the day. Call them the morning you would like to go to check availability.
ALOHA SURF ADVENTURES
This school offers group, semi-private, and private surf lessons based in Kailua-Kona. They also offer tandem lessons for children ages eight and under.
FBI SURF SCHOOL
FBI (From Big Island) Surf School was founded in 2001. They are based in Kailua-Kona and offer group, semi-private and private lessons. Lessons come with all the gear you will need.
HAWAII LIFEGUARD SURF INSTRUCTORS HAWAIIAN SURF SCHOOL
Based out of Kailua-Kona, this surf school has been operating since 1998! They offer general admission, semi-private, private teens/adults, and private children’s surf lessons. Lessons start in the classroom, where you’ll learn all the basics before you get in the water, which means you’ll spend less time swimming and more time surfing when you get into the waves!
KONA TOWN SURF ADVENTURES
Based out of Kona, this surf school offers group, semi-private, and private lessons. They also offer surf and adventure tours, where you will search for the best surf on the Island.
Scuba Diving Lessons
There is no better way to explore the Big Island’s unique marine life than going underwater. The Kohala Coast has the least rainfall on Hawaii Island, which leads to spectacularly clear waters. As the oldest part of the Island, the reef has had time to develop into interesting ledges, arches, lava tubes, and tunnels teeming with sea life to explore. From the tiniest nudibranchs and invertebrates to giant mantas, dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, and even seasonal humpback whales, the selection of over 20 sites boasts all the best diving Hawaii has to offer.
With Kohala Divers, you can give scuba diving a try without the commitment of certifying. They have great experienced divers as instructors and over 30 years of experience on the Kohala Coast. In addition, the company is a recognized 5-star PADI facility. They offer several diving courses and instruction for people with different experience levels. If you are new to scuba, try it in the comfort of their 10-foot-deep pool environment. Take your first breaths underwater and experience your new passion.
Hawaiian Cultural Classes
A trip to Hawaii is not just a tropical getaway but a visit to special islands with a unique cultural history. Many visitors from around the world know of the hula, ukulele, and leis. But, do you know where they came from and why they are so famous today? You can learn more about local culture from Hawaiian Cultural Classes provided at the Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel, located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Learn how to play ukulele, dance the hula, or make kukui nut bracelets and leis. Each class is about one hour, provides the basic knowledge of each skill, and is fun!
Save on your Hawaii vacation rental
Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.
We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!