Best of Yoga in Diamond Head-Kahala

Perhaps you’re thinking of purchasing real estate in the Diamond Head-Kahala area of Honolulu, or recently moved here. Where does one go for activities, wellness, coffee, shopping, dining and beyond once the boxes are unpacked? How do we best live this beautiful island lifestyle we’ve entered into? Well, welcome to my ‘best of’ series, beginning with yoga. As a true believer in leisure to balance work ethic, nothing makes me happier than to share the little every day favourites that create a well-rounded isle lifestyle.

My little superpower and secret weapon for life. Sure enjoying the endless options of yoga classes (and amazing community) here in Honolulu between the real estate and business things!

Yoga has been a part of my routine for as long as I can remember. I call it my little superpower and preventative medicine. The domino effect on life as whole is real. True story, after breaking my hips in 2017, the practicing and teaching of yoga until day prior resulted in a smooth, fast recovery. Likely a graceful landing if ever possible in an accident, too! So, I wholeheartedly believe in it physically.

Yoga in Diamond Head – Kahala

These days, Yoga is also a welcome break from technology, a time to check in with myself, continued maintenance of health and injury prevention as I enter my late 30s, plus the ever important chance to meet like-minded friends in a big city. Here in the Diamond Head-Kahala neighborhood of Honolulu, we are lucky to be home to endless choices in yoga classes at all times of day. Inspired by an upcoming trip to Marin County, California and stumbling upon a ‘Best of Marin’ series which has become my go-to guide, I’ve compiled a personal “Best of Diamond Head-Kahala’ series, beginning below with yoga.

View of Diamond Head from Waikiki

Yoga for My Homies

First on my list is Yoga for My Homies, a donation-based group which meets at Leahi Park (at the base of Diamond Head on way to Kahala). I actually used to teach in collaboration as ‘Yoga by the Sea Honolulu’ back in the 2012-2014 era! Yoga for My Homies is still going strong. As someone who thrives on familiar faces and long-term relationships, it is incredibly sweet and grounding to drop in for class whenever possible. Morning and sunset sessions occur throughout the week.

Yoga Room

Next is Yoga Room in Kaimuki, just a few minutes from Kahala and Diamond Head, which boasts two studio rooms and classes nearly every hour from 6a into the evening, seven days per week. As a visual person (hello, aesthletes!), I was drawn to the airy, light ambiance of the large studio right away. Classes are infrared heated, ranging from 26/2 (a play on the Bikram Series), Hot Power Fusion, Vinyasa, High Intensity Interval Training to Restorative and Yin. Cleanliness is 1000% and staff extremely friendly (I’ve never been wished ‘happy birthday’ more in my life than this past June during birthday week!).

6am at Yoga Room

Corepower

For yogis who spend time between Kahala, Ward Village, and Kailua, I highly suggest Corepower. Studios are found not only in the three locations on Oahu, but also around the country with a membership that travels with you. Located right at Kahala Mall, Corepower is a favourite for convenience and predictability. Most classes are heated and follow a strict sequence, replicated at every Corepower, with amenities such as a locker room with showers, towel service, and boutique. The Kahala Mall location lends itself to easily run errands after class – banks, businesses, Whole Foods, and Starbucks are steps away. Classes are offered nearly every hour from 5:45a into the evening.

Corepower at Kahala Mall, nearby Whole Foods!

Yoga by the Sea Honolulu, 2012 | Leahi Beach Park, Diamond Head

Walking home through the Gold Coast Neighborhood of Diamond Head after Yoga by the Sea in 2012 (Yoga for My Homies these days!)