Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
A: You will fly into Kahalui, Maui airport (OGG), transportation via Lyft, Uber or taxi are still available for those who are quarantining.
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 are the trainee accommodations?
A: Note: this is not an option while the mandatory 14 day quarantine and emergency proclamation rules are in effect for visitors to the island. The tuition + lodging option includes accommodations in our trainee house with shared bedrooms (private room option available). Our accommodations are centrally located with all the amenities, furnished with a full kitchen, beds with linens, towels, wifi, as well as a washing machine/dryer 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 a great organic food store, cafes & restaurants, and retail shops. Tuition covers the night before training begins with checkout being on the last Sunday by noon. If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay beyond the training lodging is only $60/night for shared, $90/private.
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.
A: During the quarantine food must be delivered to the hotel room. Each room will have a full kitchen to make food. In addition, there are various food delivery options noted on the Hawaii travel site. There will be options that will deliver direct from the Island Fresh Café.
After quarantine, 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!
The Meal Plan is only valid after quarantine and includes menu offerings for lunch and breakfast. You’ll pre-order for breakfast and lunch Monday – Saturday 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: 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?
Q: Will I teach during my training?
A: The first two weeks you will be focusing on developing your own practice- this is perfect for you will be in quarantine- during the in person you may be asked to do simple adjustments on students. Practicum starts on the 3rd week of training and 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: 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: After your mandatory 2-week quarantine, your course has been adjusted to allow you time in the afternoon and evenings for homework, 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 while adhering to all of the new COVID mandates. After quarantine your day ends at 12:30pm and the sun sets around 6:00pm 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). Not to mention there will be 3 retreat days following mandatory quarantine, we’ll head out into the beautiful Maui nature and even have an excursion.
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. 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.
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!