Into the Forest
Rooted in forest,
woven in sisterhood
Kalōpā Native Forest State Park, Hāmākua Coast, Big Island
August 1 - 3, 2025
Welcome to the Forest
Into the Forest isn’t a luxury escape. It’s a down-to-earth, women-led gathering in the heart of Kalōpā’s native forest.
We’ll share simple cabins, nourishing meals, and the kind of connection that grows naturally when women come together with openness, story, and shared rhythm.
Rather than a traditional self-care retreat, this is a supportive weekend with an all-hands-in spirit. We will let nature be our healer, reject the chaos of modern life, release oppressive thinking, and invite ancient matriarchal ways of harmony.
The forest itself holds the purpose of our gathering. Like the mycorrhizal networks beneath the forest floor, we will weave connection, care, and mutual support throughout our weekend together.
Go out in the woods, go out. If you don't go out in the woods nothing will ever happen and your life will never begin.
- Clarissa Pinkola Estes
What to Expect
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2 nights shared cabin accommodations (Friday 3 PM to Sunday 9 AM)
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5 gluten-free vegan meals (with some vegetarian options), catered by Sweet Cane Cafe
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Sharing Circle each night
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Forest Wandering and lightly guided sylvotherapy
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Optional Forest Wildcrafting and Forest Art Ritual
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Gentle morning movement to begin each day in tranquility
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Evening Dance or Moon Dancing
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Free Being Time (bring a drum, wings, book, sketchbook, journal, etc.)
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Forest Craft Nook: a cozy corner for quiet creativity. A few simple supplies will be available. You are welcome to bring a small, easy project to enjoy quietly or leave for others to use, such as a simple handcraft, a small item for independent creativity, or a small instrument. Please keep all contributions light and low-mess so the space stays peaceful and inviting.
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Wild Women Hawai'i shirt (while supplies last)
We will spend time deep in the forest, reconnecting with our senses. Barefoot wandering is welcome but optional.
Lodging
Our rustic cabins hold up to 8 women in bunk beds. Each cabin has a basic hot water shower and one bathroom. WiFi is nonexistent (and you will be glad).
Please bring your own bedding, sleeping pad or mat, towels, and any comforts to create your own cozy bunk space. You may decorate your bunk to make it your private sanctuary. We cannot guarantee a bottom bunk.
This is a rustic, unplugged, sleepover-style retreat. Expect a sensory experience rooted in nature.
The All-Hands-In Spirit
To keep this gathering affordable and aligned with our community values:
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Everyone will take one kitchen shift or cleanup shift (you will select your shift after registering).
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We will each help keep the space clean and welcoming.
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Everyone will contribute to the ease and flow of our time together.
This is how we honor the ancient ways of sisterhood, by looking after one another and the space we share.
Crunchy Meter
This retreat leans heavily crunchy, with some scrunchy tendencies. Brave and open-hearted silkies are also welcome.
You will be connected to the Earth like never before. Expect rustic conditions, sensory experiences, and the unexpected beauty of unplugging.
Who Is This For?
Women ages 21 plus.
Most attendees range from 30 to 65, with a healthy scattering of younger and older women. We value a multigenerational group where stories and wisdom are shared.
This gathering may be for you if:
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You long for deep connection with nature and sisterhood
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You are willing to unplug, sleep in rustic cabins, and support a shared space
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You are open to meaningful rituals and guided experiences
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You are ready to both give and receive care
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You are comfortable with communal rhythms rather than one-on-one attention
Your Host and Guide
Michelle Gallagher Escobar
Founder, Wild Women Hawai'i
Our first Wild Women Hawai'i retreat was held at Kalōpā Park. Returning to this forest feels like coming home. My deep love for the forest inspired this summer camp-style retreat, a space where women can disconnect from worldly stress and reconnect with nature, sisterhood, and their own inner wisdom.
As a certified forest therapy guide, I will offer optional sylvotherapy experiences, gentle movement, and simple rituals. Sharing circles will be co-created in the spirit of care, listening, and inclusion.
This is a rediscovery of our roots as women, looking beyond personal needs and tending to one another in harmony with the Earth.
Meals
Sweet Cane Cafe in Hilo will cater all meals.
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Gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with vegetarian options for some meals
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Meals are prepped, cooked, and served by Sweet Cane Cafe staff (they will not stay onsite)
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Participants will clean up after meals as a group via a shift schedule
Special dietary accommodations beyond our offerings are not available. Please plan accordingly.
The Giving Jar
A small donation jar will be available for those who feel inspired to give. All contributions will go toward helping other women attend future gatherings.
For those who feel drawn to give, with no expectation in return.
Facilitation & Boundaries
While some retreats (like this one) may invite collaborative or co-created contributions from guests, all Wild Women Hawai‘i gatherings are led and held by Michelle Gallagher Escobar. The structure, tone, and safety of the retreat space are the responsibility of the facilitator. Participants are expected to honor the retreat agreements and the authority of the host in maintaining the integrity and safety of the container.
Cost
$595 Early Bird (for a limited time)
Tax and third-party fees (Eventbrite) apply and are nonrefundable except in case of event cancellation by Wild Women Hawaiʻi.
Ready to join us? Your spot is held as soon as you register.
Important Details
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Transportation to and from Kalōpā Park not included
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Sleeping gear (sleeping bag, pads, blankets, etc.) not provided
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Releases required before participation
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Cleanup participation required
A full list of terms and conditions can be found here: Retreat Terms and Conditions
Why We Gather
Wild Women Hawaiʻi was created to unite women for mutual support, empowerment, and sisterhood in a non-judgmental, safe space. We gather to strengthen our bonds, honor our differences, and experience the healing power of nature together.
We carry grief, wisdom, strong opinions, and tender hearts. Here, you will find a field of trust and truth where your story is held with care.
Benefits You May Receive
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Nervous system reset
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Meaningful connection with like-hearted women
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Sensory immersion in the natural world
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Practices for releasing stress and cultivating calm
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A sense of belonging and shared purpose
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Inspiration through creativity and ritual
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Time for quiet reflection and personal insight
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Memories of laughter, warmth, and sisterhood
Each woman’s experience will be unique, shaped by what she brings and what she is ready to receive.
A Note on Sharing
Wild Women Hawaiʻi retreats are network-free environments.
You will have the opportunity to share what you do by contributing to a sisterhood sharing bag, which will be given to each sister at the end of the retreat to open once they are home.
Visit The Networking & Sisterhood Sharing Bag for details.
Guest Reflections
“This retreat was exactly what I wanted and needed, even before I knew what I needed. I appreciate every moment with you and all the beautiful women here. It was truly a magical weekend."—Kalōpā Retreat Guest
"You invited us to see beyond our boundaries and to find the light that shines within each of us."
—Kalōpā Retreat Guest
I am a repeat attendee of these retreats because my mind and body are well nourished during these weekends. The results flow into my everyday life."
—Kalōpā Retreat Guest
A sisterhood is a community where women uplift, empower, and support one another through life's journey, creating a bond of shared experiences.