Programs hosted by Ala Kukui are diverse, but they share certain life-affirming goals. These include the strengthening of ethical relationships among humans and the entire natural world, care and respect for local and global communities, and deep compassion expressed in action. The cultivation of the power of imagination enables people to find solutions to urgent problems, and to produce creative works that enhance an understanding of ourselves and our responsibilities to the world. Ala Kukui embraces the unique gift each person contributes to our programs and nurtures a conscious reciprocal exchange that deepens the level of understanding of the larger global environment.

Ala Kukui offers a diverse calendar of programs and a secluded facility featuring an open-space setting for dialogues, forums, classes, performances, workshops, spiritual practices, and other activities. The retreat center sponsors special partnership initiatives, and offers facilities for people to come together in small groups to pursue creative, cultural, and spiritual work characterized by the deepest expression of aloha. Following is a sampling of Ala Kukuiu's programs.

Cultural Programs

Ho 'ala Hou, A Time of Renewal
In keeping with the mission and vision of Ala Kukui, Ho 'ala Hou is a series of Hawaiian cultural workshops and educational events offered with the purpose of sharing with participants fundamental values, expressions, and practices unique to Hawaii. Nana i ke kumu, "look to the source." The Source, the knowledge and wisdom we draw from, is found right here in our own communities, through the voices of the people: kupuna (elders), kumu (teachers), makua (parents), and the living treasures and keepers of traditional practices and genealogy. Ho 'ala Hou, A Time of Renewal, is designed by Luana Busby-Neff with the intention to support both creative and cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the pressing needs of this time. And with the spirit of aloha, we gather together na mea waiwai, the rich cultural resources of this 'aina (land), and offer a ho'okupu (gift) to the world.

Ho'opono, To Make Right
Traditional-style family conflict resolution offers a way to restore harmony to daily life by drawing on traditional Hawaiian values of intergenerational sharing and the honoring of each individual's uniqueness.

Creative Arts

• Weekly writers' workshop with Tad Bartimus including intergenerational sharing of stories among local Hana writers of all ages
  
• Readings, workshops, and presentations by visiting writers and artists, including storytelling, painting, and intergenerational exchanges
  
• Guest writers have included Kiana Davenport, Barry Lopez, Frank Stewart, Ku'ualoha Ho'omanawanui, Kim Stafford, and Mark Tredenitch
  
• Guest artists have included Sheila Miles, Ada Horn, and Ipo Kanaka'ole

Enviromental Restoration

• Mapping natural and cultural ecosystems and studying native plants within the ahupua'a (traditional land divisions) of East Maui with naturalist and native plant specialist Bob Hobdy
  
• Partnerships with, and field trips to, Kahanu Garden (Hana branch of the National Tropical Botanical Garden), Pi'ilani heiau, and Kapahu taro farm
  
• Exploring the potential for sustainability through small-scale agricultural initiatives such as Ala Kukui's East Maui Palms

Spiritual Practices and Healing Arts

• Stanley Rosenberg's Cranial-Sacral Work
  
• Feldenkrais Workshops
  
• Vipassana Meditations with George Kinder
  
• Harmonic Healing and I Ching with Master Alfred Huang
  
• Tibetan Sand Mandala Painting with Lama Dhondrup
  
• Inner Landscape Yoga with Erin Lindbergh
  
• Practice of Peace and Open Space (a process of self-organization to support the manifestation of peace) with Loralee Machabee

Global Consciousness

• Community dialogue with visiting Hawaiian cultural leader Mililani Trask about her work with the United Nations
• Co-sponsorship of visits on neighboring islands by global leader and Buddhist peace activist Sulak Sivaraksa from Thailand
  
• Co-sponsorship of a slide lecture on the effect of the tsunami on villages in Sri Lanka, including tsunami relief efforts to rebuild neighborhoods and provide medical supplies