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Printable Copy of Current Guidelines
Welcome to...
KULANANUENUE
SACRED MYSTERY "EXPERIENCE" & "HOME"
for the Artistically & Spiritually Inclined!
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"Intense desire not only creates its own possibilities, but its own talents.
Don't be afraid to do something just because it's impossible!"
Kobi Yamada (from the book Live Good.)
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KULANANUENUE IS:
Our next stage of living more deeply & grandly the Hawaiian principal of aiming for an attitude of "joy from within" and from without!
A Smoke, Alcohol, Drugs and Drama FREE environment!
A new paradigm for "home"!
A cooperative work-in-progress!
Spiritual kin sharing sacred time & space!
A place to recharge & re-create!
The next stage in living "creative community"!
Points of mystery converging on the evolutionary trail!
All of the above?! :)
Do you wish there was an inexpensive ($15 - 40/day/per short-term participant plus tax...$450/month longer-term participant) place where you could enjoy making art and the growth of your soul? (There is! It's called Kulananuenue!)
Do you believe in diverse environments (racially, by age, sexual orientation, food choice, spiritual preference...) that are harmoniously substance-use-and-drama FREE, reflecting the Hawaiian principal of kulana: "the attitude/slant/angle of manifesting joy from within"? (Guess what we are?!)
Would you like to spend time amidst sunny/stormy natural landscape with access to kitchen, library, bathrooms, having your dreams supported by this sanctuary-in-progress whose grounds and structures become more beautiful and user-friendly with your financial support and meditative care? (We look forward to welcoming you!)
Are you ready to join interesting individuals on a brave, fun, sacred, inter-dependent frontier? (If so, here's how this vision of a creative home works...!)
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How Short-Term Participation Works:
Any artist, metaphysican, mystic, visionary, or general good person interested in The Kulananuenue Experience and wishing to contribute their spiritual, financial, & energetic support contacts us...and if we are able to welcome you, & it feels like a right "fit," together we schedule the appropriate amount of time for you to come participate!
SPIRITUAL/SOUL PARTICIPATION: On the thought/intension plane, all participants help create & maintain Kulananuenue in and as joyful, peaceful, sacred mental/spiritual space.
This can include creative & spiritual sharing/collaboration/mentoring/apprenticeship, as mutually desired.
It also includes holding human/personality selves to a standard of acting/being/living as individual aspects of Good, interacting harmoniously, communicating clearly, and honoring all responsibilities/agreements as outlined in our Guidelines (printable from the last page of this site.)
FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION: All participants contribute towards the existence of this "living laboratory" experience in co-creation via the following parameters.
We receive prepaid, nonrefundable/nontransferable support via cash, travelers checks, money orders, or Western Union. We do not accept credit cards or paypal. Please request the "WITH Care Project" or "WITHOUT Care Project" paradigm (see below). All funds/checks made payable to Kulananuenue Founder: "CRISTINA SALAT" and mailed to: POB 190, Volcano, HI 96785.
Please note: As a unique, intimate, womyn-centric co-creation--which is not a school, commune, ashram, resort, retreat, youth hostel, or really like anything most folks have experienced previously!--we welcome a modest amount of individual participants at any given time. We have no "front desk" or staff. Therefore, all length-of-participation support discounts are applied at the time of initial scheduling only, and we do not refund or give credit for any changes/cancellations of scheduled time participating in the Kulananuenue Experience. All contributions are non-transferable/non-refundable. If you must cancel or alter prearranged dates with us, please consider contributions made for time you don't use a donation to the continued existence of this special place. We thank you for your support!
Extending time with us beyond initial agreements is sometimes--but not always--possible.
One-Day:
$40--single participant.
$25/person --2 or more participating together & choosing to share space.
No Care Project for one-day participants; all other guidelines apply.
Participation of up to 10 days:
$30/day--single participant.
$22/person/day--2 or more participating together & choosing to share space.
Participation of 11 - 31 days:
$22/person/day--single participant.
$18/person/day--2 or more participating together & choosing to share space.
Participation of 32 days & beyond: $18/person/day, regardless of how many share space.
Children: $15 per child per day--infants and children up to 12 years old (please see our guidelines re: child participants on the "What To Know & Bring" page of this site).
Camping Participants: $15 per camper regardless of how many share tent.
Campers bring their own supplies. We generally don't welcome more than one or two campers at any given time. And it does rain in the rainforest so a tarp both above & below one's tent is recommended! :)
ENERGETIC PARTICIPATION: All short-term participants put bright, joyful energy towards completing 1 indoor/outdoor Care Project a week in support of Kulananuenue's on-going health & growth. Care Projects are either assigned by Founder or self-assigned based on current priorities and factors like the weather. (See further info re: Care Projects on the "What To Know & Bring" page of this site.)
For those wanting or needing their Kulananuenue experience to involve no pitching-in work, an additional $10 per day/per adult can be contributed in lieu of physical support via weekly Care Projects.
TIMEFRAME: All participants understand that they are welcome to share in The Kulananuenue Experience as long as their participation is "working." Since a compatible, responsible, and harmonious atmosphere is desired at all times, it is understood that Kulananuenue Founder (or other longer-term participant she has left in charge) reserves the right to welcome--or discontinue welcoming--anyone at any time.
NAVIGATIONAL CHECK-INS: All participants check-in weekly with the Founder (or other assigned Kulananuenue contact person), &/or any other participants as necessary, in order to maintain their & Kulananuenue 's optimum course, adjusting direction and dynamics as needed. These navigational check-ins include receiving/selecting/discussing each week's Care Projects, brainstorming the best approaches to projects &/or Kulananuenue's expansion/progress, discussing/resolving concerns, planning upcoming rituals, potlucks, playdates, group collaborations, etc.
DROP-INS: As we have no "front desk" and Founder plus Long-Term Participants both value their privacy and are busy pursuing creative goals while also intending to maintain healthy, balanced days, we NEVER accept drop-ins, including returnees. Please connect with us prior to your desired participation so we can check our calendars & set up a specific mutually-agreeable time to welcome you...and please do call if for any reason you find yourself running more than 15 minutes late, thanks! :) (As an intimately-sized environment, scheduling participation at Kulananuenue in advance is highly recommended, though we're happy to welcome last minute folk when we can...it's always worth a call. Leave message with dates & details--we're sometimes home & can pick up when we hear a voice--but generally, we're hardly ever just sitting by the phone, so usually we'll need to call or email you back!)
COMMUNITY LIVING: All short & long-term participants (generally 2-5 at any given time...though for short timeframes sometimes we have had as many as 12ish!) begin contributing to the purchase of shared household items (like dish soap, toilet paper, $12.50 towards electricity usage, etc.) at the start of their third week. (More on this on the "What To Know & Bring" page of this site.) Newcomers bring their own sheets and towels, or a set can be borrowed from us for $5 plus tax. Everyone agrees to treat everyone & everything at Kulananuenue responsibly and with good care...while at the same time understanding & agreeing that each individual is 100% responsible for their own safety and the safety of their belongings at all times.
PETS: Most pets are negotiable; inquire in advance. (Must get along with those already here!) For those joining us from off island, contact Animal Quarantine for current info regarding the process: 808-837-8092.
| Our ideal participant... | |
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"Here I am, arriving right at my agreed upon, prescheduled check-in time, with my preliminary financial support already taken care of, & my art/meditation/personal growth supplies (& mindset) in hand! Ready to step more forward on my path & live some more of my chosen dreams, happy to see how I can contribute energetically to this cool-sounding unique home for creative folk, & excited to meet whoever is there at this particular time! I have my "best self" ready to share, enough money to do what I want to do, & have given myself the right amount of time to be balanced in all I do. Yahoooooooo!" |
...excited to meet you! Call us today! :) |
| Not our ideal... | |
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"Wow, I'm on VACATION & going to spend some fun time with other cool people at some kind of RETREAT! I want to feel free as a bird though, so I'm not going to set up anything too firm in advance. I'm sure it'll be okay for me to check-in whenever I want (what else do these folks have to do but wait around for me to arrive?) ...and I'm sure they won't really notice if I do a Care Project each week or not... ...or if I maybe sneak in a little pot or some wine... They can't really be serious about their 'Guidelines,' can they? Oh, and I hope I can borrow some sunscreen, I forgot mine! And maybe I can borrow someone's car--I don't want to rent one..." |
...you (& we!) will be happier finding a better match. |
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ARTISTS-&-VISIONARIES-IN-RESIDENCE
How Longer Term Participation Works:
Any artist, metaphysican, mystic, visionary, or general good person interested in living The Kulananuenue Experience long-term (minimum: at least six months...maximum: indefinitely!) contacts us to set up an initial six week assessment period as a short-term participant, during which time we--and you--assess the "fit."
If, from that assessment period, it feels unanimously right (to all long-termers currently here & in support of our valuing-diversity goals) to welcome you...we do! :)
At that time, a Kulananuenue Agreement is gone over & signed, with the understanding that this is NOT any type of rental agreement nor lease.
Instead, we are making an agreement regarding the parameters of your participation in The Kulananuenue Experience--a social/spiritual/creative "living laboratory," co-created & ever-evolving with the Founder & other participants over years...and which, being a continued work-in-progress, each new Long-Term Participant (like you!) helps continue the birth/life of, via your spiritual, financial & energetic participation. :)
So, what do we mean by "spiritual, financial & energetic participation?"
Read on...! :)
SPIRITUAL/SOUL PARTICIPATION:
"Home"
"Spiritual kin sharing sacred time & space"
"Creative recharge & re-creation time"
"The next stage in living community"
"Points of mystery converging on the evolutionary trail"
All of the above! :)
In this vein, all long & short-term participants help create & maintain Kulananuenue in and as joyful, peaceful, sacred mental/spiritual space.
This can & often does include creative & spiritual sharing/collaboration/mentoring/apprenticeship...as mutually desired. It can & often also includes quiet solitiude, i.e. getting to know (& enjoy) more deeply one's own self.
It also includes consistently holding our human/personality selves to a standard of acting/being/living as individual aspects of Good, interacting harmoniously, communicating clearly, and honoring all responsibilities/agreements as outlined in the Kulananuenue Guidelines (printable from the last page of this site) and our Kulananuenue Agreement.
FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION: All long-term participants contribute towards the existence of this "living laboratory" experience via the following parameters.
SINGLE LONG-TERM PARTICIPANT:
INDOORS (cabin, room, or other structure): $450 per month--single adult.
CAMPING: $350 per month--single adult (with access to main house kitchen/library/bathrooms).*
LONG-TERM PARTICIPANTS SHARING A SPACE:
INDOORS: $275 per month per person--2 or more who apply to participate together and wish to share an indoor space.
CAMPING: $200 per month per person--2 or more who apply to participate together and wish to share a tent (with access to main house).*
*Please note: campers provide their own supplies.
CHILDREN:
$100 per month per child--children up to 12 years old.
(Please note: as our common areas and individual spaces are modestly-sized, we are not set up to welcome large families as Long-Term Participants.)
SEED MEMBERSHIP:
$600 is also provided by each adult upon transition from short-term to Long-Term Participant as good faith "seed membership" in the Kulananuenue ideals of co-creating this shared experience/experiment in human/social evolution.
Seed membership can be refunded after one month of departure should participant eventually need or desire to terminate participation in The Kulananuenue Experience beyond the six-month-minimum, as long as ample notice is given (at least one month, though several month's notice is preferable), and as long as participant has left no outstanding debts or unfinished responsibilities/projects, and everything is left in clean & good order.
ENERGETIC PARTICIPATION: All long-term participants put bright, joyful energy towards completing 2 indoor/outdoor Care Projects a week in support of Kulananuenue's on-going health & growth. Care Projects are assigned by Founder or self-assigned based on current priorities and factors like the weather. (See further info re: Care Projects on the "What To Know & Bring" page of this site.)
As we value a hands-on spirit of co-creation & community, there is no "additional-payment" option instead of participating in Care Projects for the long-termers who live here.
It is understood that rights & responsibilities increase when one transitions from short to long-term participation. Long-term participants actively take part in assessing new potential long-termers, for example, and help keep things running smoothly here when Founder is away. All long-termers who have participated in The Kulananuenue Experience for more than one year are also eligible for certain extra perks. :)
TIMEFRAME: Longer-term participation is offered to individuals who seem, after six assessment weeks, like they will be an on-going "good fit" with The Kulananuenue Experience, its Founder, its ideals & goals, and other short and longer-term participants. As long as participation continues to work well, Longer-Termers are free to continue participating for the six month minimum, and beyond that, onward indefinitely. :)
It is also understood, however, that a compatible, responsible, and harmonious attitude is required at all times.
Therefore should things change at any point, Kulananuenue and its Founder reserve the right to welcome--or discontinue welcoming--anyone at any time.
NAVIGATIONAL CHECK-INS: All participants check-in weekly with the Founder (or other assigned Kulananuenue contact person), &/or any other participants as necessary, in order to maintain their & Kulananuenue 's optimum course, adjusting direction and dynamics as needed. These navigational check-ins include receiving/selecting/discussing each week's Care Projects, brainstorming the best approaches to projects &/or Kulananuenue's expansion/progress, discussing/resolving concerns, planning upcoming rituals, potlucks, playdates, group collaborations, etc.
COMMUNITY LIVING: All short & long-term participants (generally 2-5 at any given time...though for short timeframes sometimes we have had as many as 12ish!) begin contributing to the purchase of shared household items (like dish soap, toilet paper, $12.50 towards electricity usage, etc.) at the start of their third week. (More on this on the "What To Know & Bring" page of this site.) Newcomers bring their own sheets and towels, or a set can be borrowed from us for $5 plus tax. Everyone agrees to treat everyone & everything at Kulananuenue responsibly and with good care...while at the same time understanding & agreeing that each individual is 100% responsible for their own safety and the safety of their belongings at all times.
PETS: Most pets are negotiable; inquire in advance. (Must get along with those already here!) For those joining us from off island, contact Animal Quarantine for current info regarding the process: 808-837-8092.
***
GROUPS:
As those who live here are pursuing creative & spiritual goals (and we enjoy privacy & quiet), we rarely offer group activities open to the public (...though we do sometimes invite friends & neighbors to our holiday celebrations, rituals, potlucks, games nites, etc!)
And we also generally do not welcome outside groups to our home.
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WHAT TO KNOW AND BRING:
OUR ENVIRONMENT: Located in tropical, volcanic rainforest, Kulananuenue, Cristina's "Sacred Mystery Experience & Home for the Artistically & Spiritually Inclined," is a peaceful, quirky, rustic, women-centric (though not women-only), cooperative, work-in-progress, social & evolutionary "living laboratory"/sanctuary that welcomes the artistic and spiritually minded for short and longer-term participation.
Kulananuenue is intended to be a unique, intimate experience in a new paradigm for collaborative, semi-interdependent, gentle, more sustainable, and more heart-centered living in an environment where great thought & great art can blossom.
Conveniently located within easy driving distance of the many blessings the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer: Volcanoes National Park hiking trails, black sand sea turtle and snorkeling beaches, local farmers' markets, waterfalls, art galleries/workshops, Buddhist & other temples, snow-topped Mauna Kea, Hilo's $1.50 theater, the University of Hawaii, the annual Merrie Monarch hula festival, etc.
We are a Smoke, Alcohol, Drugs & Drama FREE zone...a new construct for "home..."spiritual kin sharing sacred time & space...time to recharge & re-create...the next stage in living "creative community..." points of mystery converging on the evolutionary trail. :)
Folks who have notions of what Pele's Big Island and this kind of experience will or should be like are often gifted with surprises. Over the years, short & long- term participants have found it is best to be open to experiencing each moment as it actually "is." The Big Island is not at all like Waikiki, and Kulananuenue is not at all like a resort, or a school, or a youth hostel, or an ashram, or a commune. In fact, people often tell us they have never experienced anything else like what we are! Intensionally simple, sacred, rustic...and for those who can fully embrace the experience, quite deeply real.
On a practical level, folks who enjoy a balance between simple country living, putting good energy towards co-creating something special, and having access to basic amenities like electric lights and flush toilets will like it here, because these are the things we offer! Those who prefer city conveniences like frequent bus service, cable TV, stores & restaurants open 24/7 will most likely find our environment too laidback. We are located on the Hilo-side of the Big Island, which unlike Kona (the more developed other side of the island with its traffic, resorts, etc.) is a place where the natural beauty of nature is louder than things created by people. It is a locale where the spirit of aloha is prevalent, while city conveniences are not. (Note: we have pets, but for those who are allergic, they won't go in your space unless you let them!)
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: As a rustic co-creation located in the tropical jungle of an active volcano, all who spend time at Kulananuenue agree to be 100% responsible for their own safety and the safety of their belongings.
WEATHER: Yes, it rains in the rainforest; that's why everything is so green even in times of drought! Lucky for us, our slight elevation makes mosquitoes rare...and actually we hear that 21 of the world's 22 temperature zones are on this island, from humid sea level to snow-topped mountains! We are at around 2'800 feet where night air can be mild or cold. So along with beach-going tropical wear, you should bring sturdy shoes, rain gear (including easy slip on/off, close-toed shoes good for wet weather), and warm clothes for the evening especially if you plan to visit the Mauna Kea star-gazing observatories (which are at 13,000 feet elevation!), Volcanoes National Park (4'000 feet), or the live lava at night down at Kalapana. (Also, we can say we have notice the weather patterns changing over the years here in Hawaii...for example, we sometimes have droughts of up to 3 months! It is too soon to tell exactly what the new patterns will be, but those who have spent significant time here over the years feel like it is getting chillier at lower elevations, while at the same time less snowy up high where traditionally mountains are usually snow capped.) And re: volcanic activity & vog, generally the activity in the park and down at sea level do not effect us. The regular tradewinds generally blow any vog towards Kona, so our air quality thus far continues to be just fine.
LEADERSHIP: Over the years we've enjoyed the happiest, most win-win connections with short & longer-term folk who "get" & want what this unique, work-in-progress for artists in the rainforest is. While suggestions for, & donations towards, future improvements are always welcome, we are most interested in welcoming people to our home who find joy in our current reality as outlined in our Guidelines: www.discoverkulana.com .
INDIVIDUAL SPACES: Upon your welcome, will find that our basic indoor spaces have windows, beds, pillows, comforters, lamps, and individual perks ranging from private decks for some spaces to passive-solar construction in others. Short-term participants are assigned a modest-sized private space from what is unoccupied when they arrive. (As other spaces open up, short & long-termers are welcome to claim a different space if they desire, based on seniority order & other Kulananuenue priorities at the time.) Participants in The Kulananuenue Experience should bring their own toiletries & flashlights, etc. (A set of sheets plus towel can be rented by short-termers for $5 plus tax for the duration of their stay, if preferred.)
COMMUNITY SPACE: Our shared kitchen is equipped with pots, pans, dishwear, refrigeration, and individual & community food shelves. Our growing library includes an eclectic collection of reading material, plus art & music supplies. Bathrooms offer shower and tub. Our shared main house is for meals, discussion, reading, and bathroom use, mainly during daylight hours; please be considerate of those sleeping/working/meditating below. (And please note: the community space is not ever anyone's personal, work, &/or sleep space!)
All Visitors and Residents clean up after themselves promptly; we have no huge tropical roaches here, and would like to keep it that way!
We've found that great thought & great art blossom in a neat, clean, quiet, caring, well-supplied, cooperative environment...so, everyone takes turns purchasing shared household items & utilities like propane for hot water & cooking, toilet paper, household cleansers, electricity, etc. at the start of their third week (see below) and does their part by not leaving any personal items (books you are reading, art you're making, spare clothes, etc.) around the common areas. Everyone also contains their food supplies to the shelves they are assigned, feeling free to help themselves to food supplies on our "community food" shelf (& feeling free to add to this shelf); but NOT feeling free to consume the food supplies from the separate individual shelves of others, unless invited to do so. We all clean up promptly after meals, dry & put our dishes away, & leave counters/tables wiped free of crumbs. If someone sees an area that needs wiping, dusting or a sweep--as a person who cares about this environment we all share--they do so without waiting to be asked or for it to be their "turn."
SHARED HOUSEHOLD PURCHASES: Everyone takes turns paying for shared community things like: toilet paper, cleansers, propane, Envirobio, water filters, electricity, etc. starting at the beginning of their third week. These costs range from approximately $45 for drinking water filters and the refilling of propane tanks to approximately $5 for economy-sized bottles of dish detergent and approximately $3 for sets of 3-4 scrubby sponges.
Short-term participants contribute $12.50/week and Long-term participants contribute $50/month ($12.50 x 4) towards a reasonable amount of electricity usage.
As a newcomer to The Kulananuenue Experience, those that have been here longer initially carry your portion of shared expenses. Later, you get to help carry the newcomers who make up our ever-evolving sense of community.
MONEY: Visiting/living on the Big Island of Hawaii--like anywhere--can be done on a budget...or extravagantly. There are $1.50 movies...and $25 plays. There are pricey health food stores -vs- inexpensive Farmer's Markets. There are free hiking and ocean adventures...and there are far-from-free helicopter rides and tour boats. Gas is expensive...while the (infrequent) busses are $1-2.
In terms of employment, over the years we've seen some folks earn the money they've needed partially or entirely from their art, and we've seen other people acquire part or full-time jobs--sometimes quickly, sometimes after several weeks of looking--in work environments ranging from book shops to health food stores, offices to child & elder care...we've welcomed some folks who have saved a nest egg to live on while they are here...and we've seen some folks incorrectly budget and flounder.
Please come to Kulananuenue prepared to enjoy, and be able to afford, the experiences & length of time you wish to have here. Neither Kulananuenue nor any of the other wonderful people you meet in Hawaii can be expected to pick up the slack if you incorrectly budget or overspend.
HEALTH: Though some people have enjoyed and benefited from our peaceful, nature-based environment as part of a healing journey, please note that Kulananuenue is an experience intended for artistic & spiritually-inclined folk who have enough energy & focus to fully participate. We are not a health care facility, and thus we are not set up to provide for special needs desired by those with physical or emotional issues. It is important to know--and to share with us--an accurate picture of any health conditions you are dealing with, so that you & we can ascertain whether or not what we have to offer each other is a good fit. (Thank you for your honesty.)
CARE PROJECTS: Co-creating and maintaining a shared enviroment in the tropics is no small feat. Since Kulananuenue is meant to embody balance, equality & health on many levels, all who spend time here are considered part-time "caregivers/stewards" of this place & land. In the spirit of the Hawaiian principal of ukupau, one-a-week Care Projects for short-termers and two-a-week Care Projects for long-termers enable Kulananuenue to thrive and grow. No experience is necessary, just a good attitude & energy. :) Please let us know of any bodily limitations you have...or any special skills you'd like to share. :)
Care Projects alternate between care of structures, inside & out, care of the land, organizational paperwork, and outreach PR. And we try to rotate everything, whenever possible, so no one does one particular thing too often. For those who prefer to think in terms of "hours," a Care Project can take up to one hour per day each week. Though some folks request additional projects which we can happily supply, this is not expected; it is expected, however, that each participant will pitch in, giving good energy and their best selves to completing each project as selected or assigned. Weekly projects range from meditation trail shaping with pruners/weednetting/gravel to structure painting/weather protect staining (including artistic designs as appropriate!), mailing list updating to posting brochures in nearby towns, cleaning community spaces to land TLC which includes weedwacking and planting/tending new flowers/bushes/palm trees, doing community laundry at the local laundrymat, etc.
Care Projects are tailored to our current priorities, individual abilities/talents, length of stay, and to the weather.
OPTIONAL: For short-termers who want or need their time here to be strictly "relaxing" with no pitching-in work involved, an additional $10 per day/per adult of monetary support can be offered instead of contributing energetically via weekly Care Projects. (Please note: In the spirit of enjoying a hands-on environment that we all co-create, this options is not available for long-term participants.)
NAVIGATIONAL CHECK-INS: All participate in generally brief weekly meetings with Kulananuenue's Founder (or other long-termer acting in her stead) once a week. Participants also meet with other short & long-termers when needed.
TRANSPORTATION: The bus system here is expanding! There are now several inexpensive buses to & from Hilo a day, plus service to local beaches and other areas of the island including Kona, Honokaa, Pahala, Waimea, Pahoa! Whoo hoo! :)
Meanwhile, they don't call this the "Big" Island for nothing...Neighborhood & trail walking/biking is enjoyable, and limited bus service (when compared to city schedules) to Hilo and around the island is available (808-961-8744), but specific near & far sacred sites, local farmers' markets, stores, social events and the multi-colored beaches are still reached most easily, most conveniently, by car.
There is a wonderful Sunday morning farmers' market in Volcano Village, about 3 miles from us (bikeable for those in good shape), along with a few small markets, some restaurants, a laundrymat, post office, etc.
The nearest big grocery stores and health food stores are in Keauu or Hilo, which are reachable by the bus that can be caught out on the main road, about a 15-30 minute walk on a mostly paved road, depending on your pace.
Longer-staying participants who want the ease of being able to go where they want, when they want, have shipped vehicles over &/or purchased new/used ones here. Rental cars are available at the Hilo and Kona airports, as are taxicabs which, last time we checked, cost approximately $100 from Hilo Airport to us, with a brief stop at the grocery store of your choice enroute. We have also heard that there is a once-a-weekday commuter flight between the Kona and Hilo airports.
Carpooling with other Visitors or Residents is sometimes possible by invitation with contribution towards gas/vehicle upkeep, but please note: ALL KULANANUENUE PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MEETING THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS THROUGHOUT THEIR STAY. (We have found that folks who lean too heavily on the generosity of others in order to get their daily needs met do not tend to work out as well here...!)
SETTING UP SERVICES: Most folks have found their
*cell phones,
*internet aircards,
*free internet through the Hawaii library system or use of local internet cafes,
*mail delivery c/o General delivery at a local post office or via a rented box at a mail service with a street address in Keauu or Hilo,
*and rental cars, carpooling (when invited to do so with contributions for gas/vehicle upkeep) or the twice a day $1-2 bus system sufficient for their time here.
People are welcome to acquire expanded versions of these services as they wish, and as available/appropriate to Kulananuenue's unique environment/goals.
Please note: as Founder & other long-term participants value privacy along with healthy boundaries between ourselves & the personal/financial business of others, there is no shared or "community" access to phones, computers, internet, transportation, mailing address, physical "street" address (which our subdivision doesn't have!) or any other personal connection with the property, the Founder or other long-term participants...so please don't ask. We really appreciate all participants understanding & respecting community-member privacy and the way we've streamlined doing things here so that we remain happy to welcome a flow of wonderful strangers into our midst. (So, please do not think it's okay to ask to be the exception to any of the above "just this once..." Thanks!)
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "WOMEN-CENTRIC" AND "DIVERSE"? Kulananuenue is a woman-centric (though not women-only) environment that values diversity (age diversity, racial diversity, diversity by spiritual and affectional preference, artistic medium, etc). Here women and people of color are prioritized...unlike in many artistic retreats which seem to select more talented men than women and many intentional communities which seem to assign men the interesting & valued work, while assigning women the stereotypical chores of cleaning up.
Many places to "get away" from daily life and focus on art or spirituality often cost more than many women and people of color can afford. Gay/bi/transgender folk often feel invisible or unwelcome in predominately heterosexual environments....
So, here, on a small scale, we turn those imbalances around. We enthusiastically welcome gay people, people of color, those who are younger or older, etc. In addition, men cannot take up more space (physically, emotionally, or psychically) than women . Male opinions are not valued over those of women's. We practice gender neutrality when assigning Care Projects, i.e. a man is just as likely to be assigned a cleaning project, and a woman is just as likely to be asked to help build or move something (bodily abilities taken into consideration of course.)
In general we have welcomed wonderful women and men over the years, though overall our sanctuary has been about 80% female.
Men and women with gentle and feminist sensibilities who are interested in (& doing their part to help) our planet's evolution beyond sexism, racism, class distinctions, patriarchy, etc. tend to fit in well here. :)
GUESTS OF PARTICIPANTS: Kulananuenue was created to be a sacred environment conducive to on-going creative/spiritual work; therefore we keep the number of participants utilizing our shared grounds and main house intimate. Friends/partners are welcome to schedule visits with you during daylight hours; and are welcome to spend the night with you with advance notice, all guidelines & support--including monetary & energetic support--applies.
OUR ATMOSPHERE: Kulananuenue is a quiet, nature-based, nurturing, growth-full environment, generally short or long-term "home" to 2 - 5 people at any given time. (Though every once in awhile, for brief festive timeframes, we have welcomed as many 12ish!) This website of past & present Kulana-ites enjoying time with each other (along with friends, both here & during some of our island-wide adventures) over the years depicts the kind of connection & atmosphere we embody & value.
Since our reality is an ever-evolving flow, participant "energy" and the number of folks sharing "community" here fluctuates. Therefore, meals, creativity, adventures & collaborative projects are always shared as mutually desired.
Sometimes many interactions & adventures are shared; other times people are more focused on solitary growth and expression, &/or busy concentrating on facets of their individual lives.
All who spend time here are responsible for co-creating a relaxed and considerate atmosphere (no matter what Pele might be bringing up for them!). Consideration re: noise, privacy, use of shared space, behavior, completing Care Projects, etc. is required.
For those who have not experienced this type of intimate, rustic, cooperative environment or who are not sure if it is the right experience for them, we recommend starting out by scheduling a brief time of participation so you (& we) can check out the "fit." Extending one's time with us is sometimes (though not always) possible...but since all participation is non-transferable/non-refundable, it's best to make sure that this is the right environment for you (& vice versa) if you aren't sure.
In any case, since it is understood that a compatible and harmonious atmosphere is required at all times, while community-related disagreements can be mediated by the Founder if necessary, we prefer harmony in our home. Therefore, for the safety & peace-of-mind of all concerned, we reserve the right to welcome--or discontinue welcoming--anyone at any time. All participants are welcome to stay as long as "it's working!"
Please be mindful of sharing your "best" self here. We appreciate it! :)
CHILDREN: We have welcomed a number of well-behaved, quiet, respectful, and artistic children of various ages over the years and are happy to continue doing so. However, parents please note: since The Kulananuenue Experience is intended for adults focussed on the pursuit of artistic/spiritual/rejuvenating paths, a quiet, contemplative environment is consistently maintained here. We are not a "kid-proof" environment. For the safety of all, we expect parents to keep an eye on their children at all times. Reimbursement for any damaged tools, musical instruments, furniture, flooring, electronics, etc. is expected (though we would rather not have any of our belongings--many of which have significant sentimental value to us--damaged!)
Though other places may be fine with noisy, rambunctious, unsupervised children, it is not something we enjoy or allow. Therefore it is important for parents wishing to participate to know the kind of behavior typical of their children, and to ascertain whether or not time with their children in this unique environment is actually appropriate.
NO DROP-INS PLEASE! Here's the general order of how things happen when scheduling time to participate in The Kulananuenue Experience: First you contact us regarding your desired dates, letting us know how many folks would like to come, whether you want to provide financial support at the "with a Care Project per week" or "without Care Project" rate, and whether you'll be bringing your own set of sheets & towel or renting a set from us for $5 plus tax...then we calculate your monetary contribution to send including tax, and once you tell us you've mailed it, we pencil you onto our calendar pending its receipt. Once we receive your (nonrefundable/nontransferable) support, you go on our calendar in pen and we set up a mutually agreeable check-in time so someone will be on hand to have the gate open and welcome you...then we get a cell phone number from you and provide driving directions to us from wherever you'll be at on island prior to being with us! Looking forward to welcoming you here! :)
As we have no "front desk" and Founder plus Long-Term Participants both value their privacy and are busy pursuing creative goals while also intending to maintain healthy, balanced days, we NEVER accept drop-ins, including returnees. Please connect with us prior to your desired participation so we can check our calendars & set up a specific mutually-agreeable time to welcome you...and please do call if for any reason you find yourself running more than 15 minutes late, thanks! :) (As an intimately-sized environment, scheduling participation at Kulananuenue in advance is highly recommended, though we're happy to welcome last minute folk when we can...it's always worth a call. Leave message with dates & details--we're sometimes home & can pick up when we hear a voice--but generally, we're hardly ever just sitting by the phone, so usually we'll need to call or email you back!)
NON-REFUNDABLE/NON-TRANSFERABLE SUPPORT: As a unique, intimate, womyn-centric co-creation--which is not a school, commune, ashram, resort, retreat, youth hostel, or really like anything most folks have experienced previously!--we welcome a modest amount of individual participants at any given time. We have no "front desk" or staff. Therefore, all length-of-participation support discounts are applied at the time of initial scheduling only, and we do not refund or give credit for any changes/cancellations of scheduled time participating in the Kulananuenue Experience. All contributions are non-transferable/non-refundable. If you must cancel or alter prearranged dates with us, please consider contributions made for time you don't use a donation to the continued existence of this special place. We thank you for your support!
Extending time with us beyond initial agreements is sometimes--but not always--possible.
DEPARTING: Departure time is 11 AM. Please leave your space clean & welcoming for the next participant, so that we will be happy to welcome you back. We are happy to accept monetary or useable-item donations. Having very limited storage, we cannot store any items until your next visit.
NO EXCEPTIONS: As experience has taught us, our Guidelines help us create sustainable health on all levels. Thus our set-up as a unique, creative, social, cooperative "living laboratory" experience is non-negotiable. To be fair and consistent with all, no exceptions are made. Even for friends. (So, please don't ask!)
WORK EXCHANGE : In order to exist, we sincerely appreciate everyone's financial, spiritual, and physical support, and thus can not offer work exchange arrangements. All who spend time or live here contribute financially & help keep the place nice.
UPDATES: How we do things is subject to periodic change. Please acquire most recent information (always available on this website) when scheduling your next time with us!
Checks made payable to Kulananuenue Founder: "Cristina Salat"
and mailed to:
POB 190, Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9055
Email (checked generally at least 2x/week): discoverkulana@yahoo.com
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Thanks to all who have supported Kulana's continued existence!
We are so grateful for your time, energy, donations & good care! :)
In this critical time where "small businesses" are closing right & left due to "death by a million cuts" (i.e the cost of everything --gas, electricity, all the various taxes, etc.--keeps going up...while we have, thus far, chosen not to raise our prices in years)...
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!!
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OUR CURRENT WISH LIST! |
| ARTISTICALLY: art supplies including paint, paper, canvas, scissors, glue, etc.! music recording & video/filmmaking equipment including digital projector &/or large flatscreen (we'd like to start hosting regular sacred cinema nights!), digital video and still cameras (old-fashioned ones are fine...even VHS!), laptop &/or desktop computer (preferably Macs, or well-working, user friendly PCs), sound recording equipment, blank CD's & DVD's & cases, etc! |
SPIRITUALLY: positive prayers/metaphysically holding the Truth for our vision, gift certificates for books/cds from Healing Unlimited: 208-255-2407 POB 5271 Carmel, CA 93921. |
| OUTDOORS: pond supplies (pumps, bio filter, koi food, UV grade pond liner), corrugated roofing (metal or fiberglass), garden statuary, plants (food, flower or pond), rubber wheelbarrow, gardening tools, weedeatter-on-wheels or lightweight electric weedeatter (our favorite one just died!), potting soil/dirt, cement blocks, decorative gravel & stones, plywood or hardyplank substitute, 2 x 4's, 2 x 6's (actually any good wood!), portable generator, solar-powered things & recharger, flashlights, tarps. |
| INDOORS: candles, crystals, coin-operated commercial washing machine(s) & dryer(s)--electric or propane, towels, full & queen-sized tropical sheets, nightstands, dressers or chests of drawers, bookshelves, file cabinets (large or small) folding tables & chairs, large throw pillows. |
| EXPANSION: small truck/camper van, scholarship support (see below). |
| MISC: Perhaps you have something you'd like to donate that we don't even know we need? Feel free to ask us! |
And...$$ MONETARY DONATIONS $$: are always appreciated to help us maintain/improve Kulananuenue, to offer Native Hawaiian & other designated scholarships, to spay/neuter wild kitties, and to continue to thrive during these challenging economic times!
Thanks so much for your support! LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING SACRED TIME & SPACE TOGETHER AS WE EACH CREATE THE NEXT ERA OF OUR BEAUTIFUL LIVES! |
discoverkulananuenue...discover your best self!
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