Family Eco-Wellness Retreat Overview
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable family eco-wellness retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii that’s suitable for all ages.
- Learn about indigenous healing and culture from a Hawaiian elder
- Visit vanilla and chocolate farms
- Take hula and lei-making classes
- Snorkel and search for marine life
- Enjoy a curated tour led by a scientist of Volcanoes National Park
- Learn about marine conservation efforts and get close to seahorses at a sustainable aqua-farm
- Partake in more activities while also having time to relax on your own
Experts on this Trip
LHT always employs local experts as trip leaders to provide the most authentic and informative experience. LHT facilitators ensure the trip operations run smoothly and that each traveler’s needs are being met.
Meet Malia Everette
Hawaii Trip Leader
Malía Everette
Malía Everette, CEO and founder of AltruVistas, promotes in-depth experiential education and socially responsible travel as an alternative to the type of “sun and fun” tourism that often results in cultural homogenization and does little to benefit local communities and host economies. From 1997-2012, Malía was the director of nonprofit human rights organization Global Exchange’s Reality Tours program. During her tenure at Reality Tours she oversaw the growth and development of alternative travel programs, study seminars, and fact-finding human rights delegations to over 45 global destinations. After two decades of experience pioneering cultural and educational exchanges and ecotours for other organizations, foundations, educational institutions, and families, she founded AltruVistas in 2013.
Malía facilitates experiences around the world, focusing on international relations, human rights, political economy, sustainable development, agroecology, women’s issues, health and healing, responsible business, and the resilience of indigenous cultures. She is an expert on legal travel to Cuba. AltruVistas organizes over 80 domestic and international departures annually.
Meet Rosalyn Acosta
LHT Trip Facilitator
Rosalyn Acosta
Rosalyn has a masters in Ecotourism with over 15 years of experience creating and managing sustainable travel programs that support local communities and ecosystems around the globe. Her contributions to cultural and environmental work include entities such as; the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, CREST at Stanford University, World Wildlife Fund, Nature Conservancy, United Nations World Tourism Organization, and others.
She has conducted fieldwork, research, and tours in amazing locations such as Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Colombia. Whether creating unique travel programs, presenting, or teaching, her goal is always to inspire self-exploration and create change in the global sustainable and social justice movements. Rosalyn is excited to offer family experiences that integrate indigenous wellness, cultural arts immersion, and sustainability.
Itinerary
Upon arrival to the Hilo International Airport, you will transfer to our hotel and enjoy a warm lei welcome. Meet with your group at a brief orientation meeting. We will learn about important Hawaiian values such as pule (a prayer or blessing used for protection, healing, and daily guidance) and aloha ʻāina (everything in this world is interconnected). Enjoy a welcome dinner and an evening to relax.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Naniloa Grand Hilton
This morning for breakfast, we will stop at an award-winning slow coffee cafe for a drink and a bite at a local bakery. We will enjoy a curated tour led by a scientist at Volcanoes National Park followed by a delicious pizza lunch at the picturesque Volcano House. We will hike and explore more of the park’s natural wonders, such as Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). You will have some free time to shop at the Volcano Gallery for souvenirs. On the drive back, we will stop at a local home for pupus.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Naniloa Grand Hilton
Today, we will experience a fun and breathtaking hike at Akaka Falls State Park. We will delve deeper into Hawaiian culture with a goat farm visit and oli chanting workshop (in oli chanting we learn a bit of Olelo, the Hawaiian language, while simultaneously learning a bit of Hawaiian history, legends, and values). For dinner, we will eat laulau, often considered to be the best “Hawaiian soul food”.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Naniloa Grand Hilton
We begin the day at the Hilo Farmer’s Market and stroll around the Queen Kapiolani Garden. Then, we will learn about Polynesian navigation and the mysteries of the universe at the ʻImiloa Planetarium. After a tasty lunch of seasonal, and fresh fish and chips, we will visit a coffee and cacao farm. Enjoy an evening on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Naniloa Grand Hilton
This morning, enjoy fun lei-making and hula lessons. We check out of our hotel and begin our journey to the west side of the island. On our way, we will stop for lunch at a popular diner to further experience Hawaiian fare (such as malasadas, round, deep-fried, doughnuts). We will revel in the breathtaking, panoramic ocean views at the Waipio Valley Lookout. We will also visit a community-based organization working on innovative, sustainable projects to vitalize the region’s rural economy.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Royal Kona Resort
Today, we check out of our hotel and make our way to the west side of the island. On our way, we will make several stops for food, sightseeing, and activities. One stop includes a visit with a Hawaiian elder to learn about indigenous healing and culture. We will also explore Pololu Valley and Black Sand Beach. After lunch, we will visit the Kukui Farm, which has been in the Nani family for 700 years (9 generations). You can tour the farm and do 30 minutes of gardening and volunteer work.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Royal Kona Resort
Today we will enjoy the popular snorkeling spot, commonly referred to as “Two Step” as well as visit the sacred grounds of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The evening is free for you to explore or rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Royal Kona Resort
You and your kids will love our final day together! We will learn about marine conservation and get close to seahorses at an aqua farm. Then, we will visit a vanilla farm. After lunch, we will explore the harbor to see if we can spot any sea turtles. The trip concludes with a farewell luau dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Royal Kona Resort
Today, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the Kona International Airport to fly home. Or, feel free to extend your stay in Hawaii on your own.
Accommodations
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Dates and Prices
2026 Dates
Date: April 2026. Exact dates coming soon!
Double Occupancy
$3550 per person
Single Occupancy
$4550 per person
Triple Occupancy
A triple is usually a room with 3 singles, or 1 double and 1 single): $3250 per person
Quadruple Occupancy
A quadruple is usually a room with 2 queen beds: $3050 per person
What’s Included
- Transfers upon arrival and departure
- Transportation provided during the trip
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- All gratuities except the Trip Leader and Facilitator
- $35 fee for AltruVistas carbon offset program
- $20 fee for Live Heal Travel’s carbon sequestration donation
What’s Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas when applicable
- Alcoholic beverages
- Some meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Any additional activities, add-ons, or hotel amenities (e.g. spa services, etc.) not listed in the itinerary
- Trip Leader and Facilitator gratuities
- Farewell Lu’au an additional $150 for adults (ages 12+), $60 for kids (ages 6-11), and free for ages 5 and under
- Optional Kaimana Ocean Safari $125 per person (minimum height requirement 4 feet)