Frequently Asked Questions -- Please Read Carefully!
About the facility
The Keauhou Beach Resort is a full-service hotel and resort on the Kona coast of the Island of Hawai`i. The closest airport, Keahole-Kona International Airport (KOA), is served by all major carriers, as well as inter-island and charter flights. Our workshops and classes are spread around the ample gradens and shady areas.
Please contact the Keauhou Beach Resort to book your rooms. To be sure of getting the best rate, book at least 30 days before camp begins!
(877) 532-8468 or (808) 324-2515
Aloha Camp Rate
Partial Ocean View: $135 single/double-$185 triple
Deluxe Ocean View: $160 single/double - $210 triple
Why don't you include the hotel rooms in the Aloha Camp rates?
In a word: flexibility. By booking your own rooms, you can more easily tailor your vacation to match your needs. The Keauhou Beach Resort has a large number of rooms at various price points, and they will honor the special camp rate for pre-and post-camp stays.
But isn't the camp more expensive that way?
Actually, no. For couples traveling together, the total cost for the Aloha Camp and six nights of hotel accommodations are about the same as in 2008; you can save even more if you triple up! And don't forget that airfare from the Mainaland to to Kalua-Kona is significantly less than it is to Moloka`i.
I am traveling alone and I want to save money. Can you help me find a roommate?
The best way to find a roommate is to post a notice on TaroPatch.net. TaroPatch is a great online community for people who love Hawaii and her culture. Because we respect your privacy, the Aloha Camp cannot be responsible for finding you a roommate, but we will circulate a list of candidates if you give us express permission to do so.
What is included in the Aloha Camp Rate?
You camp fees includes all the workshops, evening concerts and special events during the week and three deleicious meals. The meal plan begins with dinner on the first Sunday of camp, and ends with luch following the Closing Ceremony on the final Saturday.
What is included in the Spouse/Companion rate?
The spouse/companion rate includes all meals and evening concerts during the camp. Workshops and classes are not included. You can always upgrade to a full registration if you later want to attend classes. Please note that you cannot simply book a room at the hotel and "crash" the camp–we have specially trained security geckoes who will hunt you down.
Can I stay longer?
.But of course! The Keauhou Beach Resort will honor their great camp rates for several days before and after the camps. Contact the reservation office at 877-532-8468 Fax: 808-324 2508
Is there laundry service available?
Drop-off laundry service is available for a nominal fee.
How do I get a massage?
The Resort offers a complete range of bodywork, spa and healing services.
I need to leave a contact number with my family. What is the phone number/address of the camp?
You'll be staying at the
The Keauhou Beach Resort
8-6740 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740
front desk: 808-322-3441
This number is monitored 24 hours a day and is the best contact number to give your family and friends.Please do not give out the Aloha Music Camp phone as your contact number – messages left there will not reach you at Keauhou.
What's the address and phone number for the Aloha Music Camp office?
Aloha Music Camp llc
843 Waine`e Street
Suite 107 #655
Lahaina HI 96761-1685
(808) 270 3090
How do I use my laptop?
There is a full-service business center with computers, internet access, faxes, copiers, etc. located in the Hotel.
Are there are bugs and lizards??!
Insects are a fact of life in the tropics but none of the bugs are dangerous with the exception of the centipedes, who may inflict a nasty sting. The best defense is common sense: do not leave any food in the open, use the cooler.
The lizards are geckos, harmless bug-eaters. They are fun to watch, climbing up the walls and hanging from the ceiling with tiny suction cups on their feet. If you listen carefully, you can hear them chirping.
How's the swimming?
The resort is right next to a beautiful sandy beach with some of the best snorkeling in the whole state. You can rent equipment just about anywhere.
The Resort has a swimming pool.
About the camps
When does the camp start/end?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM the first Sunday of each camp. Check-out is just before lunch on the following Saturday.
How do I pay my balance due?
You paid a 50% deposit at the time of registration; the balance of the registration fees is due 45 days prior to the start of each camp. We will send an invoice with details on how to submit your payment. If you'd like to pay online, please click here.
Can I arrive earlier than 3:00 PM?
Please do not attempt to check-in before 3:00 P.M. If you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage with the desk and enjoy lunch or pupu, go for a swim, relax, etc. Mahalo.
Where do I buy camp T-shirts and hats? Instructors' books & CDs?
Glad you asked. Our on-line store has a full selection of stylish Aloha Camp logo wear, mugs and tote bags. Be sure to order early – we cannot guarantee that we will have your size at camp! Instructors' CDs and books are available for sale during camp.
I don't know the first thing about _____ (hula, language, slack key); will I have fun at the Aloha Music Camp?
If you love Hawai`i you will love the Aloha Music Camp. We offer classes and workshops at all levels. You don't have to be a musician, either. In fact; you can build your own `ukulele. And the setting is unbelievable!
Do you offer camps at other times of the year?
In addition to the Aloha Music Camp in June, we host a week-long Winter Camp in February. Study slack key guitar, hula, `ukulele and Hawaiian culture in the warm tropics while Humpback whales cavort just off shore!
What's the skinny on the Aloha Camps?
The Aloha Music Camps each offer a varied curriculum in Hawaiian culture - music classes in slack key guitar, `ukulele, and Hawaiian steel guitar; hula classes for beginng and intermediate dancers; classes in oli (chant), olelo (language), crafts; activitities for keiki; talk story with local kupuna, and much more. The Aloha Camps have large staffs and many different classes happening simultaneously; plus evening concerts, a student ho'ike (concert) and other varied activities. The Aloha Camps are ideal for families, students wishing to further their musical or cultural studies, or anyone who loves Hawai`i and wants to learn more about the culture. You do not need any musical ability to enjoy the Aloha Music Camps!
Do you offer scholarships?
In cooperation with the Mohala Hou Foundation, we offer annual scholarships open to students and kupuna in Hawai`i. This program is handled by Mohala Hou - please do not contact us directly. We do not accept scholarship applications from individuals or groups, nor do we offer discounted registrations.
What's the weather like?
The weather is generally delightful - warm days and balmy tropical nights, with gentle trade winds to cool you off. Rain, though rare, is a possibility - so be prepared.
Where can we purchase travel insurance?
Numerous companies offer this service - InsureMyTrip.com is a popular on-line resource that provides quotes from many insurance companies. We are not affiliated with this, or any other company and we are providing this link solely as a service to you.
Do you have specialized activities for children?
Many of our classes and workshops are well-suited to school-age children. In addition, we offer a few specialized children's activities each day.
Parents must supervise their children at all times – we encourage parents to meet on the first day of camp and cooperatively arrange child care so that everyone may benefit form the camp's activities. We do not offer baby-sitting services.
How do I get in touch with my fellow campers before/after the camp?
We recommend TaroPatch.net, an online community for fans of slack key, `ukulele and Hawaiian culture. TaroPatch.net costs nothing to join,
I want to invite a guest to the workshops/evening concerts.
In order to create a total retreat experience for our guests we discourage day visitors. Please do not invite anyone to attend as your guest without first clearing it through the camp administrator.
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Getting There
Can you book my flight/car/boat?
We are not a travel agency, sorry.
See our How to Get There page for contact information.
Help!! I read on the internet that I can't bring my guitar/steamer trunk/console TV on the planes!!!
The small planes running inter-Island have different weight/size restrictions than the mainland flights. Be sure to check with the airlines before you leave home!
Does the hotel offer an airport shuttle?
No, the resort does not offer a shuttle. Please see our How to Get There page for contact information. The resort does offer free shuttles to downtown Kailua and local shopping centers.
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What to Bring
Prepare for your stay at the Aloha Music Camp as you would for any vacation to Hawai`i. Here's a list to help you pack:
- Tropical attire – sandals, beach wear, shorts and swim suits. Aloha shirts and mu`umu`u are appropriate for evenings. Days are warm and the nights may be cool or balmy.
- Evenings in February may be cool. Pack a pair of long pants and long-sleeved shirts and a light sweater. Summers in Kona can be hot and sunny.
- Waterproof sunscreen, hat and dark glasses. You might want a long sleeve shirt for sun protection.
- A lightweight rain coat or poncho – evening showers, though rare, are a possibility.
- Insect repellent – Although Hawai`i is blissfully free of poisonous snakes and harmful insects, we do share our world with flying bugs. A natural repellent is best for the environment and your instrument's finish. The little lizards you see are harmless geckos If you listen closely, you may hear them singing.
- Snorkel equipment and an underwater camera. Rentals are available just about everywhere in Kona.
- Sandals or rubber slippers are fine for the hotel, beach and grounds. If you plan on visiting the volcano or doing any hiking, bring lightweight boots for the trails. Lava is sharp-- hot, too!
- Cassette or MiniDisc recorder, extra media & batteries. Useful for documenting workshops & learning new songs.
- Camera and film, video recorder – great for capturing memories. Out of courtesy to our guest artists, we ask that you refrain from video and audio taping the evening concerts.
- Some participants find a portable music stand useful. Don't forget clips or clothespins to hold your music!
- Your guitar, `ukulele, extra strings, capo, electronic tuner, strap, etc.
Don't forget to bring one of our fabulous Aloha Camp T-shirts, tote bags, or mugs! Order yours on-line today.
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Instruments
Do you supply guitars/`ukulele?
We do not supply instruments, sorry.
How do I get my guitar to Hawai`i?
Despite the horror stories you may have heard, flying with your guitar is relatively safe – provided you take some reasonable precautions. Don't assume you can carry your precious axe on board the plane the plane with you. You may be able to at do so on one leg of your flight only to find you have to check it later. It is your call whether or not you want to take the risk. To avoid excessive worrying, some folks use small travel guitars – others bring beater "beach guitars" to play at camp. But many, many musicians fly with their guitars every day, with no mishaps.
Here's a very good way to insure your instrument arrives safely:
- Loosen the strings to take tension off the neck and headstock.
- Pack your instrument securely in a quality hard-shell case. Add extra cushioning under the headstock and anywhere else there's wiggle room. (Hint: socks and undies work great for this!)
- Go to your local Guitar-o-Rama store and pick up a cardboard shipping box. Put your nicely-cased guitar in the box, and pad it down well. (Hint: Use the rest of your wardrobe.) Tape it securely and check it through as luggage. This is the way every single guitar is shipped from the maker, by the way. Well, except for the undies part.
Alternately, pack it up as in numbers 1 & 2, above, and "gate check" your instrument. This involves carrying your guitar up to the gate and asking to pick it up right when you get off the plane. This works about 85% of the time – so it's best to have a fallback position. Above all, be nice! A smile goes a long way here.
If you fly often, consider investing in a flight case. There are numerous brands at several different price points - contact your local guitar shop for suggestions. A small investment now will pay off later in peace of mind!
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About the workshops
Where is the schedule?
Putting together the class schedule for the Aloha Camp is an art. We post a tentative schedules on the website and hand out final copies at the Opening Ceremony. You can download a PDF of the most recent schedule here.
Help! There are too many choices! How can I take all the workshops I want?
Life is full of choices. It would be impossible to take each and every class you want – and the class sizes would be huge if we only offered one workshop per hour. So take it easy – choose a few classes each day, and leave some time for relaxing, practicing or sightseeing. There will always be more to learn!
Where are the workshops?
Workshops & concerts are spread around at different locations: around the grounds. We will include maps with your welcome packets. .
Check the message board at mealtime for specific workshop locations, special activities and changes.
I haven't signed up for any workshops, can I still get in?
With the exception of the rare specialized workshop such as `Ukulele Building with advanced registration and additional fees, we do not require pre-registration. You are free to take as many, or as few workshops as you wish. This is one of the joys of being at a summer camp for adults – we get to make the rules.
Who makes the decision whether I'm a beginner or intermediate guitarist/dancer?
Be honest with yourself - nobody is a better judge.
The pace of learning increases with each workshop level - if you find that things are moving too fast for you (and only you) then you are likely in the wrong class. Please don’t take workshops above your level. This forces the instructor to teach at the level of the least experienced student and is unfair to both the instructor and everyone else in the class. If we notice this happening, you may be asked to leave or move to the back of the workshop so the instructor and the other students may proceed at the appropriate pace.
Here are some hints for `ukulele players:
- Beginner - Ranging from "knows what the instrument looks like" to "plays a few simple songs."
- Advanced Beginner - You can play some two and three chord songs and/or strum along. You know the basic chords in the keys of F, C and G.
- Intermediate - You should be able to play and sing a variety of songs in time and in tune. You know several strums, maybe some simple melodic licks and the basic major, minor and dominant seventh chords in the basic `ukulele keys. You can follow a chord chart. You are not afraid to try new things.
- Intermediate/Advanced - You can play some chord inversions and barre chords up the neck, are familiar with one or two scales, know how to do simple transpositions, maybe even improvise a little. Reading notation or TAB is a plus.
- Advanced - You can transpose on the fly, play and use extended chords and double stops, know major, minor and dominant scales in several keys and can play solo pieces and/or improvise. You are looking for a challenge and can quickly grasp new things.
- Expert - We hire you.
And for slack key guitar:
- Beginner - Both brand new guitar players and inexperienced slack key players should take the beginners' classes. These classes feature lots of one-on-one instruction and move very slowly. If you already play guitar, chances are you belong in the Advanced Beginner classes.
- Advanced Beginner - You can play a few simple slack key tunes or play other finger-picked guitar styles. You play "pretty good" when no one is watching. Tuning is not a huge problem for you but you want to get better at it. (It helps if you know at least one slack key tuning. Here's a hint: D-G-D-G-B-D low to high. That's "Taro Patch.") You are ready to move into playing more complicated slack key pieces.
- Intermediate - You can play in time and in tune, mostly. You know at least few tunes in slack key style, or you are reasonably adept at other folk or classical finger-picked guitar styles. You can keep your thumb steady, mostly. You are not afraid to try new things. You may be a good TAB reader, or maybe you play by ear. You are looking to improve your playing, work on fingerings and better understand your instrument.
- Intermediate/Advanced - You can play a fair number of slack key pieces, you are familiar with several tunings and/or are reasonably adept in at least one tuning, can play chords, double stops and melody and don't freak out when someone says, "Take one!" You do not have trouble keeping a steady bass with your thumb. You want to improve tone, learn how to build an arrangement, and better understand improvisation.
- Advanced -You can play difficult slack key pieces by ear or from TAB, you have a good understanding of your instrument, perhaps you can improvise and you are looking for a challenge. You are what we call a Big Dog.
Can I switch workshops after the first day?
Switching workshops is OK.
Can I record the workshops?
Audio taping workshops is permitted with the instructor’s permission. Please be discreet and practise good taping etiquette. Some people find video intrusive – please ask for permission from both instructors and participants.
Due to contractual obligations, there will be absolutely no recording of performances.
What do I need to take a steel guitar class?
The Hawaiian steel guitar is played flat on your lap. The strings are raised high above the nut to accommodate the gliding of the steel bar. Acoustic steels -- Dobros mostly -- are pretty common in country and bluegrass music. If you bring an electric steel, be sure to bring a battery powered amp!
It isn't hard to convert any acoustic guitar to a Hawaiian guitar: most music stores stock nut extenders to raise the strings, or simply slide a 2 3/4 inch cotter pin under the stings at the nut. (a tip o' the hat to Konabob for the suggestion.) You'll also need a steel bar (not a hollow "bottle-neck" slide)- Hawaiian steel players use a bullet bar, bluegrassers uses a Shubb-style bar -- and some finger picks. Your local acoustic music store is sure to have a good selection.
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Zany questions that don't fit in anywhere else
Can I fish from a boat?
Umm, sure. You have a boat right? Seriously, you can arrange for fishing charters, kayak trips, mountain biking, horseback riding and just about anything else through the activities center at the resort.
Can I get a discount because I am a _________ (teacher, travel agent, Rock Star, friend of Keola).
Probably not, sorry. Click here to see our scholarship policy.
Will the Hemojangs ever perform again?
Hard to say. They have been rehearsing lately–which in their case involves shopping.
Do you really expect me to read all this stuff?
Yep.
Should I come to the Aloha Camp?
After reading all of this you have any doubt?
Do people really ask all these crazy questions?
You don't know the half of it.
Mahalo!
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"I haven't had this much fun in years! It was so special... I have no words to describe the aloha that pervaded the whole camp."
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