Maui offers a rare balance between nature, movement, and inner stillness. In this personal travel essay, Brazilian windsurf champion and yoga teacher Camila Pagliuca shares how yoga, wind, and ocean shaped her transformative experiences on the island.
By Camila Pagliuca
Maui uniquely blends extreme sports with deep spiritual practices.
I was floating on air. That was how I felt when I left the class—with the sensation that I didn’t need to do anything else that day. Even my desire for sailing felt satisfied. I drank a bottle of water very slowly, watching cars pass by carrying boards, dogs, and people. It took a while before I felt like doing something else.
This happened in Maui, a place I had the opportunity to visit twice: first in May 2002, and again in March 2003. My main motivation was windsurfing. Maui is a paradise for anyone who sails. But it is also an enchanting island with countless opportunities to practice yoga, especially Hatha and Ashtanga styles.
North Shore: Wind, Yoga, and a Simple Life
I chose to stay on the North Shore because of the wind conditions—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. Coincidentally, many of the best Ashtanga teachers also live on that side of the island, perhaps due to its mild climate.
Life there felt light. Small towns without large malls, a handful of stores, and cozy coffee shops with plenty of vegetarian options. In the 1960s and 70s, Maui—especially the North Shore—became a refuge for people seeking a lifestyle more connected to Nature, peace, and the free-spirited energy of the Woodstock era.
First Steps in Ashtanga Yoga
In 2002, I was still learning the first series of Ashtanga, often forgetting postures along the way. A Brazilian friend, Patrícia Gentil, who lived in Maui at the time, introduced me to the first yoga schools I attended there.
The journey from Brazil is long, but the arrival is always magical. With its humid climate and light rain, Maui reminded me of Brazil’s Northeast—perfect for sailing, surfing, or simply enjoying the beach.
Maui Yogashala: Intensity and Inspiration
My first practice was at Maui Yogashala, located in Paia, on the island’s west side. It is a more commercial yoga school, offering many classes throughout the day, multiple teachers and styles, and even a boutique.
I took several classes with Nadia, the owner, who developed Maui Yoga, a variation of Ashtanga. The environment was lively and fun. To my surprise, I later discovered I had been practicing alongside Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, pioneers of tow-in surfing.
One class in particular stands out: my first complete Ashtanga series, lasting over two and a half hours, with long holds in each posture. Nadia loved to keep us breathing deeply in marichasanas, explaining that Pattabhi Jois, founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI) in Mysore, India, used to do the same in his workshops. It was from that class that I truly left floating.
The North Shore represents a simpler, nature-centered lifestyle.
A Gentle Practice at Helena’s Home
Patrícia often spoke fondly of her teacher, Helena, who had supported her through two pregnancies. On a typical Hawaiian morning—hot sun, blue ocean, and gentle winds—we went to Helena’s home.
It was a small, welcoming space. Furniture was moved aside, mats placed close together on a straw floor with a pleasant scent. Payment was left quietly on the kitchen counter.
Helena taught a modified Ashtanga class with great care, closely observing posture and breath. She celebrated our small achievements with genuine joy. One particular seated sequence focused on opening the pelvic area—a practice I memorized to use whenever needed.
Fresh Tomatoes: A Silent and Powerful Experience
One of the most remarkable experiences in Maui was my class with Nancy Gilgoff, at a place known as Fresh Tomatoes, in the rural town of Haiku, on the way to Hana. Surrounded by lush greenery and near the Haleakalā Volcano, the setting itself was already powerful.
As soon as we entered, the room felt hot. Nancy greeted us and asked if we knew what we were doing there. We nodded, speechless. Photos of incredibly complex postures covered the walls—each one performed in that very room.
That day was a Mysore-style class—one of those days when she doesn’t speak. Apart from brief corrections from the assistant teacher, the class unfolded in silence. It turned out to be the best practice I had in Maui.
After class, Nancy asked about my teachers. I mentioned Cristiano and Jimena, from Fortaleza, Brazil. Though she didn’t know them, she assured me they were teaching me well. When I expressed concern about my mula bandha, she smiled and said that after ten more years of practice, it would improve.
Why Maui Stays in My Heart
Maui is a place where Nature reveals itself openly—through wind, waves, and fire. It is deeply inspiring for yoga practice and has long attracted veteran Ashtanga teachers. For many years, Pattabhi Jois taught classes there when not in Mysore, with Nancy organizing them.
That small, green place lives in my heart. I will always return whenever I can combine a simple life with kite surfing, surfing, windsurfing, and yoga.
Aloha (almost Shanti, almost Namaste).
* Camila Pagliuca is a Brazilian former windsurf champion and yoga teacher from Fortaleza, Brazil. A travel enthusiast, she frequently travels to Hawaii to windsurf and practice yoga.
* Special thanks to Cathia Karin Heuser and Maurício Wolf, from Yogamala, who contributed to this article, originally published in one of our printed issues in 2012.
Silence can be one of the most powerful teachers in yoga practice.
FAQ – Maui, Yoga & Windsurfing
1. Why is Maui considered a yoga destination?
Because of its natural energy, climate, and the presence of renowned yoga teachers, especially in Ashtanga and Hatha traditions.
2. Is Maui good for windsurfing beginners?
Yes. Maui offers spots suitable for different levels, from beginners to professional athletes.
3. What is Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga?
It is a traditional practice where students move through the sequence at their own pace, with minimal verbal instruction.
4. What makes the North Shore of Maui special?
Its mild climate, strong connection to nature, fewer crowds, and vibrant wellness community.
5. Can yoga and water sports complement each other?
Absolutely. Yoga improves balance, strength, breath control, and recovery—essential for windsurfing and surfing.
