KALANI has new owners! from Richard Koob, founder
Hawaii’s coastal "Kalani" Retreat/Conference Center has a new owner/operator.
Formerly known as Kalani, now Kalapana Retreat LLC, is revitalized the beautiful full-service retreat center on the Puna Coast of Hawai'i, the "Big Island". For more than forty years, Kalani Honua, "harmony of heaven and earth," provided educational programs, as well as food and lodging, welcoming thousands of participants from all over the world and offering an integrated appreciation of nature, culture, wellness, and sustainable living. From its founding in 1975 through 2013, the retreat business grew an average of 20% annually, with gross revenue ultimately exceeding $5M (net over $1M) and providing a $25M annual boost to the local economy; however, challenges including management and market fluctuations plus a severe tropical storm and closure during the 2018 nearby lava flow made continued growth unsustainable. Notwithstanding, the new owner's business plan is restoring and improving the center to full functionality and profitability.
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Currently much of my personal energy is immersion in the moment, nature, friends and forward movement, including some prep for a 2026 July 4th weekend celebration of Kalani's 50th, my 80th, and USA's 250th cycle around our sun-star.
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Here are some archival and current photos:25 meter pool with three lap lanes. Hale (Lodge) #1 (of a total of 4 lodges)
Rainbow Room (greenhouse used as studio, e.g. massage, dance, yoga…)
Abundant welcoming spirit and original art.
Hale 2, circa 1990, Intercultural Dance Festival performance. After the Rainbow Room was built, Hale 2 became mainly used as a kitchen and the lanai became fully roofed and used for alfresco dining.
Interior of one of 4 duplex “Faculty Cottages” aka bungalows (each with 2 guest rooms plus bathrooms with toilet and shower). Wellness Center with three massage spaces plus restroom and adjoining reservoir, which was used for swimming prior to installation of the pool and a well in 1985. Currently the reservoir is a water lily pond.
