Dreaming and Awakening Program
Frequently Asked Questions

THE DREAMING AND AWAKENING EXPERIENCE

1) When does the Dreaming and Awakening program begin?
Our first session begins Saturday evening, September 14th, after dinner at 7:30PM.

2) When does the Dreaming and Awakening program end?
Our program wraps up with a final presentation session and farewell party on Saturday evening, September 21st.

An aloha breakfast is included the next morning, Sunday, September 22nd. Lunch is also included on this departure day. If your flight leaves prior to lunchtime, the kitchen will prepare a bag lunch for you if requested one day in advance.

4) What is it like to participate in a Dreaming and Awakening workshop?
Writer Bucky McMahon's delightful article Loose But Lucid: A Dreamer in Paradise (reprinted from Esquire magazine) describes his experiences at one of our programs at Kalani. For other comments by alumni on the Dreaming and Awakening program, please see our testimonials page.

5) Will I have a lucid dream during the workshop?
This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. Over the more than ten years of offering this program, we have found that most participants, regardless of whether or not they have had a lucid dream in the past, will succeed in having at least one lucid dream during the program.

6) Will I be able to use the NovaDreamer2?
Participants in the workshop will be offered an opportunity to use the new NovaDreamer2. For those who are not familiar with the NovaDreamer, please take a few moments to read Adventures with the NovaDreamer. Although this article is based on the original model, it will give you an idea of how the device works to promote lucidity in dreams.

7) What is the "natural substance" mentioned in the program's description?
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in ongoing research on a natural substance that, according to our studies, has been shown to stimulate lucidity and mindfulness. Details regarding this substance will be discussed during the program.


PREPARING FOR THE WORKSHOP

1) How can I best prepare for this workshop?
     Reading: If you've not already read Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge and Howard Rheingold, we suggest doing so prior to the workshop. Becoming familiar with the techniques described in this book will help accelerate your progress in the program.

     Dream Recall: Vivid, detailed dream recall is essential for nurturing lucid dreaming abilities. If you're currently remembering only one dream or less per night, please read How to Remember Your Dreams and begin honing your recall skills tonight. You'll have much better success with developing the fine art of lucid dreaming at will if you've invested time in this preparatory work. In other words, DO try this at home!

     Dream Journal: We also suggest that you treat yourself to a special journal for recording your dreams and the memorable experiences you'll be having throughout the workshop at Kalani.

2) What should I bring with me?
Come prepared for variable weather (temperature range: 65-85 degrees) with casual clothing for sun and occasional rain. Be sure to pack these items: flashlight, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen lotion, battery-operated alarm clock and earplugs. We'll leave our shoes at the door of the Hale/Lodge, so easy on/off shoes are handy around Kalani. More substantial footwear is advised for our group outing to Volcano National Park (common athletic shoes will do). Sometimes mosquitoes frequent the area, so you'll want to bring along your insect deterrent of choice. If you forget to pack any of these essentials, don't worry. Kalani has most of these items for sale in their sundries shop.

3) What should I do if my roommate snores?
Every bedroom at Kalani features an adjustable fan which can act as a whilte-noise filter. If you're a light sleeper, we suggest bringing along some earplugs.

4) May I bring a companion who is not participating in the Dreaming and Awakening workshop?
Room reservations for travel companions must be made directly with Kalani. If you wish to share the same room, be sure to mention that you are registered for our workshop. Your companion will be welcome to join us on our group outtings.

5) Are there any additional charges for the group outings?
Two field trips are planned as group outings: The visit to nearby Ahalanui Warm Springs is free. There is a $10 fee/car to enter Volcano National Park. Riders of each car are asked share this cost.


KALANI OCEANSIDE RETREAT

1) How do I contact Kalani directly?
Kalani Oceanside Retreat or phone: 1.800.800.6886 (USA and Canada) or 808.965.7828 (World Wide).

2) How do I get to Kalani?
     Fly to Hilo or Kona: Fly from Honolulu (or from another island) to Hilo. Several flights are offered daily with Hawaiian Airlines (1-800-367-5320) and go! Airlines (1-888-IFLYGO2) from which it's only a 40-minute drive to Kalani. Or fly to Kona (direct from North America and Asia) and enjoy a 3-hour scenic drive via either the northern or southern routes.

     Renting a car: Although it isn't required, we recommend renting a car upon your arrival. Most afternoons are scheduled as free time and there is much to explore on the Big Island. Special car rental rates and inter-island flight coupons are often available from Hawaiian Airlines upon request when you make your flight reservations. If you choose not to rent a car, don't worry, group transportation will be arranged for all of our field trips, and you'll never be left behind. The ride to Kalani takes about 40 minutes, depending on local traffic. Map and driving directions.

     Kalani Shuttle: Kalani offers transportation (from Hilo Airport only) for $65, or $45 per person for more than one traveler. Regular Taxi service is about $90. To arrange for Kalani's shuttle service, contact Kalani directly at least one day in advance; their cancellation policy is 24 hours notice. They will do their best to arrange group transport for passengers arriving at Hilo Airport around the same time.

     Hele-On County Bus: The Hele-On county bus leaves from downtown Hilo. This is a slow but inexpensive option that comes right to Kalani if your arrival coordinates with their limited schedule. For further information visit the Hele-On bus website.

3) What are the check-in/check-out times at Kalani?
     Check-in time: 4PM. Early arrivals will be welcome, however rooms may not be available until the stated check-in time. Campers may set up their tents prior to check-in time and are encouraged to arrive early enough to do so before dark.

     Check-out time: 11AM. Participants with flights later in the day are welcome to linger at Kalani until they need to leave for the airport.

4) How do I check-in if arriving at Kalani late in the evening?
Kalani reception is open to check in guests from 8AM-8PM. For later arrivals, the cafe staff will be available to check you in up to 10PM. If you plan on checking in to Kalani late, call their reception staff ahead of time to receive the gate code and to locate your key and room information.

5) Are meals included?
Each night's stay includes dinner (beginning on the night of your arrival) plus breakfast and lunch the following day. Dinner is served in the lanai from 6-7:30PM. If you think you might arrive later than 7:30PM or timing is tight, call Kalani ahead and ask them to hold a dinner for you. On your day of departure, if you plan to leave Kalani prior to lunchtime, the kitchen staff will be happy to prepare a lunch-to-go for you as long as you request is a day in advance.

6) Is there Computer Access and phone service at Kalani?
     Computer Access: You can check your email on a Kalani PC for an hourly fee (inquire at Reception). If you have a laptop, you may use wired Ethernet lines (RJ-45 jack) available in the lounge. If you have a laptop with a wireless card, service is available in several places on the property. Usage is free, but please be aware that wireless access is limited in the jungle environment. Large downloads are strongly discouraged. Dial-up service is not available.

     Phone service: Kalani is out of range for most cell phone networks, however there is some limited reception on the property, guests with AT&T as their service provider seem best able to get a decent signal. Phones for outgoing calls are available in both reception areas at Hale Aloha (7:30AM-10PM) and Guest Services (8AM-8PM).

7) Can I receive phone messages while I’m at Kalani?
Messages and appointment confirmations (for massages, etc.) are posted on a bulletin board in the Kalani office. Be sure to check daily, or more frequently if you're expecting to receive phoned-in messages.

8) Can I get my laundry done at Kalani?
Laundry Service: Kalani offers laundry service for a reasonable fee with quick turnaround. There are no self-serve laundry facilities on the Kalani grounds, however, there are laudromats in the nearby town of Pahoa (about 12 miles away).

9) Where can I find contact information for Kalani Oceanside Retreat and/or further details about their facilities?
Kalani Oceanside Retreat or phone: 1.800.800.6886 (USA and Canada) or 808.965.7828 (World Wide).