Quick Links: Travel Information | Payment Information | FAQ | Packing List | Staff
Here is the complete, expanded FAQ section for your website with all the new questions added. The text uses warm, encouraging language (“Women’s Quest voice”), clear headings, scannable formatting, and consistent dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodations?
Welcome to Hale Kai (Ocean House), our sanctuary for the March 21st – 27th, 2027 Big Island retreat!
Located right on the oceanfront in South Kona, Hale Kai is often described by our Questers as a living work of art. Resting just 500 feet from the Pacific Ocean, it offers beautiful, open-air living in a peaceful and deeply inspirational environment. The Balinese-style yoga space, open kitchen, and cozy accommodations blend with the spirit of old Hawaii to create a magical home for our week together.
Living in Harmony with Nature Hale Kai is a unique, sustainable, off-the-grid retreat center powered by solar energy. Here, we embrace the natural rhythm of the island! Solar power means showers are warm during the day when the sun is out, plus there are three main showers with warm water 24/7. While you won’t be able to use hair dryers due to solar capacity, trust us—you won’t need one here!
Bedrooms & Bathrooms Accommodations include bedrooms in the main house as well as charming screened bungalows nestled throughout the property. There are both single-occupancy and shared-occupancy options. While there are plenty of indoor bathrooms (some private to specific rooms), our personal favorite is the private outdoor shower tucked inside the lush Hawaiian flora—it might just become your favorite spot too!
Room Options & Layout
Ganesha: 1 Queen with full bath (Single room option: +$TBD)
Bali: 2 Full beds with bath (Shared)
Lanai: 1 Full bed (Shared bath with Master Room — a Quest favorite right by the ocean with standard open-air privacy)
Timor: 1 Queen with full bath (Single room option: +$TBD)
Sarang: 1 Queen, 1 Single, 1 built-in double futon (Shared)
Garden: 1 Queen, 1 Single with bath (Shared)
Gecko: 1 Queen, 1 Single with half bath (Shared)
Rose: 1 Queen (Single room option: +$tBD)
Nai’a: 2 Single beds (Shared)
Note: Single occupancy rooms are available for an additional $TBD fee.
What will the food be like?
We nourish your body with wholesome, delicious meals packed with fresh local fruits and vegetables! Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions—we are happy to accommodate you.
Included Meals: Most of our meals are cooked fresh right at Hale Kai.
Meals Out: To give you a taste of local island flavor, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are not included, so please bring a little “cuisine cash” to enjoy those meals out during our excursions.
Do I have to be experienced at yoga?
Not at all! This retreat is open to every level of experience—from the complete beginner to the practiced yogini. You will always be encouraged to practice according to your own individual needs and comfort. In addition to gentle yoga, we also practice Qigong, a wonderful “Awakening of the Senses” movement practice, and Foundation Training with Vicki Hunter.
Do I need to be a swimmer to attend?
No, you don’t! We provide dedicated staff support for everyone, from non-swimmers to experienced ocean lovers.
Gear Rentals: Flotation devices, masks, fins, and snorkels are all available to rent on-site.
Activities: Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are crowd favorites, and we guide you step-by-step so you feel comfortable and safe in the water.
How many participants will be on the retreat?
We keep this retreat cozy and intimate! To ensure personal attention, connection, and a sacred group bond, space is strictly limited to 14 women.
What will a typical day be like?
Every day has a gentle, joyful flow. A typical day includes:
Morning yoga & movement accessible for all levels
Wholesome, nourishing meals
Running, walking, and exploring island trails
Swimming and visiting with magical sea creatures
Inspirational workshops & special evening programs
Plentiful free time to read, relax, or rest in a hammock
Bonus: We will also have a wonderful massage therapist joining us throughout the week, available for private appointments at an extra cost!
What will the weather be like?
At sea level near Hale Kai, temperatures are wonderful year-round—typically ranging from a warm high of 80°F to a comfortable low of 62°F. Hawaii has several microclimates because the island rises from sea level up to nearly 14,000 feet, so bringing light layers for evening breezes or higher-elevation outings is always a good idea.
Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat?
Yes! We adapt every movement session to meet your fitness level. We group activities based on individual experience, fitness, and your personal desire for challenge.
Our best preparation advice? Simply start getting active before you arrive! Your preparation doesn’t need to be a hardcore routine—just get out, play, walk, and stay active several days a week to build your stamina.
Do I need to be an athlete to attend?
We welcome women of all fitness levels—including those whose main skill is lounging in a hammock!
To us, an “athlete” is simply someone who enjoys being active on a regular basis, not a competitive warrior. While comfortable swim skills can help you get the most out of our ocean time, our supportive staff will assist you every step of the way. Every session is designed to be accessible, empowering, and fun for all.
Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
Not at all. This is your retreat. We fully support you in pacing yourself and doing as much or as little as feels right in the moment.
The schedule gives us a beautiful framework for the week, but it is always flexible based on weather, ocean conditions, and group needs. We go over the schedule together every morning at breakfast so you always know what to expect.
What is the average age on this retreat?
We welcome women of all generations—our Questers range from 15 to 75+ years young! Hawaii truly is for everyone. Whether you come with a friend, a daughter/mother pair, or on your own, you’ll fit right in.
What if I am coming alone?
You are in great company! The majority of women who join our retreats travel solo. Hawaii is a safe, welcoming, and easy destination for women traveling on their own. While you may arrive solo, you will leave with a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends.
Payment Policy
Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation. All deposits are non-refundable.
A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo. You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.
We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.
Covid-19 Policy
Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest. Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.
Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above. This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up.
Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.
Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19. Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.
Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.
Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.
Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.
Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.
Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.
Purchasing Travel Insurance
We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses in the event you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues. We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid. Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.
If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.
Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid.