Maui Eco Retreat offers an exclusive eco-conscious paradise away from conventional hotels on Hawaii’s sacred grounds. Located in the majestic Valley of the White Owl on Maui’s North Shore, this sustainable sanctuary provides luxurious accommodations featuring spectacular ocean views and temple-like tranquility. The retreat’s commitment to regenerative tourism invites guests to explore pristine waterfalls and connect with authentic Hawaiian culture. Stays include yoga, meditation, and thoughtfully designed spaces featuring hand-crafted furniture and global artwork. Operating entirely off-grid with solar power and featuring organic gardens, the retreat offers visitors a transformative escape where they can reconnect with nature and discover their eco-soul.
Their story
Founded in 1998 by Kutira and Raphael, Maui Eco Retreat emerged from pure jungle land with no roads, electricity, or buildings, transforming into a pioneering eco-sanctuary. Located on sacred Hawaiian grounds known as the “resting place of mature souls,” the retreat was blessed by a Kahuna priest who named it Kahua O’Malio, meaning “place of happiness and pleasure.” Over two decades, it has evolved into a leading sustainable destination, featuring solar power, organic gardens, agroforestry, and the first permitted bamboo structures in the United States. The retreat serves as a blueprint for conscious tourism, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while preserving Hawaiian culture and environmental integrity. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The property runs entirely on solar power with bio-diesel backup generators, uses rainwater harvesting, and maintains a 450-foot well for pure volcanic aquifer water.
- The retreat pioneered bamboo construction in the US, featuring the first permitted bamboo structure.
- They practice comprehensive recycling, composting, and zero-waste initiatives.
- Their commitment to sustainability earned them Tripadvisor’s Platinum Green Leader status, setting standards for eco-tourism while preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Maui Eco Retreat demonstrates strong commitment to sustainable energy practices by operating completely off-grid through solar power. The property harnesses sunlight via solar panels to generate electricity for all facilities and accommodations. During extended cloudy periods when solar generation runs low, they utilize a backup bio-diesel generator powered by vegetable oil fuel.
- This eco-conscious approach extends to their water systems, which source pure alkaline water from a 450-foot volcanic aquifer well.
- Their gardens employ rain catchment systems through ponds and water tanks for irrigation, showcasing comprehensive energy and resource sustainability.
Pioneer in waste management
- The facility operates a zero-waste system through extensive composting of food scraps, which feeds chickens, worms, and enriches their organic gardens.
- They implement thorough recycling protocols for glass, paper, and plastic materials, which are regularly transported to local recycling centers.
- The retreat uses only non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products and encourages guests to minimize waste by providing reusable shopping bags and water bottles.
- Their composting system not only reduces landfill waste but also creates nutrient-rich soil for their agricultural initiatives, embodying their commitment to sustainable tourism.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Their extensive gardens produce fresh, organic vegetables, herbs, and tropical fruits without the use of agricultural chemicals.
- The property features innovative agroforestry gardens that yield native Hawaiian staples like taro and Tongan spinach.
- Their cleaning protocols utilize only non-toxic, environmentally friendly products for housekeeping and laundry.
- The retreat’s emphasis on organic practices extends to their chicken farming, producing hormone-free eggs and natural soil enrichment.
Actively protects nature and community
- Maui Eco Retreat champions sustainable living and environmental stewardship since 1998. Through careful land management, they protect local ecosystems and wildlife while educating visitors about responsible tourism.
- The community actively supports local conservation efforts. Guests are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact through mindful practices and eco-conscious activities.
Most Popular Activities Near Maui Eco Retreat
- Explore pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, majestic jungle forests, and dramatic lava rocks.
- Hike exclusive on-site trails to secret waterfalls hidden from public.
- Experience waterfall lagoon through short hiking trails.
- Navigate ocean cliff trail for moderate adventure and spectacular views.
- Practice yoga and meditation in bamboo temple surrounded by nature.
- Participate in Shamanic Nights and Aquatic Lemurian workouts.
- Connect with organic gardens, fruit orchards, and innovative agroforestry.
- Observe whales breaching from your bed during winter season.
- Engage in sustainable farming and permaculture practices.
- Learn traditional Hawaiian culture and customs.
- Join wellness programs focusing on mind-body rejuvenation.
- Discover rare native Hawaiian plants in the botanical gardens.
- Enjoy zipline adventures across some of the island’s most stunning terrain.
- Visits to nearby famous waterfalls.
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Best Time To Visit Maui Eco Retreat
- The best time to visit Maui Eco Retreat is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is typically sunny and comfortable. The North Shore location benefits from cooling trade winds that keep temperatures pleasant year-round.
- While winter (November-April) brings more rainfall, it offers spectacular whale watching opportunities directly from the property.
- The retreat experiences less extreme heat compared to other parts of Maui, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking to waterfalls and exploring the organic gardens.
- Regardless of timing, visitors can enjoy the retreat’s sustainable amenities and spiritual offerings throughout the year.
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