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, you 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 (when compared to city schedules) bus service 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...!)

*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. (For brief timeframes, every now & then, we have sometimes welcomed up to a festive 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!"

• 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! 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!)

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! :)

• 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!

We welcome you!

Checks made payable to Kulananuenue Founder: "Cristina Salat"

and mailed to:

POB 190, Volcano, HI 96785

(808) 985-9055

www.discoverkulana.com

Email (checked generally at least 2x/week): discoverkulana@yahoo.com

***

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!!!

***

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: gift certificate 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: coin-operated commercial washing machine(s) & dryer(s)--electric or propane, towels, full & queen-sized tropical sheets, nightstands, dressers or chests of drawers, bookshelves, 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 yourself!


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