Special Winter Sabbatical and New Year Celebration, Big Island Hawaii

This winter sabbatical wellness retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii spans the turn of the year, with a New Year's Eve celebration at its center. It is for people who want a week of rest, quiet and intention-setting in place of a busy holiday: those drawn to slowing down with the season, to solitude held within a small community, and to a guided way through the darker time of year. Hosted by Hestia co-founder Belinda Liu, with guest healer Dr. Paul C. Wang, it takes place at Hestia Magic Paliuli Farm in Captain Cook, and is limited to fifteen participants.

What to Expect

The week runs seven days with six nights on the land. Its theme is winter and the alchemical element of Water: rest, incubation, stillness, and the idea that deep rest builds the reserves we need. Days are unhurried. Breakfast is set out from 8:30 to 9:30 am, group sessions run from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and dinner is served at 6:30 pm.

The first day is for arriving and settling in, with a sunset dinner and an overview of the week. The next morning begins with a guided walking meditation at Paliuli to anchor intentions for the week and the year ahead. Participants also receive self-guided journaling tools and a personalized list of island places aligned with their intentions, and visit Place of Refuge to connect with Hawaiian history and mythology.

Dr. Wang leads three two-hour morning group sessions. They cover the Chinese Medicine themes of winter, alchemical practices for rest and incubation, personal and collective intentions, and inner resonance and outer balance. He also shares winter sleeping practices for deep, restorative rest. On New Year's Eve there is an evening water ceremony to release what no longer serves, followed by music and dance. Later in the week the group visits Volcano National Park to offer prayers to Pele, with timing that depends on volcanic activity. The retreat closes with an awa ceremony at 8 pm, and the last morning is for giving gratitude to the land and sharing a final breakfast.

About Dr. Paul C. Wang

Dr. Paul C. Wang, DACM, LAc, is the founder of The Dao Center in Berkeley. He holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology. He is an instructor of Balance Method Acupuncture, a transmitter of Daology (Dao De Gong Fa) and a Sifu of Wing Chun. He describes himself as a Memetic Healer and Cultural Acupuncturist, working through Dao Alchemy, Dao Acupuncture and Dao Astrology. On this retreat he brings together martial, medical and mystical paths.

About Belinda Liu

Belinda Liu is co-founder of Hestia and co-hosts the sabbatical.

The Setting

The retreat is based at Hestia Magic Paliuli Farm in Captain Cook, near Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, with Mauna Kea part of the island's wider landscape. Each participant has private accommodation for the six nights. The grounds offer private meditation spots, a yoga studio and ocean views. Chef Peter prepares six brunches and six farm to table dinners with a locally inspired, seasonal approach.

Before You Go

Included are the six nights of lodging, all meals described above, the three sessions with Dr. Wang, entrance to Volcano National Park and Place of Refuge, a guided meditative walk near Place of Refuge, Paleaku Peace Gardens and Kealakekua Bay, a sabbatical toolkit, wellness gifts from local artisans, an online community call on the winter solstice, and the releasing and awa ceremonies.

A private boat tour with whale and dolphin guides, or an equine healing session at Mahalo Aina Sanctuary, is available as an optional add-on. Extra services cost separately: extended lodging, massage, acupuncture, energy healing, private movement or yoga classes, somatic and trauma healing sessions, additional guided tours, and one-to-one post-sabbatical life coaching. Optional excursions on the final day include Isaac Hale Park, Green Sand Beach and Waipio Valley for those staying on.