Travaasa Hana Experiences
There are countless things to do here. Picking up your jaw from the ground is one of them.
While you are with us, you will enjoy our inimitable hospitality and beauty of place, and the comforts of everything you've come to expect from a Travaasa experience: our healing and pampering spa, authentic Hawaiian pursuits (lei making, ‘ukulele, hula, snorkeling, throw net fishing, opening a coconut, enjoying local gardens and guides who will share their knowledge of ecology and culture with you), a pool with an ocean view unlike any other, outdoor yoga, so you can experience all of life—while here, we're taking you on a further journey to self, to recognition, to life, to the real Hawai'i.
And one way to do this is through our diverse course offerings we call "Travaasas." We offer five different pathways for you to explore: Adventure, Culinary, Culture, Fitness and Spa & Wellness. You won't have any trouble finding something unique.
View Experience Schedule
ADVENTURE
Trail Rides*
Hawaiian cowboys or paniolo's have ridden the remote and unspoiled slopes, plains and coastline for over 175 years. And there is nothing quite like enjoying the superb, natural beauty of Maui on Hana's extensive trail system. You'll be accompanied by an Alaka'i, or trained tour leader, who will share stories of the land and its people. No previous horse experience needed.
*Trail rides are subject to an additional charge. Total Travaasa resort credits may be used toward this activity.
Glider Aventure*
Experience Maui's beauty from the sky with an unforgettable flight. A veteran pilot (Hans has been gliding since he was 14) takes you up over Hana Bay, along the coast and, if you choose, up and over the Volcano alongside the Haeakala Observatory and eventually back down safely to the Hana Airport. Bring your camera along to record this thrilling and awe-inspiring journey.
*Additional fee required. Two packages available. Contact reservations to arrange your flight.
Stand Up Paddling
Hoe he'e nalu, or Stand Up Paddling (SUP) has a rich Hawaiian heritage that is re-emerging as a popular water sport around the world. It is very popular with cross-athletes and provides a strong core workout, promotes balance and general fitness. Not to mention that it's a fun way to view the beautiful natural surroundings of Hana Bay.
Snorkeling
Maui is by far the most popular snorkeling island in Hawai'i. You'll snorkel off the beach of Kapueokahi, or Hana Bay in a protected cove teeming with tropical fish and living coral gardens in amazing shapes and colors. Enjoy this snorkeler's paradise, and after your first glimpse of what lies beneath the ocean's surface, you might just become hooked on this breathtaking experience.
CULINARY
Healthy Regional Cuisine
Modern Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of many diverse ethnic flavors brought to the islands by immigrants throughout the region's rich history. The island is paradise for gourmets, with abundant fruits and vegetables grown from rich volcanic soil, a wide variety of high quality, fresh fish and locally sourced cattle. Here you'll learn about Hawaii's many food staples and try your hand at some of our most revered local dishes.
Juicing 2.0
If ever there was a more ideal place to for you to try juicing, Hawai'i is the place. The rich and varied bounty of fruits and vegetables lets you whip up a nearly endless list of creations. But this isn't ‘old school' blending filled with chopping, slopping and mopping here. This is Juicing 2.0 Hana style. Together, we'll use whole foods to blend and mix fresh juices, soups, dips, spreads, desserts and salsas.
The Art of the Cocktail
We are in a mixology renaissance. More and more lounges, bars and restaurants are offering lists of aperitifs, specialty cocktails and after-dinner drinks that sparkle with sophistication and creativity. So the bartender's trick is how best to combine juices, purees, fruits, spices and wonderful fresh ingredients to develop seductive new offerings and reinvigorate the classics we all know and love. Find out why the Mai Thai is synonymous with Hawaii. (Or is it?) The difference between a martini shaken or stirred. Discover what a muddle is and why you would use it. Join us as we embark on a tasting journey, learning how quintessential old-world recipes have morphed in search of the complex, layered flavors that create today's savory new trends.
Coconut Husking
Found across most of the tropics, the coconut - "niu" - is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts. Coconuts are a part of the daily diet of Hawaiian people. Witness the skill and tools involved in husking a coconut, and enjoy fresh coconut water and meat as it's prepared.
CULTURE
Hula
Every hula tells a story, and you'll learn all the graceful hand and foot movements that go along with telling it. Hula is more than just a dance—it is something that links Hawaiians to ‘Aina (land) and Kai (ocean) and in broader terms, to the story of life. Hula is traditionally a way that stories and traditions were passed from generation to generation. Originally, hula was danced by men, but now it is performed by both men and women. You'll learn a story from one of our cultural guides, your kumu (teacher) who's been practicing hula since childhood.
Lei Making
You were probably charmed by the Ti leaf lei adorned with Plumeria blooms you received upon arrival, or maybe you're still wearing the Kukui Nut lei we gave you. Learn how to make your own Ti leaf lei, or string Plumeria blooms for a colorful, wonderfully scented lei. Leis are traditionally used to celebrate all occasions in Hawai'i, and we have a variety of classes where you can learn different techniques, from lei wili (twisting), lei hili (braiding), lei kui pololei (strung with a needle) and more.
Ukulele
First introduced to Hawaiians by the Portuguese in the 19th century, the ‘Ukulele is now more well known as a Hawaiian instrument. You'll learn basic chords, and before long, you'll be playing a well-known song. We'll send you home with sheet music, a little bit of history about the ‘Ukulele, and we even sell small ‘Ukulele in our Noe Noe gift shop—just in case you want to serenade family and friends at your next lū‘au.
Hawaiian "Throw Net"
Hawaiian "throw net" has been passed on from generation to generation in Hawai'i, and handmade nets are becoming family heirlooms (easy to see why when you see a handmade net and inspect the intricate interweaving of strands). You, intrepid traveler, will be learning how to throw a net into Hana Bay, in the hopes of catching a fish, but every day native Hawaiians throw net to catch dinner to share with their ‘OHana. You'll be surprised how easily you'll catch on to readying the net to cast, and how fun it is to throw a perfect net into the ocean, pull it in and discover…
Bike Holoholo
Holoholo loosely translates to cruising, and there is no place to cruise like Hana. Join us for a fun bike excursion as we visit a handful of local sites while learning about land use, culture, history and stewardship. You'll become acquainted with Hana's sugar plantation days, under the diversity of plants, connect with the architecture, re-live festivals and get a closer look at local town life.
Creative Outlet Series
Some say creating artwork in a setting as beautiful as Hana's can be just as relaxing as a massage. That's why we offer you pressure-free ways to release your inner creative. You'll be inspired as you focus on the relation between your soul and your surroundings through your choice of artistic outlet. Best of all, no experience or talent is needed to create something amazing you can bring home to remind you of your Travaasa journey.
Ecology
The beauty and biodiversity of Hawai'i is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The islands form the most remote archipelago on earth, 2,500 miles from the nearest land mass. The native flora and fauna developed in isolation in the rich, volcanic soil, with new species occasionally arriving by accident via wind, water or wings. Early explorers also contributed, bringing plants and seeds endemic to their own culture. We invite you to learn more about Hawaii's ecological wonders and discover yet another reason why it's recognized the world over as paradise.
Talk Story
The Hawaiian tradition of "talk story" is a cultural practice of information sharing, tradition building and reinforcement of a community's values passed from generation to generation. This nightly gathering around our fire pit allows you to get to know your fellow guests and the staff a little bit better. After all, this is a culture that knows how to sit together and talk. Talk about everything. The day. Life. Adventures. Memories. No two evenings are ever the same, whether it's sharing stories or an impromptu ‘ukulele jam, or just listening to the crackle of the fire, every night will be a little bit different and a whole lot of fun.
FITNESS
Yoga for Mind and Body
Yoga at Travaasa Hana is unlike yoga anywhere else in the world. Our instructors bring years of training and knowledge, our yoga classes are varied and unique, and the location (outdoor or in our open-air Wellness Center) will reinvigorate you with its sheer beauty and calm. It's widely known that yoga is a wonderful technique to heal, detoxify and unify your mind and body. It can help fortify your awareness of movement, balance and intention, in addition to strengthening your body (through vinyasa yoga). No matter your age, strength or flexibility level, anyone can do yoga with the right attitude and the right teacher.
Outdoor Circuit
Get ready to go through some tough intervals that make your heart rate soar. Circuit training delivers maximum results in a minimum amount of time while promoting all-around fitness. We'll challenge your body and your mind as we mix up the moves and the intensity of the workout to keep you motivated - all the while being surrounded by 360˚ views of stunning scenery. But what makes our circuit unlike any other is that we'll exercise using the natural landmarks around our beautiful Hana property. And our circuit wouldn't be complete if we didn't hit the beach!
Core Conditioning
Mana is a divine spiritual power or energy. It's a power that comes from within flowing through all of us and giving us the power to do what we believe we can do. So it's no small wonder that our 30-minute core class will make you feel like you can conquer the world. You just have to believe. Tone your abs, lower back and glues in this intense workout. You'll improve core strength, balance and total body function using stability balls and gravity-resistant exercises.
Pilates
You're here to stretch your imagination, not to mention your body. And there's nothing else like our Pilates class held in the drop-dead gorgeous setting of our Wellness Center to do both. Pilates is designed to transform the way your body looks, feels and performs, building strength without excess bulk. This basic all-level Pilates class on the mat teaches awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.
Coastal Walks
Start your morning with a coastal walk you'll remember for the rest of your life. Our guides will point out various native plants (as well as "canoe plants," plants that were brought to Hawai'i by the first Polynesians over 1,300 years ago to ensure their survival). You'll also see the picturesque ‘Alau Island, a bird sanctuary with an unbelievable grouping of wind-tossed palm trees at its summit. Many of our guides were raised in Hana, and will share their own personal mo‘olelo (stories) of growing up in this place of great beauty.
Coastal Workout
Tired of exercising in a dark, enclosed gym that forces you to work out and then get in your cardio? Our coastal workout allows you to experience both at the same time as you walk along the stunning Pacific Ocean. You'll be carrying a sand-filled "pack" that intensifies your jog and serves as your resistance for a full-body workout. After you get done with this experience you'll be ready to grab a smoothie and relax by the infinity pool.
Simplified Fitness
Use your own body's own resistance to strengthen, define, and challenge your muscles in this invigorating workout that can be done anytime, anywhere. You'll be amazed at the vast range of exercises you can do with just yourself, a fit ball and a bosu.
Coastal Walk & Stretch
Start your day with a walk along the beautiful Maui coastline. You'll stop frequently along the way to take in breathtaking natural features as you wake your body for the day ahead. We'll teach you a non-static technique known active isolated stretching that helps improve circulation, increase the elasticity of muscle and fascia, develop joint range of motion and reduce stress.
Foam Rollers
One of the reasons you might be here is for a relaxing, stress-free, pressure-free Hawaiian experience. Of course, you may need some help releasing all the muscular tension civilization has placed squarely on your shoulders. We suggest foam rollers, a body rolling exercise that helps you release muscular tension with a rolling massage that feels great and helps increase flexibility. You'll also improve balance, core muscles, stability and total body function.
SPA & WELLNESS
The Spa at Travaasa Hana
At The Spa at Travaasa Hana, we gratefully utilize the incredible bounty of Hana, using its abundant plants, minerals and water to blend in our teas and create natural body and face products and treatments. The wide variety of therapeutic services we offer prepares our guests to experience Hana more fully, thus restoring feelings of balance and wellness to body, mind, spirit and emotion more
Guided Meditation
In this Travaasa, we help demystify the ancient practice of meditation—bringing awareness to our moment-to-moment experiences. This simple—but not easy—practice of acceptance, letting go, non-striving and suspension of the judgmental mind leaves us with a deep sense of openness and receptivity to ourselves, to others and to the moment as it unfolds.