We are holding our first 7-day retreat on the Hawai'i Insight Meditation Center land June 29-July 5, 2009, with founders Steven Smith and Michele McDonald teaching. We also are offering a 3-day option, July 3-5, for those who cannot attend the full 7 days. Those of you with the pioneering spirit, please join us!

The HIMC land is located on the northern tip of Hawai'i Island (aka the Big Island) about 2.5 miles east of the town of Kapa'au. You can fly directly to our island (Kona International Airport) or to Honolulu on the Island of O'ahu. Frequent interisland flights are available from Honolulu to Kona for an additional charge. Rental cars are readily available at the Kona Airport, and driving time from the Airport to Kapa'au is about an hour.

Be prepared for rustic conditions and rudimentary facilities. We have two huge tents, one for kitchen/dining, the other for meditation sittings. Sites will be available for camping. Bathing will be in a shower house yet to be built, with water ambient to warm; several portable toilets will be set up. The vegetarian menu will be simple and the food wholesome, including local produce.

We also would be extremely grateful for help with the retreat or larger project from anyone arriving beforehand or staying afterward. Please contact ED Jack Hoyt (see below for contact information) if you are interested in volunteering and let him know your timeframe and skills.

Cost: $350 for the 7-day retreat, $100 for the 3-day option. A deposit of $175 will hold your place for the 7 days, with the balance due when you arrive on site, or you may pay the total fee now; refund deadline is May 15, 2009. The 3-day option must be paid in full; refund deadline is June 12, 2009.

Registration: Make the check for your deposit or total fee payable to Vipassana Hawai'i and mail to

PO Box 551681, Kapa'au HI 96755. You may also pay via PayPal (PayPal accounts and credit cards) on our website, www.vipassanahawaii.org. Click the “Donate” button on the homepage; indicate in the “message” or “note” space that the payment is for the Summer HIMC Retreat. If you cannot find this space, email us so it is clear what your payment is for.

Once we receive your payment, we will send you registration and waiver forms by email (preferable -- please be sure we have your current email address) or postal mail. Once you're registered, we will continue to be in touch with updates, driving directions, and other important local information.

Questions about the retreat or problems registering? Email Jack Hoyt at jackhoyt@vipassanahawii.org or Carol Perry at cperry@vipassanahawaii.org or call us at 808.889.0567. We will be pleased to assist you. This is our first experience putting on a retreat; we are learning by doing and appreciate your patience and understanding.