Frequently
Asked Questions
Answers about staying at Sundari Gardens, Hawai'i Dance Camp, hosting a retreat, and our retreat and event support services in Kalapana, Hawai'i Island.
General Guest FAQ
What time are check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you need early check-in or late check-out, contact us in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Where is Sundari Gardens, and how do I get there?
Sundari Gardens is a 10-acre property in Kalapana on the East coast of Hawai'i Island (the Big Island), at 12-1098 Kaimu Makena Homestead Rd, Pahoa, HI. We're about 45 minutes to an hour from Hilo Airport (ITO) and 2.5 hours from Kona Airport (KOA). We offer airport rides for $75 per trip from Hilo and $180 per trip from Kona.
What types of accommodations are available?
We have private rooms in Lotus House and Sunlodge, private screened cabins (Moon Cabin and Sun Cabin), and dorm-style pods in the Rainbow Shala. Every room is private, though some bathrooms are shared with one other room. We provide Starlink WiFi and free parking.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included unless catering is part of your package. You can use the shared kitchen and dining areas. Please label your food and clean up after use.
Can I use the spa and garden?
Yes. Spa and garden access is included for retreat guests during open hours, and Airbnb guests can buy day passes. The spa is open Sunday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM. It's clothing optional, so bring a towel. Book treatments in advance at goodgatherings.org/spa.
What are the quiet hours and house rules?
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We're a restorative place, not a party venue, and public intoxication is not allowed. No smoking is permitted inside any accommodation or meeting space, and only certified service animals are allowed on the property.
What should I bring?
Most things are provided, including bedding, towels, and yoga mats. We recommend reef-safe sunscreen (required in Hawai'i), a rain jacket, swimwear, a sarong or extra towel for the spa, a headlamp, a reusable water bottle, and earplugs and an eye mask, since coqui frogs sing at night.
Is the property off-grid?
Yes. We run on solar power and rainwater, so please charge devices and do laundry during the day. There's no air conditioning, but all rooms have fans.
What weekly events happen at Sundari Gardens?
Our regular events include ecstatic dance on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:30 PM, Song Circle on Sundays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, and yoga throughout the week. Rooms above the Rainbow Shala can hear these events.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email reservations@sundarigardens.com. In an emergency, call 911. The nearest medical facility is Pahoa Urgent Care.
Hawai'i Dance Camp FAQ
What is Hawai'i Dance Camp?
Hawai'i Dance Camp is a 7-day dance retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii, with Ecstatic Dance, Contact Improv, Zouk, and partner dance. It's an intimate gathering of dozens of dancers, not hundreds, and every activity is an invitation, not an expectation. See the facilitators and schedule at HawaiiDanceCamp.com.
When and where is Hawai'i Dance Camp 2026?
The camp runs Dec 11–17, 2026 (7 days, 7 nights), with arrival on Dec 10. It's held at Sundari Gardens in Kalapana, on the Puna coast of Hawai'i Island.
What dance styles are taught, and do I need a partner?
You'll move through Ecstatic Dance, Contact Improvisation, Zouk, Cocréa partner dance, and Dolphin Dance, a contact jam in a warm-water pool. You don't need a partner or experience. There are classes for all levels, plus more advanced ones.
How much does Hawai'i Dance Camp cost?
Pricing is sliding scale based on income. The 7-day pass ranges from $700 (low income/Kama'aina) to $1,200 (higher income and supporters), with a standard rate of $900. 3-day passes are $350–500, and single-day passes are $111–144. The pass includes BYO camping, access to all classes, and daily spa access. Meals, lodging upgrades, and airport rides are separate, and a 2.5% ticket service fee is added at checkout.
Can I camp or stay in a room?
Yes. BYO camping on site comes with your Dance Camp Pass, so just bring your own tent. If you'd prefer a bed, lodging add-ons range from a dorm bed ($400) to a private cabin ($1,750).
Are meals included at Hawai'i Dance Camp?
Meals are a separate ticket, from $220 to $530. Each day you can choose up to three vegetarian meals, with vegan and gluten-free options.
How do I get to Hawai'i Dance Camp from the airport?
Fly into Hilo (ITO), about 45 minutes to an hour away, or Kona (KOA), about 2.5 hours away. Shuttles run on Dec 10 (3 PM from Kona and 5 PM from Hilo), and private pickups are $75 from Hilo and $180 from Kona.
Ready to join us? Choose your pass at HawaiiDanceCamp.com to reserve your spot.
Hosting Retreats FAQ
Can I host my retreat or event at Sundari Gardens?
Yes. We're set up for small group retreats and multi-day events, with an ideal group size of 8 to 40 people. Visit our Host With Us page or email katie@sundarigardens.com to request our hosting booklet.
What meeting and event spaces do you have?
We have two open-air spaces. The Yoga Shala fits 14 to 16 people for yoga or 25 to 30 in a circle. The Rainbow Shala fits 80 in a circle or 150+ dancing, and rents for $350 to $500 per day. Both come with a speaker, and the Rainbow Shala also has a full DJ sound system.
Where can my group stay?
Options include Lotus House, Sunlodge, Moon Cabin, Sun Cabin, dorm-style pods in the Rainbow Shala, and glamping tents. Private rooms and cabins typically range from $100 to $200 per night, and spa access is included for overnight guests. We offer discounts for events longer than 4 days.
Can I book out the whole property?
Yes. For larger groups or events that need a closed container, you can book out all or part of the property. Our hosting booklet includes typical buyout rates.
What services can you add to my event?
We offer catering starting at $80 per person per day for three meals, spa and bodywork, yoga, breathwork and ceremony, sound and DJ setup, marketing support, and airport rides. Our hosting booklet has the full price list.
Can my group use the spa?
Yes. Spa access is included for overnight guests during open hours, and the spa can be booked for private group use Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Ask us for rates.
What should hosts know about quiet hours and noise?
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and retreats can ask for different hours when needed. We host ecstatic dance on Wednesdays and Song Circle on Sundays, so we suggest adding them to your program or scheduling around them.
How do I get started?
Visit our Host With Us page, email katie@sundarigardens.com, or schedule a call to talk through your needs.
Retreat & Event Support Services FAQ
What retreat and event support services do you offer?
Good Gatherings supports retreat and event hosts with marketing and event support, including online event pages with ticketing, promotion, and listings on GoodGatherings.org. Our team can also help with circle coordination and group facilitation.
Can I sell tickets for my retreat or event online?
Yes. Event pages can include multiple ticket types, such as sliding-scale passes, lodging, meals, airport rides, and payment plan deposits, so guests can register and choose what they need in one place.
How do I get started?
Visit our Host With Us page, or email katie@sundarigardens.com with your dates, group size, and the support you need.