Join us for an exclusive and truly unique 'Swimming with Dolphins' retreat, where you'll have the unique opportunity to swim with dolphins in the wild at Kehena Beach, affectionately known as Dolphin Cove, just minutes from our property. 

Led by our seasoned guide, Ekahi—who at 75 years young has spent decades forging a deep connection with these magnificent creatures—you'll experience the magic of calling out to the dolphins in their natural habitat. 

While we can't guarantee an encounter, the dolphins are out so frequently, that our daily visits to Kehena Beach fill us with promise, excitement and confidence for an awe-inspiring, once in a lifetime experience. 

For experienced swimmers, it’s not difficult, while those with less experience will find it a more moderate challenge. All of this is relative, so it's essential that participants are honest with themselves and take responsibility for their own safety and well-being. 

Whale season!! Dec-March is whale season. As a special highlight, we’ll also embark on a day trip to Kona looking for an encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Whale season peaks in February, making this retreat an unforgettable experience.

Swims will take place roughly 8 or 8:30AM everyday, weather permitting. Should you decide not to go in the water the dolphins are close enough to the shore that they can be seen and enjoyed even while on land. 

We will provide you with fins and masks. Though it is recommended that you bring a good pair of goggles for comfort. Snorkel is optional. For some, the snorkel feels cumbersome and unnecessary. Below is an amazon link for the kind of goggles we use. They're about $20. 

https://www.amazon.com/Seago-Anti-Fog-Swimming-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B09W5P83KL/ref=sr_1_30?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yoG4R2tt-4D4GPon_Ju5JaUNq28gdMFRZvkZfC2RDQxFTCHmYCU0cAJlaXd93KjTyLV31sm3dTmqzMeIrWqPWA86GI4XmxzNjQBNb5CJyOpzf774CuRlf5kfPGBBoBAavtdx2FdazamYoCBuGix1l1XfyzQkby-NUThttDCX3WoSSebeiLN5JELTT6PFqxRVaI00gibljbcwoIjzPAGRHlvunDvm0chOr333sKuXz61EhvVG4Wx7U13JHKOsNaF4Q3GH_iez1u5zOX_uTpp5dCf7OZeBh7Ie301Zg3tbeTM.izNWDZm-v-jm1sNrdMfZHMBRpfdg4d7uDiKUQBb02hU&dib_tag=se&keywords=swimming+goggles&qid=1724528414&sr=8-30

This retreat will also include gentle yoga sessions led by seasoned teacher Robin Duryea, designed to ground, unify, and center our energies. Through this practice, we’ll elevate our spirits, call in the dolphins, and cultivate confidence and support within the group. Yoga serves as a powerful tool to keep our energy high and aligned, enhancing our overall experience both in and out of the water.

Do you feel scared when you're swimming with the dolphins? Is it safe? 

I’ve never felt scared. I thought I might be at first, but every time I’m with them, I’m filled with playfulness, joy, inspiration, and peace. We don’t touch or reach out to the dolphins—they choose to playfully hang out and enjoy our company. Their deep wisdom is palpable in their presence. While swimming in the ocean always carries some risk, the overall experience is safe and joyful. It’s important for each person to take responsibility for their own abilities and find the balance between honoring their fears and overcoming them.

I'm interested but am not sure about swimming in the ocean. Sometimes I get scared of open water.

This experience is quite common, which is why we always swim as a group, guided by Robin and Ekahi, both of whom are experienced and confident in the ocean. There are usually plenty of people on the beach and in the water, so we're never truly alone. We stay close enough to shore to always be visible from land, and the dolphins often come remarkably close! With fins, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the dolphins' usual spot. We also have deep respect for the ocean; if the waves are too large or conditions aren't ideal, we simply don't swim.

What if we don't see any dolphins? What will we do? 

We’re confident that we’ll see dolphins, but it’s important to remember that nature is unpredictable, and that’s part of the excitement! Even if we don’t encounter dolphins, there’s so much life and beauty to experience on this part of the island. With our daily yoga sessions and the Kona whale adventure, the experience will be amazing no matter what.

What if I want to join the retreat but I don't know that I'll want to swim everyday or at all? 

That’s perfectly ok! You’re still more than welcome to join us. When the dolphins appear, they’re visible from the beach, and watching them is a joy in itself. Spinner dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays, often leaping out of the water and putting on a delightful show. Of course, swimming is entirely optional—no one is ever pressured to get in the water!

What is Kehena Beach like? Are the waves big? Is it calm? 

Kehena Beach is a stunning, relatively small black sand beach that requires a short 5-minute downhill hike to reach. Historically, it was revered as a sacred place where Hawaiians believed the souls of their departed loved ones ascended to heaven. The beach is a vibrant, welcoming spot where you’ll see people of all ages—seniors, adults, children, and even babies. Kehena is also clothing-optional, making it a great place to embrace the sun and eliminate tan lines! The waves at Kehena can sometimes be strong, especially when entering or exiting the water, so it’s not known for being a ‘calm’ beach. However, once you’re in, the cove offers a fantastic place to swim. If the waves are ever too big, we don’t go in—we take our time and offer support, with tips on how to safely enjoy the water. This is also why we swim in the morning when the beach is typically calmer. Ekahi, our swimming guide, at 75 years young, swims at Kehena every day—if he can do it, so can you!

What are the accommodations like? Do I have my own space? 

Kūaloli is a lush three-acre private retreat, featuring three charming jungalows at the front of the property, each with access to a shared hub that includes showers, toilets, and an outdoor kitchen overlooking a blooming lotus pond. Towards the back, you’ll find the stunning main house—a 3600 sq. foot, spacious, glass-walled lofted space with an open floor plan that’s both gorgeous and unique. For this retreat, each jungalow is offered as a private single, with two additional single rooms available in the main house. The downstairs area of the main house also offers two budget conscious dorm-style beds, creating a cozy, communal vibe. Every accommodation is beautiful, comfortable, and designed to immerse you in nature while balancing communal and private spaces. If you’d like to bring a friend and share your space, you’re more than welcome, and we’ll adjust the pricing to suit your needs. Please feel free to reach out with any inquiries.

From 1974 to 1981 he created a natural foods and fresh juice company, delighting the workers in Honolulu’s Kakaako district with his consciously prepared fresh nutritious and delicious food.

From 1984 to 1990 he studied with world renowned nutritional experts, Earl Mindell, Dr. Alfred Vogel, and Dr. Bernard Jensen. He also served as a nutritional consultant at this time.

In 1994 he graduated from the Oriental Medical Institute in Honolulu, receiving his Masters in Chinese Medicine and began practicing as a licensed acupuncturist.

Dale Ekahi Michaels, L.Ac. currently practices and lives on the Big Islands  His time honored practice of “house calls” (Barefood Doctor)  assures his patients maximum benefits of treatment and does treatments from his Kehena (lower Puna) home. At 75 years young, Ekahi is a living testament to the vitality and joy that come from living in harmony with the natural world. He swims at Kehena Beach every day and is looking forward to sharing this experience with you.

https://punaacupuncture.wordpress.com/

Robin is a seasoned teacher, guide, mentor, and facilitator working with people to create health and vitality. After years of teaching yoga and leading retreats in San Francisco, she now owns and lives on a three-acre wellness center in Hawaii, Kualoli Retreats. At this sanctuary, Robin has created a space where people can reconnect with their inner power to self-heal and awaken to life’s possibilities. Her passion lies in supporting others to rediscover the joy of life by challenging outdated habits, patterns, and beliefs.

robinduryea.com

kualoliretreats.com

kualoliretreats@gmail.com

robinEduryea@gmail.com

IG@kualoliretreats

"At first I thought I was in Paradise. Then, I realized I was in Heaven!"

"Best sleep of my life!"

"The oasis that is the Jungalow and Robin's property is what you need! It was so calm, so zen, so soul refreshing. It is very off the grid, we loved having complete disconnect from everything. The stars here are unreal, we spent hours each night watching the stars, and the frogs hop from one pond to another. I would completely recommend this place to all, it is a hidden gem."

"This stay was a once in a life time experience. The open air bungalow allowed us to fall asleep to the sound of the jungle and waves. The bungalow is on a beautiful property filled with palm trees, fruit trees and a family of wild pigs!"

"This was a lovely retreat. I felt welcomed into Robin's beautiful life full of abundance and beauty. I learned a lot, ate delicious meals every day, and the jungalow was so cozy and comfortable."

"So many great things about spending the week here for a retreat. From the fresh fruit and flowers, which were brilliant and everyday, to the natural habitat of many wildlife surrounding the jungalows making it delightful to wake up in the jungle surrounded by the unique ecosystem. Robin's teachings pulled together many benefits of yoga. It has been a wonderful experience!!"

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"This was the most pleasurable, peaceful, and wonderful stay. From the amazing architecture of Robin’s majestic yet intimate glass-house to the lush, verdant beauty of her property’s grounds, we were constantly reminded of and close to nature. Our party of five adults slept easily and comfortably in this wonderfully appointed and laid out home. We can’t wait to get back."

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"Every aspect was phenomenal!"

"This place is absolutely magical, like nothing I have experienced before. You step into a world of butterflies and rainbows, sweet flowers, fruit, and refreshing rain. It is a vacation for your senses with a billion stars shining thru a screened bedroom window. You hear sounds of the surf, exotic birds and frogs. I found myself laughing with the pleasure of new experiences. ( My husband joked that we might see a unicorn, but we didn’t miss it). This is off the beaten path and not for anyone wanting a resort experience. Here, you connect with nature, locals, and natural beauty of Hawaii."