The Oahu – Pūpūkea ten day courses are hosted at Camp Pūpūkea. Camp Pūpūkea is located high in the Ko’olau Mountains near Pūpūkea-Paumalu Forest Reserve on the North Shore of Oahu. We can offer vipassana to approximately 85 students at Camp Pūpūkea. The site has cabins, canvas tents on raised platforms, camping tents, dining areas, a full kitchen, and more.
Note: Please DO NOT visit the site until the courses starts.
Travel
– Air Travel
Most people fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. From the airport, it is approximately 1 hour by car or 2.5 hours by bus to Camp Pūpūkea .
– Bus Travel
You can find bus routes and times at http://www.thebus.org or call (808) 848-5555. Go to “Plan your trip” and enter the destination: Foodland Pupukea. The bus website will take you to google maps. Once you arrive, please text (preferred) or call +1 760-813-5212 and we will pick you up as time permits in front of Foodland near the coffee shop.
– Rideshare
You can offer or request a ride to the course site using our Rideshare Board. Once you receive your acceptance or confirmation letter you will be able to view the course-specific Rideshare Board to edit or post whether you are offering or requesting a ride to the site. Note: If you mention needing or you willing to offer a ride on your application, you will be automatically entered on the Ride Share Board.
Weather
The course site is located up in the mountains, so be prepared for cold nights and mornings in the winter months.
December to May: 55 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit
June to November: 65 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit
What to Bring and Not Bring
Camp Pūpūkea is located up in the mountains so it can rain and requires walking on trails.
Please Bring
Please Do Not Bring
Required Items (not provided)
Warm sleeping pad and sleeping bag/blanket; and warm jackets, pants and socks (it gets cold at night)
Personal cups, dishes, and utensils
Flashlight with extra batteries
Umbrella and/or raincoat.
Water bottle
Enough comfortable, warm, modest, non-binding clothing for the duration of your stay.
Pants or skirts that cover your knees while you are seated are acceptable. Midsection and shoulders should also be covered. Modest dress is required for both men and women.
Shoes for mud
Towel and all needed toiletries, non-scented personal hygiene articles and feminine sanitary protection
Mosquito repellent
Any medication you are taking. Please make sure you bring enough for the entire course
Suggested Items
Watch and/or a non-ticking alarm clock (You may not use your cell phone or other personal electronic device as an alarm clock)
Easy slip-ons shoes ( e.g. clogs, slippers, etc.)
Shawl or light blanket for use in the meditation hall.
We Provide
Meditation Cushions – We supply a large floor cushion and a small sitting cushion for every student. We have a limited supply of smaller sitting cushions, so please bring any additional cushions that you may need.
Bedding – We provide a cot or bed. Bedding is NOT offered so you will need to bring your own sheets, pillow, and a warm blanket or sleeping bag. Many like to bring an inflatable sleeping mattress to put on top of their cot.
Clothing
Tight, transparent, revealing or otherwise striking clothing (such as low risers, shorts, short skirts, tights, leggings, sleeveless, tank or skimpy tops) may not be worn at the course.
Skirts, shorts, and capri pants must cover the upper legs and knees when you are sitting cross-legged.
Other
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices may not be used as alarm clocks during the course; they must be deposited with the management upon registration. They will be returned on the last day when the course is over.
Computers, fitbits, devices that can access the internet, or other electronic equipment
Books, diaries, journals and other reading/writing materials
Musical instruments
Personal food items (see Food below for more information)
Tobacco in any form
Non-prescribed drugs
Scented toiletries or perfumes
Religious or spiritual objects, such as amulets, rosaries, blessing cords, pictures, incense, crystals, etc.
Jewelry or other unnecessary valuables
NOTE: If you arrive with any of the above items, they will need to be checked in with the management on the first day. Checked items will be returned when the course is over. Your valuables will be locked away, but are kept on the site at your own risk. The management is not liable for any loss or damage to your valuables.
Accommodations
Accommodations include simple shared rooms with bunk beds, canvas tents on platforms with cots, and large tents with cots.