In a study conducted in 2009 by LiveScience, Hawai`i was voted one of the happiest places in the United States. Based on the positive evaluations of emotional and physical health, work environments, and healthy behavior, there's no doubt that the plethora of active individuals found throughout the islands recognize the importance of personal health and wellness. Breathe in deep. With advances in modern technology and judging from the incessant whistling of our smart phones, it's not hard to argue that most Americans find themselves in a fast paced, perhaps too-connected world. Amidst an influx of e-mails and text messages, constant demands to meet work responsibilities and deadlines can be stressful and draining. Yoga practice is helpful for people of all ages, rejuvenating and giving a sense of calm.
By no means a comprehensive review of yoga practices, listed below are some well known yoga studios popular for yoginis from all over Oahu, the perfect setting for a beginner to settle in. Originally from India, yoga is a multifaceted cultural tradition involving mental activities, meditative practices, and physical exercises. Why should anyone practice yoga? There are the obvious health benefits, such as developing core strength and flexibility, but in this day and age, it never hurts to de-frazzle yourself and have a little quiet time. Without the iPhone. Now exhale, ahh.
Recommended Yoga Studios:
Open Space Yoga - Open Space Yoga has two locations, one in the heart of Downtown Honolulu and the other on Monsarrat Avenue at the base of Diamond Head. The core selection of classes offers several levels of Vinyasa, Hatha and Gentle Flow along with Kundalini. It also offers meditation classes, "yin-yang" balancing classes, and an intriguing "Yoga for Athletes" class, and throughout the year, they offer various workshops with guest instructors and ongoing teacher training classes. Diamond Head Location: 3106 Monsarrat Ave. #A / 2nd Fl, Honolulu, HI, Chinatown Location: 1111 Nu'uanu Ave. #211, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-232-8851, Website: www.yogaopenspace.com.
Purple Yoga - Voted into Honolulu Magazine's "Best of 2009" awards, Purple Yoga offers Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga classes for all levels. Unique to this studio is its Pregnancy and Mom & Baby yoga sessions, which offer an alternative to the usual trip to Gymboree. Location: University Square, 2615 South King Street, Suite A305, 3rd floor, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-944-8585 Website: www.purpleyoga.com.
Yoga Hawai`i - The schedule at Yoga Hawai`i is filled with Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, and yoga basics classes for a variety of levels. Yoga Hawai`i also hosts events for the larger community such as Yoga Stops Traffick, a one-day yoga event to raise awareness about human trafficking in India. Throughout the year, the calendar is packed with meditation, devotional chanting and Sanskrit mantra group events. Location: 1152 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-739-YOGA, Website: yoga-hawaii.com.
Iyengar Hatha Yoga Center of Hawai`i - Here, visitors can embark on their own journey following Mr. BKS Iyengar's teachings of yoga practice, which involve props such as blocks, chairs, and blankets. These accessories help students work in a larger range of motion in a manner that is safe for the body. Unlike some forms of yoga, this style does not include music, incense burning or candle burning. Location: Manoa Marketplace, 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Manoa, second floor (Suite 5-203), Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-382-3910, Website: www.manoayoga.com
Bikram Yoga Honolulu - The Hot Yoga experience takes place in a sauna, usually around 95-100 degrees, with classes comprised of a series of yoga poses. The temperature increases sweating and circulates heat throughout the body, creating greater flexibility. Pregnant women are advised not to attend these sauna classes. Location: 1151-B 12th Ave. 2nd floor, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-737-5519, Website: www.bikramyogahonolulu.com.
Silent Dance Center - Offering Iyengar Yoga practice since 1977, Silent Dance Center has two studio locations in Kaimuki and Mo`ili`ili. Students at Silent Dance Center practice asanas, or yoga postures common to many different styles of yoga. Some multicultural classes are offered in Japanese and Korean. Kaimuki Location: 1127 11th Avenue, Kaimuki, HI, Mo`ili`ili Location: 2535 S. King Street, Mo`ili`ili, HI, Phone: 808-526-YOGA, Website: www.yogahawaii.com.
The Chocolate-Pineapple Sports-Yoga Studio - The Chocolate-Pineapple Sports-Yoga offers morning classes in Kapiolani park or right along the sandy shores of Waikiki. Experienced yoginis to those who have never touched a mat are invited to come out and try a yoga session for themselves. Their motto is, "If you can breathe and walk, you can begin to improve your overall health through condition appropriate exercise." Om. Location: The Waikiki Trade Center, 2255 Kuhio Avenue Suite M5 2nd Floor (up the escalator in the retail area), Honolulu HI, Phone: 808 922-0171, Website: www.waikikiyoga.com/.
Aloha Yoga Kula - Aloha Yoga Kula strives to unite the aloha spirit and the state of harmony that is brought about by practicing yoga. "Relax and Renew" is a restorative yoga class that aims to relieve excess tension and anxiety. All classes take place in an outdoor garden atmosphere on the windward side of the island. Gentle yoga, morning and mid-day "lunch flow" classes are offered for a variety of fitness levels, while Mom's should note the kid yoga class for keikis grades K-6. Location: 38 Kaneohe Bay Dr. Kailua, HI, Phone: 808 772-3520, Website: www.kailuayoga.com.
Lululemon Athletica - Located near the Nordstrom wing of Ala Moana Shopping Center, Lululemon Athletica sells quality athletic apparel, yoga mats, and backpacks, along with plenty of other goodies for the exercise junkie. Try a free yoga class every Sunday at 8:30am. Also, the Lululemon Athletica Run Club meets every Monday and Wednesday night at 6pm. Location: Ala Moana Center, Nordstrom Wing, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 2406, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808 946-7220, Website: www.lululemon.com/honolulu/alamoanacenter.
Waikiki Shopping Plaza - Throughout the week, Waikiki Shopping Plaza offers a variety of activities for both locals and visitors. Alanna leads a yoga lesson every day from 2 pm to 3 pm on the 3rd level. Or, try something a little different by taking an ukulele, hula, or Hawaiian quilting lesson. Throughout the week, an explosive Polynesian show with live drumming is held on the ground and 3rd floor. Location: 2250 Kalakaua Avenue, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808 923-1191, Website: www.waikikishoppingplaza.com.
