Maui Yoga Shala

I loved every single thing about every single day. I loved walking to the shala each morning & getting a little cardio & a little sweaty. I loved the breezy walk back from the shala, peering out on the ocean on the way back down the hill. I loved doing karma yoga & feeling useful being of service in the morning. I loved being greeted by the dogs every morning & Shakta's welcoming smile, even if we were on "Maui time". I loved choosing what delicious healthy food to eat for the day and the music playing in the cafe. I loved chanting sutras and learning that yoga is really about a state of mind, body and spirit and not just performing correct asanas. That said, I also loved learning how to do asanas correctly, how to modify them, and how to teach them. I loved learning the philosophy, yamas, niyamas, sanskrit, and anatomy. I loved the support, guidance, encouragement, and extra time taken by all the instructors to mentor us and get to know us on a personal level. I loved getting taken out of my comfort zone and doing things I didn't think I could do with the support of the life long friends I've now made. I loved being in the presence and having the privilege & opportunity to learn from such wonderful teachers. I loved bonding more closely with people I just met than I have with most people in my entire life. I loved every single thing.

This yoga retreat in Paia Hawaii was amazing. The instructors were of very high level and experience and offered tremendous knowledge. The location was unbeatable and the accommodations were great. The yoga classes offered a variety of styles and approaches which I really appreciated.

The quality of Yoga teaching is excellent. Each of the teachers assigned brought a different dimension. The overall leadership of Nadia is very commendable. She made sure the instructors are doing a thorough job. Instructors, Shakta, Jennifer, Lauren and Karin are subject matter expert who are very good in teaching.

This was truly the exact experience I needed. Being in Maui’s embrace while embarking this beautifully enriching and enlightening journey at the Shala was absolutely sublime. I felt myself grow way deeper than I could’ve ever imagined into my yoga practice- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. With this I gained a plethora of insight. The teachers were lovely, kind, caring, brilliant and beautiful. All of them offered extensive knowledge and then support within the learning. We quickly became a family and I instantly felt at home.

Had an amazing experience, and learned so much!

Learned a lot through the journey and it was truly life changing! The environment itself is healing and teachers are all excellent. I loved all of their classes.

Every teacher/practitioner/trainer involved in the training was very supportive and helped each of the trainees reach their individual goals. The practicing location in the quaint village of Paia was perfect and was provided with everything one might need to grow in one's yoga practice. The beach was a walking distance but would recommend getting a car. Overall the place is the perfect spot to meet and connect with like-minded individuals and get the yoga teaching foundation you desire! ✨

In the 3 weeks I’ve been in Paia, my life has completely changed! The instructors were amazing and so informative. They really make you a part of the family. The outings away from school were a complete bonding experience with teachers, roommates plus I got to see beautiful parts of Hawaii. On a personal level, I have made friends that I will know for the rest of my life, a truly exceptional group of women. I feel very lucky to have found this school especially during a pandemic. It was everything I could have hoped for and more.

PROS:

1.The teachers were nothing short of amazing. Huge amounts of gratitude to Micole Foster, Jennifer Bonadio, Dawn DeLeonardis, Rianne Vestuto, and Madelyn Ryan for their hard work getting us ready to teach. They were all knowledgeable, authentic, and always made sure to check in with the students at the start of each class to see if we had any questions or concerns. I felt extremely cared for every step of the way and look forward to studying with any/all of these women in the future.

2. Maui - it's gorgeous and the weather was pretty great almost the whole time we were there. The two hikes we went on with the program were incredible. It pains me to say that unfortunately, the PROS end here.

I loved my experience at Maui Yoga Shala. The thing that stands out the most about the program to me are the teachers. Every single teacher was full of positivity, kindness, patience, knowledge, and love for yoga. Also, the teachers at the Shala come from a variety of yoga lineages/backgrounds, which is great as a trainee to get that exposure. It can be a lot of information, but if you have an open mind you will learn so much! When I was looking for a YTT program, I wanted something that would be immersive and intensive. The Shala provided exactly what I was looking for in that sense. The schedule can be busy, but I never felt overwhelmed-- I actually felt stronger and more energized each day. There is no doubt that the yoga classes at the Shala are the best classes I have ever taken in my life.

Finally, the location is perfect for a YTT. The town of Paia has everything you need, including gorgeous beaches. And Maui is absolutely magical. The spirit of Aloha is truly alive on Maui-- everyone is so welcoming and friendly. It was so hard to leave!

How to even begin. Just WOW. I researched for hours to find the "right" YTT to fit my future goals and I couldn't be happier I fell into the lap of this one. Shakta, Nadia, and Jen were all wonderful beams of light to show up to every day. Their passion truly seeps from their pores. Your day will begin around 7am and that was pleasant for me. Morning meditation with Shakta is such a treat and his presence is so calming and welcoming. Jen was an amazing gentle guide through the anatomy, business, and so many other areas.. she really blew them all out of the water with her clarification on all topics. Nadia is a bad ass force of a woman and the gracious kick you need to get you through the last couple hours of your day! Her plethora of knowledge truly shines, every day. She keeps the practice light hearted and fun while reminding you what you came there for. All three teachers complimented each other so nicely! I'm more than grateful to have met each of them and I am so honored to now be able to say I have studied with these three amazing yogis.

The yoga shala itself is very cozy and has great energy all throughout. They provide plenty of props as well. The garden in the back is so serene and filled with a variety of tropical goodness that they use in their Cafe next door.

The Island Fresh Cafe next door KILLS it with the food. Sosososososo good, glad I sprung for the meal plan. Nadia even cooked the food herself a few days at the cafe and she's a hell of a cook.

The location is right down town Paia and the food at the Shala was amazing. Fresh açaí bowls, smoothies and options for everyone. The training covered all the basics and I feel ready to teach. I would recommend this to anyone looking to expand their yoga knowledge and enjoy Maui.