Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
A: You will fly into Kahalui, Maui airport (OGG). It’s then a 10 to 15 minute drive to 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 services are available from the airport to Paia. Please email your flight details in advance.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
Q: How do I get to and from the Maui Yoga Shala?
Our trainee house is located within Paia town and walking distance (about 15 min) to the studio. Biking and carpooling are also an option. There is no bus service along this route.
On our way to the Shala
Q: What about food?
A: The lodging in Paia has a local organic grocery right around the corner and the house has a full kitchen. You can 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.
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. We also have bowls, smoothies, and coconuts! You can simply order as you go from the Cafe and in the mornings
There’s also an optional Meal Plan which includes breakfast and lunch from the Cafe on training days. You’ll pre-order right off the menu for breakfast and lunch at the beginning of each day and enjoy a tea or coffee or some local fruit. For scheduled breaks see Program Schedule.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
• pens, pencils, coloring pencils, highlighters, blank notebook
Q: What about books?
A: 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. Karma yoga is the yoga of action. Every morning we will participate in light duties as a practice of yoga. 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?
Q: What is the schedule flow?
A: To see what your training days will look like please see our Program Schedule page.
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. 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 be purchased locally if needed). And..some training days we’ll head out into the beautiful Maui nature on scheduled excursions.
You will have a couple days off 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. If you decide to head east towards the jungle, there are 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.
Q: What about other Maui Yoga Shala offerings?
A: The Maui Yoga Shala is a whole center with a variety of offerings. Besides extended stay packages at our lodging, we offer surf lessons, board rentals, and other excursions. You’ll receive a discount on any of our services – you might want to treat yourself to a luxurious massage with one of our massage therapists!
Q: What am I certified to teach after graduating?
A: You will receive your 200 hr or 300 hr certification in Hatha and 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) or as a RYT 300 (making you a 500 RYT). 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 the Yoga Alliance standards for yoga schools.
Q: Does the Maui Yoga Shala have an in-house doctor?
A: We have a MD in the neighborhood who is an emergency medical specialist and mobile medic. He is available for any medical needs during the training.
Q: Is childcare offered?
A: On occasion our 200 and 300 hr trainees will bring their keiki (child or children in Hawaiian) to be with them during the course. Families are always welcome to reserve a private room or unit for the duration of the stay. We also arrange childcare and nannying in and outside of the yoga center. Please inquire if you are considering bringing your kids!