Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
A: You will fly into Kahalui, Maui airport (OGG) which is a 10 to 15 minute drive from the North Shore and the historical plantation town and surf village of Paia where the Maui Yoga Shala is located. Rental car options are available at the airport. Taxi or Uber service is available from the airport to Paia. Please email your flight details in advance.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: There are many car rental companies based at the airport. We also have local friends who rent cars if you want to ask us after training begins. Renting a car is not necessary as everything is walking distance – the trainee house, Paia town, the beach, and our studio. If you would like to go on adventures to explore the island, or go for supplies in the retail chain stores in Kahului, or even bypass the walking you can easily rent a car (it is best to do a Google search to find what deals work for you).
Q: How do I get to and from the Maui Yoga Shala?
A: Our trainee house is located within Paia town and walking distance (about 15 min) to the studio. Biking and carpooling is also an option. There is no bus service along this route.
On our way to the Shala
Q: What are the trainee accommodations?
A: The tuition + lodging option includes accommodations in our trainee house with shared bedrooms (private room option available). Our accommodations are centrally located and basic with all the amenities, furnished with a full kitchen, beds with linens, towels, as well as a washing machine and small yard out back with a patio deck and outdoor shower. Even though it’s a house, you can expect dorm style living. It’s a great opportunity to connect, study, and have fun with your fellow trainees. There is alternative lodging in the area if you require more privacy. Food can be bought in Paia Town or if you have a car you can go into the town of Kahului to shop. Paia town is where you will find an a great organic food store, cafes & restaurants, and retail shops. Tuition covers the night before training begins with checkout being on the last Sunday. If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay beyond the training lodging is only $60/night for shared!
Q: What about food?
A: Our lovely, open-air Island Fresh Cafe is located in our Shala where you can dine during your breaks from training. Our cafe offers a nice selection of locally sourced, organic meals and menu items. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options available.
The Meal Plan includes menu offerings for lunch and breakfast and the occasional coconut. You’ll pre-order for breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday at the beginning of the day and enjoy a tea or coffee or some local fruit. The Meal Plan can be purchased anytime after Registration. For scheduled breaks see Program Schedule. You can also bring your prepared meals & snacks for the day with you in the morning. We have a fridge at the studio to place your food items.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
• pens, pencils, coloring pencils, highlighters, blank notebook
Q: What about books?
A comprehensive teacher training manual will be presented on the first day of training. You will also receive various handouts throughout the training. Required reading:
— Prior to course – Health, Healing and Beyond: Yoga and the Living Tradition of T. Krishnamacharya by T. K. V. Desikachar (200/300 hr)
— Prior to and during the course – The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman (200/300 hr)
— During the course – The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book by Kelly Solloway (available for purchase at our bookstore) (200/300 hr)
Q: Do I have any responsibilities or need to help out during the training?
A: Seva is Sanskrit for selfless service. This will include helping to keep the studio and prop room clean and tidy as well as your living space. Light administration duties may be included as well so that you get to sample what it takes to run a Yoga Studio!
Q: Will I teach during my training?
A: The first two weeks you will be focusing on developing your own practice and during the training you may be asked to do simple adjustments on students. Practicum is where you put into place all you have learned in the previous two weeks. Working with a partner (depending on the size of your training group), you will formulate and then teach a full 90 min class to your fellow students. Senior teachers from the training will assess you on quality of sequencing, verbal instruction/delivery, use of variations and props, gentle adjustments, and overall presentation (the use of themes / mantras / philosophy / music). After your practicum class there will be a group feedback session.
Q: Will I have time off to enjoy the island?
A: Your course is going to be busy and full and you are going to be learning a lot! You will need to make sure you factor in time in the evenings for homework and study and ensure you get proper rest at night BUT….Maui is a magical place and we definitely would like you to enjoy as much of the island as possible. Your day ends at 4pm and the sun sets around 7:00pm so you will have time in the afternoon to head to the local beaches for a walk and swim. Remember to bring your beach gear! (items can also can be purchased locally if needed)
You will have Sunday’s off (morning practice optional) to enjoy longer trips around the island. You will need to hire a car for this. You can head to the South Side (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) which takes approximately 30-60 minutes or head to the West side (Lahaina, Kaanapali etc) which take approximately 1-1.5 hrs depending on traffic. A trip up the volcano is a must – either sunrise or sunset. There are also some easy hikes with waterfalls to enjoy on the road to Hana. We can give you some suggestions when you arrive. A day off whale watching (seasonal) is a great adventure. We also offer surf board rentals and surf lessons!
Q: What am I certified to teach after graduating?
A: You will receive your 200-hr certification in Hatha Vinyasa Yoga on Graduation Day. The certificate is the standard for teaching the modern day yoga class and is recognized around the world. It’s good for life. From here, you will be able to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher). Visit www.yogaalliance.org. Under the tab of Credentialing you will see how to register and what you registration and annual fees are.
Maui Yoga Shala is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, which designates this teacher training program as one which follows Yoga Alliance’s standards.