Writing
With the
Whales
A Story Catching Retreat
Feb 1 -7, 2027
Maui
Swim through the song of whales
We begin by gathering at our beautiful retreat center nestled in the jungle, where you will find plenty of space to adjust by catching the sunset from the hot tub, adventuring to the water falls, and enjoying untamed nature.
Personal, shared rooms, and dorm style is available based on your preference.
Organic, locally sourced, delicious meals created Kyra and her team with love and care will nourish you.
You know this retreat is for you if you want to travel slowly, with the intention to listen to and connect with the whales and nature of maui.
Each day we will move with the rhythm of the ocean, entering the waters where humpbacks sing—where mothers are birthing their calves, males are courting, and the song carriers are practicing the melodies they will carry across seas.
Our pace will be slow and intentional, with space to connect, listen, and integrate the beauty and healing energy of Maui.
There will be time for our group 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, kayak, 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:
The emphasis of Story Catching retreat is connection: to self, to the natural world, to each other, and to creative expression.
Our retreat will begin with a ceremony with WHAIA, known as a “Whaledreaming woman,” she channels ancestral songlines and works at the intersection of art, ritual, and ocean advocacy.
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.
Writing and storytelling skills are not required, and will be gently integrated for those who want to experience integrate their experiences through a creative process.
LOGISTICS
February 1 - 7, 2026
Arrive by 4pm, Feb 1st
6 nights and 7 days
Most meals included
Pick up in Paia is available
Immersive Travel
Snorkeling
Sea Kayaking
Deep Water Boat Tours
Hiking
Creative Time
Small Group Travel
Early Bird Ends Sept 20th: $,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
Jenn Wakefield
Jenn Wakefield is the founder and creative lead of Whale Wise Productions, a Maui-based filmmaker and underwater videographer whose work pairs intimate whale imagery with sound and indigenous storytelling to foster healing and ocean stewardship. A professional underwater whale photographer with gallery showings in Paia (2013–2016), she’s lived on Maui for three decades, guides hiking and ocean adventures, and brings certifications in freediving and scuba. Previously she founded R.O.O.T.S. School, helped establish The Studio Maui, and co-founded Inner Waves Organics.
Chef
Kyra Bramble
Kyra Bramble is a Maui-based holistic chef, author, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to nourishing both body and soul. Classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu, she weaves together her culinary expertise with holistic nutrition, yoga, and plant medicine to create vibrant, healing cuisine. As the founder of Lotus Chefs and More Pleaze, Kyra curates retreat dining, private chef experiences, and chef empowerment programs rooted in sustainability and soulful connection. Also a writer and storyteller, her debut memoir Burning Wings explores transformation, counterculture, and spiritual awakening, reflecting her lifelong passion for blending food, creativity, and conscious living.
