Writing
With the
Whales
A Story Catching and Canoe Retreat
Feb 3 - 9, 2027
Maui
Swim through the song of whales
We begin by gathering at Camp Oluwalu, an ocean front site where we will be close to the natural rhythm of ocean. This is a glamping site, where you will have private open air showers and an opportunity to roll out of your bed and into the canoes first thing in the morning!
Organic, locally sourced, catered, delicious meals will be made with love and care to nourish you.
You know this retreat is for you if you are adventurous and accustomed to moderate to rigorous outdoor activity.
You know this is for you if you are whale obsessed, and the idea of spending 5 days on the water with them during the peak of their breeding sounds like a delightful opportunity.
Each morning we rise with the sun, practice Hawaiian chants, move with the rhythm of the ocean, enter the waters filled with the songs. of humpbacks —where mothers are birthing their calves, males are courting, and the song carriers are practicing the melodies they will carry across the seas.
Our journey will include snorkeling, deep water adventures, outrigger canoe time,
You will also have opportunities to explore as we adventure into Haleakala for sunset, and other beautiful sacred sites on Maui.
Our pace will be slow and intentional, with time to connect, listen, and integrate the beauty and healing energy of Maui.
Each day we will include writing and gathering to connect in meaningful ways and integrate our journey.
This is an invitation to return to your true nature while deepening your connection with the living nature of this place. Together, we will nurture practices of deep listening, opening the way for you to enter into relationship with the whales and the wisdom they offer
Intimate connection in the waters during peak whale season
Our focus is on cultivating relationships with water and whales as we swim, canoe, and snorkel in the resonance of humpback songs. We will be gathering during peak season, when the ocean is filled with their voices—Each day offers opportunities to engage in connective practices that deepen your relationship with the whales, the waters, and yourself.
Not Just Another Group Tour:
Hawaiian Culture & Writing
Anela will be teaching us AI-- Ancestral Intelligence that includes Hawaiian chants, Lei making, Hawaiian moon phases & star navigation/ way finding.
Leah will be introducing Story Catching as a practice, and way to connect to self, to the natural world, to each other, and to creative expression.
Each day you will have opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with the natural world with your fellow travelers, and have time to align with your own deep listening as we pause to listen to the living mythos that lives in this land and in these waters-- while remaining true to yourself.
LOGISTICS
February 3 - 9, 2026
Arrive by 1pm, Feb 3rd
6 nights and 7 days
Most meals included
Pick up at airport at 1pm
Immersive Travel
Snorkeling
Hawaiian Outrigger Canoeing
Hawaiian Cultural Teaching
Molokini Tour
Hiking
Creative Writing Time
Intimate Small Group Travel
Early Bird Ends July 31: $,3,800
Considerations:
Flights
Travel Insurance (required)
Snorkel Gear (required)
🐋Ready to Dive In?🐋
Click here to schedule your discovery session
Get in Touch
Meet Your Guides
Guide
Leah Lamb
Leah Lamb is a storyteller, writer, and guide who has dedicated her life to the art of story as a tool for healing and transformation. She spent seven years as a naturalist guide, leading trips for Alaska Wildland Adventures and teaching with Outward Bound, before earning her MSW and moving into environmental media. With a background in Outdoor Experiential Education, she has woven her love of the natural world with a commitment to environmental protection—working on social impact campaigns, writing about climate and culture, and founding The School for Sacred Storytelling. Today, Leah focuses on healing the story of our times by reconnecting people with the natural world in meaningful ways. She is the author of The Whale Dreamer.
Guide
ʻĀnela Gutierrez
ʻĀnela is Cultural Voyager & Ocean Steward.
She brings deep devotion to Hawai‘i’s voyaging traditions, ancestral knowledge, and ocean-based stewardship. Anela is a guardian of The Whale Council, founder of Kia`i Moana Foundation. Director and Delegate for A Wisdom Keeper Delegation, and formerly served as the Executive Director of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society, she anchors efforts to revive and perpetuate the wisdom of Pacific voyaging: promoting sustainability, environmental health, and respect for earth and people through canoe voyaging, cultural education, and community building.
Our Chief Guide in Residence
Koholā
Our main guides will be the ones most commonly referred to as whales. They will be guiding through their songs, their dances, and our dreams. They are the ones who are calling you.
