Simply incredible!!! The land, the views, the energy and people surpassed all expectations. Deciding to stay on the north eastern side of Maui and away from all tourist resorts is a choice you won’t regret. The natural beauty of the island is visible everywhere but after turning onto “Door of Faith” road you begin on a journey of peace, serenity and spiritual enlightenment. No, you won’t open your door and step right onto a beach.. but what you will see outside your window is a scene of unimaginable beauty. The sounds will call you to a sea of not only blue ocean, that seems to span to the edge of the world, but colors of landscape that could only be painted by the Gods themselves. A short walk to a forest hillside that leads you to waterfalls with a freshwater spring perfect for a cool swim to awaken your mind and spirt. A longer nature hike that takes you to waters edge and a path down to the ocean with small pools and crashing waves upon the rocks. Consume delectable land grown fruits and vegetables throughout your stay. Take a yoga class or schedule one of the many types of available massages without leaving the retreat. Feeling the need to explore the island? Set out early and take a left to start the road to Hana before all the crowds. Take a right and you’re 15 minutes to Paia where you’ll find great food and local shopping. Maybe take an upcountry tour through Makawao and Kula for sprawling landscapes, a lavender farm or even spend some time above the clouds at Haleakala. After a long adventurous day there’s nothing better than returning to the retreat where it will certainly begin to feel like home. Much of that feeling is due to the care of Kutira, Raphael and a number of special people who tend to this wondrous piece of heaven. Their spirit and energy fill the valley just as the winds and rain that cleanse the land. They’ll create an experience for you that will make you feel as if you were meant to be there and your thoughts of returning will begin before you even prepare to leave.
My wife and I chose to be married in this majestic place. We consider ourselves lucky to have had someone like Kutira to facilitate all preparations needed for our wedding day. As she is a licensed officiant, we were able to have a traditional Hawaiian ceremony that was something we will never forget. Though no other relatives went on this journey with us, we were cared for as if we were Ohana. When we realized we were able to stream the wedding to everyone back home Kutira made certain all involved were present there with us. The rains washed the earth and the clouds parted with song.. It was more than we could have dreamed of and truly an amazing moment.
Songs are sung of Maui “No Ka Oi” but we would simply add... Maui ECO, No Ka Oi!