Yoga Hanalei

My wife and I went to two 8am classes during our visit to Hanalei. Really great studio-​IF you are ready for two-​hours of deep Vinyasa Yoga. This is not your run of the mill class, and some of the techniques and endurance moves are difficult. So if you’re a Moksha or Bikram fan-​adjust your expectations. If you want to feel restored after 2 hours of slow steady work-​this is the class for you. We didn’t try any other classes.

I did not enjoy this studio. Here’s why…
I went to a Friday 8am — Vinyasa Yoga I/​II class.
The owner/​teacher (Bhavani) was friendly enough before class asking where I studied and if I had any injuries… this is why I can feel ok about giving one star.
But that is where my happiness ends.
After getting situated in the room she instructed us to get blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps… that’s a lot of props for a Vinyasa class… well after about 25 minutes of chanting (which I do enjoy) she announced she was going to teach Iyengar today.
Whaaaat? Ok — I also enjoy Iyengar, Hatha, restorative, meditation, all types of yoga… BUT when I go looking for a Vinyasa class I expect a Vinyasa class otherwise why did I pay $ 20 to you to teach me Vinyasa. If this class was free — I wouldn’t be complaining. But if you bother to have a schedule and charge cash for classes — you should stick to the plan.
So I tried to relax and get into it — despite my disappointment… but that was also unfortunately impossible because she NEVER stopped talking during the entire two hours so my thoughts could never be my own.
Also during the 7 poses (that’s right we only did 7 poses in the 2 hour class) she proceeded to «yoga shame» me. Meaning… because I lacked the ability to hold or deepen the poses into the flexibility she was demonstrating — She would give me rough adjustments then demand I hold them when I couldn’t because of the current tightness of my hips. I’m a runner — some days are worse than others. When I was unable to hold her desired result — she would go on a rant about «mind over matter» implying that my mind was weak or I wasn’t doing «true yoga» because I wasn’t able to push beyond my physical limit.
While yoga is about pushing through in ways — it’s also about acceptance.
I accept this teacher and her lesson — and I am sure many people like her style… but I shouldn’t have to pay for a misrepresented session. Once during the class within the verbal vomit she said «I don’t need people to like me.» Great — nor do I hence the tough review. But I hope for the longevity of this studio/​business it becomes important to be honest about what the service is for the price.

I suspect it’s hard to run a yoga studio with so many visiting clients, everyone has their own expectations AND you’re the only studio in town, but I have been back here a half a dozen times and almost every time vowed it would be the last. The meditation and restorative/​relaxation classes are lovely, but asana classes on the whole I have found to be, just, kind of alarmingly not good. Super, super crowded, awkward instruction — which is part/​parcel with iyengar style often so I can forgive — and an overall ‘do as I say’ kind of vibe that make attending classes here feel like a chore. If it’s an Iyengar class, fine, say that so I can not go. If you’re on vacation and looking to drop into a class, I would spare yourself and bring a podcast down to the beach, or explore a nearby town.

I was very excited to make this studio my go-​to yoga practice for the week we were in Hanalei. Our first morning here we went to an early class, and while the actual instruction and structure of the class was pretty good, my friend and I were met with a less than warm vibe from the director, Bhavani. It was basically anti-​customer service, I was schooled by her for doing a headstand at the end of class in a humiliating way, which was completely unnecessary. She could have easily and quietly approached me if that’s her «rule.» It was my first time at the studio and unfortunately will NOT be returning because of her demeanor. The people in the class were warm and friendly, actually, but she was controlling and rude. Too bad.

I love the studio space, the clothing for sale and the energy that this place has. I went to Katie’s deeply relax class and it was so beautiful. I highly recommend attending one of Katie’s classes!

No need to miss a yoga session while on vacation, come visit Hanalei Yoga. They have a traveler’s package for 3 classes for $ 40.
I just wish they had earlier classes. I love to get up and get my workout done and go about my day. During the week, the earliest yoga class didn’t end till 10am and I’d rather be out on the beach or snorkeling by then.
I did the 2hr vinyasa flow class for my first session and it was excellent. I knew I’d be challenged because the longest class I’ve done was 90minutes. I appreciated the amount of detail/​explanation on several basic postures. The instructor walked us through the correct posture from our fingers all the way through to our toes. We did mix in some balance postures and worked on wheel, headstand and handstands.
The second class I did was a Sunday flow that was about 70minutes. We went outside on the deck for part of it and used the rail for some stretches. In both classes we used the rope wall.
Overall, I’m glad I went. I love experiencing new teachers and a fresh perspective of the practice of yoga. I certainly recommend dropping in, you’ll be glad you did.

If you are planning to have an active vacation in Kauai and you are staying in the North Shore, you must go to Yoga Hanalei. The studio and teachers are amazing. Our instructor Nick was the perfect balance of hands-​on, relaxed, and challenging.
He really helped me loosen up before my long Na Pali Coast kayak trip, and I felt so wonderful after class. Now I look forward to improving my yoga practice back home.

Outstanding teachers. The weather on our trip was not the best for surfing so we decided that yoga was the next best thing. We took almost every type of class they have offered and these are some of the best teachers available and they are both in the same location. I wouldn’t recommend this for yoga beginners but for people who have some experience it is great and they will help guide your poses.

A must-​do if you are a yogi who happens to be staying in Hanalei. The studio is spacious and warm, the other yogis are very zen, and the instructors are amazing. I’d recommend going a bit early to stop by Hanalei Coffee Roasters for a cup of joe before your yoga practice. Namaste!

Stumbled onto this studio while walking through the town. Definite must after flying, vacationing. Great 3 visit package for $ 40.00.
Really liked the flowing air and sun through the studio. Not the flowing Vinyasa class I’m use to but overall it worked. Many thanks Yoga Hanalei :)

Loved the class-​lots of deep stretching, which is what I need on vacation, after hours in cars and planes and buses. Namaste.

I was on vacation in Hanalei for a week, and took a couple of classes here. I was very impressed, and wish I could bring Yoga Hanalei back with me to Los Angeles!
I purchased a 3 class «traveler» package for $ 40– which included mat rental and all props. I only got to use two of the three classes– but not for lack of availability, just my own vacationing.
I took a Hatha Flow I class with Mialei (I hope I’m spelling that correctly) and a Vinyasa Flow I/​II class with Lynn. Both instructors were very, very good. Even though I was just traveling through, they took the time to learn my name, and Mialei passed on to Lynn that I was having difficulty with my downward dog so that Lynn could further assist me. Wow! Now that is an amazing level of care in teaching.
Another thing I _​loved_​at Yoga Hanalei was the chanting. Amazing. It helped me rediscover my own practice, and I returned home with a commitment to a daily yoga practice. «Yoga doesn’t take time, Yoga makes time.»

Stopped by for a couple of classes. Very friendly, knowledgeable teachers. Many classes offered at different times make it a bit easier to find one that fits your schedule. $ 15 drop-​in includes mat rental.
Located on upper floor of Hanalei Center.

We decided to try a yoga class while on vacation in Kauai. We felt extremely lucky to have stumbled upon Yoga Hanalei.
It was our first yoga class — EVER — and they were so kind and helpful. The young woman who taught the class was serene (of course), beautiful and knowledgable. We loved the class; the experience.
We’re going back today!

There’s not much better than doing yoga while the tropical breeze blows through the open windows of the studio. Definitely namaste/​positive intention feeling.
They have a great 5 class option for visitors, but the single class drop in is super reasonable.
If you’re in town and have a chance to go, definitely stop by.

Summary: If you’re in Kauai and you’re looking to relax and challenge yourself, treat yourself to Yoga Hanalei.
A great find. The studio is Iyengar focused with an emphasis on alignment. Normally not a fan of Iyengar, but this studio does it right. 2 hour classes with long held standing poses will challenge anyone. 5 minute downward dog? Check. 5 minute squat? Check. If you’re looking for relaxation, they have restorative classes with long held positions on the mat.
After yoga, check out the organic store across the street. Delicious and healthy food.

Took the morning Hatha I class. An hour and a half of unwinding with a bit of meditation at the end. It was rainy and humid and the perfect environment for the Hawaii yoga experience. Went with someone who hadn’t done yoga before and she was able to go at her own pace and I went at my own more challenging pace. Carol was an amazing instructor and very helpful. Her singing at the end made it unique and spiritual. Plus the Ommmm… I feel revitalized definitely worth the 15 dollars! The boutique is cute too so check that out when you leave.

After laying around the beach for nearly a week it felt so great to move! The teacher, Melissa, was great and gave lots of attention to alignment in each posture. The locals attending class were friendly and welcoming. Hanging on the rope wall was a nice bonus. Loved it!

I recently had a revelation that one of the reasons for my aversion to exercise is because I have been doing the wrong exercises (for me). Key word for me = gentle. On my most recent trip to the North Shore, I decided I couldn’t come to such a spiritual place and not do yoga (at least once), so I tried out a Hatha class at Yoga Hanalei. I did pretty good for a «newbie», only bowing out of the moves that involved perching upside down against the wall. At the end, I lost it… I sensed that the music had changed, so I cheated during ‘savasana’ and peeked. I just about gasped when I saw that it was the teacher! She was slowly walking around the room singing a beautifully haunting Indian song. I will never forget this… to this day, no matter what yoga class I’m attending, I tear up during ‘savasana’. Next trip, I’ll go at least 3 times…

Fantastically accessible studio, right in the heart of Hanalei. Take a ten-​fifteen class followed by a salad bar at nearby Papaya’s health food store. Frequent classes, quality teachers and a friendly and welcoming vibe. Be prepared to sweat if you are not used to the humidity. My only complaint would be an aggressive teacher who goes on and on about tidy shoe placement and the virtues that lie within that person. One does not go to yoga to be lectured.