Koa Wāhine: 2027
RETURN → KNOW → STAND → EMBODY → CARRY
Koa Wāhine Foundation is not simply teaching wāhine how to protect themselves. It is cultivating wāhine who know who they are, recognize their inherent sovereignty, develop the capability to exercise it, and understand the kuleana that accompanies it.
KWF’s objective is not to create a different wahine at every gathering, but to deepen her pilina with the wahine she already is and strengthen her capacity to live accordingly.
Wāhine Identity and Personal Sovereignty remain the two central foundations of every gathering. Each gathering revisits the foundational teachings while advancing their application in real life, not as some abstract. They are revisited as wāhine develop deeper awareness, capability, discernment, responsibility, and understanding of themselves.
2027 Calendar
- January | Virtual — THE RETURN TO SELF: A 10-week online cohort establishing the foundations of wāhine identity, personal sovereignty, awareness, boundaries, self-trust, and preparation for Kona. Location: the comfort of your home.
- March | Kona — KNOW WHO YOU ARE: Building upon Naniloa and Kahaluʻu Ma Kai, wāhine explore identity, cultural connection, personal sovereignty, and their pilina to kino, ‘aina, and lāhui through embodied experiences. Location TBD.
- April | Southern California — STAND WHERE YOU ARE: Applying sovereignty to everyday life—pilina, professional environments, boundaries, personal protection, decision-making, and self-determination. Location TBD.
- July | Kona — THE EMBODIED WĀHINE: Moving from understanding to demonstrated capability through physical intelligence, Lua, breath, movement, discernment, resilience, and maintaining sovereignty under pressure. Location: Kahaluʻu Ma Kai, Kona (pending reservation).
- November | Hawaiʻi — WHAT YOU CARRY FORWARD: Integration of this upcoming year’s work through kuleana, leadership, stewardship, pilina between wāhine, cultural continuity, and the living legacy we create. Location TBD.
Come As You Are
You do not need to be a martial artist.
You do not need previous Hula experience.
You do not need to think of yourself as strong.
Come curious.
Come willing to move.
Come willing to examine what you carry.
And leave standing, moving, and speaking differently than when you arrived.
“She does not become a protector when she learns to fight. She becomes a protector when she remembers that she has the authority to choose what enters her space, what remains, and what must leave.”
*No previous martial arts or hula experience is required. All fitness levels are welcomed.
Prepare to experience life transformation that goes beyond superficial wellness trends.
Meet Your Kumu Poʻokela Lua (master teacher)
Kumu Lua Dr. Michelle Manu with hoe (canoe paddle). The hoe is used as a mea kau/weapon in the Kaihewalu Lua family lineage. Photo credits: Mario Prado, 2019 at the Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California.
Kumu Lua Dr. Michelle Manu, the first and only Woman Knight Commander (Dame) in the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, will lead this historic event. She will teach what it means to awaken and embrace the Koa Wahine (warrior woman) within.
Kumu Manu is a 10th-degree Black Belt, ‘Alihikaua (General), and Kumu Po’okela Lua (master teacher) in the indigenous Hawaiian warrior martial art of Lua (Kaihewalu and Manu lineages).
She is a PhD-level instructor with over 20 years of experience in metaphysical practice, martial/warrior arts (42 years), and pre-and post-violence counseling.
Wāhine will explore:
Sovereignty and Leadership with an emphasis on standing in personal authority, exploring both visible and invisible leadership, and sharing ‘ike and mana’o (wisdom) regarding the challenges of leadership.
Lineage and Stewardship: Addressing building a Moʻokūʻauhau from inheritance to stewardship, and stepping into the role of Kūpuna with long-term kuleana.
Sacred Protection (Lua): Physical and energetic protection of self and others, protection as a stewardship, a sacred responsibility as a koa wahine protector.
Continuation and Self-Return: Discussion on continuing the work beyond the Hoʻomau (gathering) and the kapu (sacred) process of returning to oneself.
Safety and Integration: Carefully structured prerequisites, safety protocols (physical and energetic), and supportive group practices ensure immediate impact with lasting deep integration.
Experience a profound sense of embodied power, clarity, and alignment – and the ability to impact your environment, set boundaries, and navigate modern life confidently while staying connected to ancestral and cultural wisdom.
THIS RETREAT IS FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES – IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL US AT: koa.wahine.retreats@gmail.com
GIRLS AGES 12-17 MAY ATTEND WITH A LEGAL GUARDIAN. GIRLS AGES 9-11 MAY ATTEND ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
DAYS LEFT - TO RISE TO THE WARRIOR WITHIN
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January 9th - March 13th, Saturdays noon HST
Online from the comfort of your home!
Follow us for updates & special announcements!
Applications available NOW!
Apply early to reserve your spot!
Ticket pricing is for the full 10-week online immersion!
OHA Registered, HI State Residents: $750 + HI State GET
OHA Registered, Diaspora Residents: $1000 + HI State GET
Standard: $1250 + HI State GET
We will open a 2nd cohort for the same weeks on Wednesdays if we meet 30 attendees for Saturdays. More details in the application.
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