YOU'RE INVITED!

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Spend seven days exploring the Hawaiʻi Island — on us.

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Sponsored Expeditions are fully hosted seven-day residencies. We provide your accommodation, meals, local transportation, activities and the expedition itself. You just need to get yourself to Hawaiʻi.

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Click here for the details

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Every expedition begins with an application. We carefully review each one and invite a small group of people whose different experiences, perspectives and personalities we believe will create something interesting together.

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We’re not looking for the most accomplished people. We’re looking for the right mix of people.

If you think you might belong around the fire, apply.​

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→ Begin Your Application

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Group Size & Selection

We intentionally keep Sponsored Expeditions small—usually no more than four participants (max is 6).

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Small groups allow genuine conversations, flexible planning, and the freedom to change direction when opportunities arise.

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Everyone quickly gets to know one another, and every participant has a meaningful place in the expedition.

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Occasionally we'll expand the group slightly for couples or other special circumstances, but our philosophy remains the same: quality of connection over quantity of participants.

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Preparing for Your Expedition

Everything you need to know before arriving.

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► What to Bring

• Clothing (layered and variable)

• Hiking shoes

• Water shoes (something that can get wet and be used in the ocean)

• Rain jacket (we have cheap plastic ponchos)

• Swimwear

• Backpack

• Water bottle

• Camera

• Notebook

• Personal medication

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Climate & Weather

Hawaiʻi Island has many different climate zones, and it's not unusual to experience sunshine, mist, tropical rain, and cooler temperatures all in the same day. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing comfortable clothing suitable for both warm coastal areas and cooler volcanic elevations.

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Physical Requirements

Most expeditions involve moderate hiking and walking on natural terrain, including lava fields, forest trails, beaches, and uneven surfaces. You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be in good general health and comfortable spending several hours outdoors.

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Travel Information

Participants are responsible for arranging their own airfare to Hilo International Airport (ITO). We can also service Kona International Airport (KOA), but trying to avoid it as it is 2.5 hours away, on the other side of the island. We'll coordinate your arrival, provide airport pickup, transportation throughout the residency, and all logistical details before your trip.

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Daily Expeditions

Every day combines exploration, conversation, and time to simply be.

​Typical destinations may include:

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🌋 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

🌿 Waterfalls & rainforests

🌊 Beaches & coastlines

🌺 Botanical gardens

🌌 Stargazing

🔥 Evening campfires

🎬 Films & discussions

🎵 Music & creative sessions

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Click here for a 3 day possible Itenirary example...

 

Every expedition is adapted to the group, weather, and opportunities that arise.

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Daily Rhythm

Rather than following a rigid itinerary, we maintain a relaxed rhythm.

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• Morning

• ​Breakfast

• ​Daily Expedition

• ​Lunch

• ​Free exploration or creative time

• ​Dinner

• ​Campfire / conversation / film / music

• ​Rest

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The schedule remains flexible to make the most of the island and the people. When the group dynamic allows, we can plan more adventurous activities like swimming with Manta Rays at night or dolphins during the day. Some would love to go out in the rain or even storm to experience these forces directly and safely. We will consider each possibility carefully to customize the experience for the residents at hand.

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Storytelling

Every expedition tells a different story.

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Some participants enjoy documenting the journey through photography, writing, filmmaking, podcasts, research, or music. Others prefer to remain fully present and not document anything at all.

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Both approaches are equally welcome.

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Throughout the expedition there may be opportunities to collaborate on shared storytelling—whether recording conversations, documenting discoveries, creating a short film, or simply capturing memorable moments together.

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At the same time, participants are encouraged to create their own personal record of the experience in whatever form feels meaningful to them.

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Nothing is expected.

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Nothing is required.

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Any material shared publicly is done only with the permission of everyone involved.

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The Treasure Chest exists as a carefully curated collection of discoveries from those who choose to contribute.

 

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​​Legal & Safety

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Your safety and peace of mind are important to us.

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Before participating in any Dharma Residency, all guests will receive the necessary legal information, safety guidelines, and participation agreements. These documents are designed to ensure everyone understands the nature of the expeditions, their responsibilities, and how we work together to create a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Further paperwork will include:

• Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

• Participant Agreement

• Medical Information & Emergency Contacts

• Travel Insurance Recommendations

• Ocean, Volcano & Hiking Safety

• Weather & Itinerary Changes

• Privacy & Media Release

• Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Respect for Hawaiian Culture & Natural Areas

• Leave No Trace Principles

• Frequently Asked Questions

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As with every part of the Dharma Residency, our goal is to create an environment where participants can explore with confidence, knowing that practical considerations have been thoughtfully addressed.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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► What's Included?

Your Sponsored Residency includes a private cabin (or shared accommodation if arranged), airport pickup and return, local transportation, meals, daily expeditions, entrance fees, facilitation, and any shared equipment needed for the planned activities. From the moment you arrive until you depart, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

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► What is NOT Included?

International airfare, travel insurance, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and any expenses outside the planned residency are not included. Optional activities outside the group itinerary may involve additional costs.

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► Accommodation

Participants stay in our comfortable cabins on the Hilo side of Hawaiʻi Island, surrounded by rainforest and close to many of our expedition locations. Rooms are simple, private, and designed to provide a peaceful place to rest, reflect, and prepare for each day.

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► Food & Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea, and drinking water are provided throughout the residency. We do our best to accommodate dietary preferences and allergies when notified in advance.

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► Fruit, Meat, Alcohol, Cigarette, Cannabis & Drugs

Hawai’i is a US state, therefore US Federal and State laws govern the legality of possession and trafficking of substances. Alcohol is sold to any 18 years or older, but you have to show your documents (ID, passport) if asked to prove age. Hawai’i has medical, not recreational cannabis dispensaries for those who have medical cards to purchase (18+).

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Please research the current regulations about what you can bring to the Island.

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The Dharma Residency does not control the consumption or possession of any substances, but we respectfully ask our guests to discuss their habits and needs before deciding and coming to our property, so that we can arrange a comfortable and respectful experience for all that are in the vicinity and / or participating with all other residents.

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► Transportation

We'll meet you at the airport and provide transportation throughout the residency. Daily travel to expedition locations and activities is included, so there's no need to rent a vehicle unless you plan to extend your stay or do something independently.

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► Physical Requirements

Most expeditions involve moderate walking on uneven terrain, including trails, lava fields, beaches, and occasional elevation changes. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors each day.

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► Safety

Safety always comes before the itinerary. Activities may be adjusted or changed due to weather, volcanic conditions, ocean conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. We follow local guidance and make decisions with the group's safety in mind.

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► Storytelling & Photography

Participants are welcome to document their own experience through writing, photography, film, music, or any creative medium. Any professional recording or public sharing by the Dharma Residency is always discussed beforehand and only done with everyone's permission.

 

► Hawaiian Etiquette

Hawaiʻi is more than a destination—it's someone's home. We encourage respect for local communities, culture, sacred places, and the natural environment. We practice Leave No Trace principles and approach every location with humility and gratitude.

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► Weather

Weather on Hawaiʻi Island changes quickly. A single day may include sunshine, mist, tropical rain, and cool evenings, especially at higher elevations. We'll provide a recommended packing list before your arrival.

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► Internet & Cell Service

Wi-Fi is available at the property, each structure has its own WIFI hotspot around 100 MB/S up and down. Cell service is generally good in town but can be limited in remote areas of the island—and sometimes that's part of the experience.

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► Can I Bring My Own Project?

Absolutely. Many participants arrive with a creative project, research question, documentary idea, writing project, or personal goal. We're happy to help incorporate your interests into the residency whenever possible.

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► Can I Extend My Stay?

Yes. Many participants choose to spend additional time on the island before or after the residency. Depending on availability, we're happy to help arrange extra accommodations, transportation, or recommend places to explore independently.

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► Cancellation Policy

Because each Sponsored Residency is carefully assembled for a small group, cancellations can significantly affect the experience. Please let us know as early as possible if your plans change. Full cancellation and refund details will be provided before confirmation.

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► Medical Considerations

Please let us know about any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or mobility concerns before your arrival. While we're happy to accommodate reasonable needs whenever possible, participants are responsible for bringing their own medications and ensuring they are fit to participate in the planned activities.

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→ Begin Your Application