Yogaloha
One activity I knew was a must on our Hawaii trip was finding a good yoga studio. My friends and I stumbled upon Yogaloha in Waikiki and we were not disappointed. The name of the studio will tell you exactly what the team at Yogaloha wants to do for it's students which is to "help to protect and guide one's life journey."
We ended up taking a Vinyasa Flow class with Miro whose style focuses on the 5 elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. The flow of her class felt dance-like to me, and reminded me of Tai Chi. Though some aspects of the class felt familiar, I also ended up in postitions that were completely new and refreshing to me. Miro had wonderful energy and gave great adjustments. The studio felt light and airy and carried in a piece of the surrounding paradise of Oahu.
Yogaloha offers a variety of styles of classes, including a popular candelight flow and, of course, yoga on the beach, with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean and Diamond Head to help you reach your peaceful state.
The word "aloha" is believed to be the most divine word in the Hawaiian language and carries with it the meaning of joy and love, and staying present. It is also believed that saying it over time brings healing properties to those who say it. What an ideal place to practice yoga and embrace beauty and life. So while I am pining for the sun and warmth of Hawaii, I will still be grateful for the fire I sit beside as I write this in the dead of winter.
Aloha!