Your guide to a heart-wide Saturday: Dances of Universal Peace + Sufi Zikr in Pāhoa (Aug 22, 2026)

The Hook

Ever stepped barefoot into a circle where every voice feels like home? Picture a green Pāhoa meadow, trade winds on your skin, and simple steps that open the heart. This one is all about aloha ʻāina—moving, chanting, and praying for the Earth together. It’s gentle, powerful, and you’ll float out lighter than you came.

What to Expect

The circle begins soft at 3:00 pm—hands joined, breath synced, the first drumbeat rolling across the grass. Dances of Universal Peace are easy-to-learn steps paired with sacred phrases from many traditions. Think call-and-response melodies, smiles, and that sweet moment when harmony finds you. By 5:00 pm, the energy turns inward for Sufi Zikr—chanting that loops like waves and, if you feel called, a little whirling on the soft lawn. It’s 30 minutes of presence. Eyes half-closed, heart wide open, the world softens to just rhythm and breath.

• ●Dances of Universal Peace: 3:00–5:00 pm
• ●Sufi Zikr (chanting & whirling): 5:00–5:30 pm
• ●Focus: Prayers for the Earth

The People

Hosted by local organizers who’ve tended these circles with plenty of aloha, this gathering welcomes all—newcomers, keiki, kūpuna, and seasoned movers. The facilitation is gentle and grounded. You’ll learn by doing, with leaders singing the lines and showing each step so everyone can relax into the joy of it. This isn’t performance—it’s participation. A true Puna-style, come-as-you-are, community practice.

The Details

• ●Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• ●Time: 3:00 PM
• ●Location: Laʻakea meadow space, Pāhoa (13-3844 Alaʻili Road)
• ●Price: Free; donations welcome

Practical notes:

• ●Parking: Park in the first lot, walk down the driveway, then turn right at the sign.
• ●Terrain: It’s a grassy meadow—barefoot or comfy flats work great.
• ●Bring: Water, light layers, a small towel or sarong to sit on, reef-safe bug spray, and a joyful voice.

Insider Tips

• ●Arrive by 2:45 pm to ground, stretch, and claim a shady spot under the trees.
• ●New to chanting? Stand near the drum or song leader—you’ll catch the melodies fast.
• ●Want to try whirling? Soft gaze, bent knees, and start slow. The grass is forgiving.
• ●If you’re shy, no stress—listening and swaying on the edge is part of the dance.

Why We Love It

Because the meadow feels like a heartbeat. You’ll hear voices drift through the palms, watch sunlight play on ʻohiʻa leaves, and feel the ʻohana vibe that Puna does better than anywhere. It’s simple. It’s free. And it reminds you that prayer can look like laughter, movement, and song.

Don’t Miss

That quiet hush after the final chant. The circle softens, the breeze cools, and gratitude lingers in the air. Stay a breath longer—you’ll feel it.

FAQ

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  Is it beginner-friendly? Yes—completely. Steps are simple and taught each time. No dance experience needed.

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  Can I bring keiki? Totally. It’s family-friendly. Keiki can join the circle or play quietly nearby.

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  What should I wear? Comfy, breathable clothes for moving. Barefoot or flexible shoes are perfect for the grass.

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  Do I need to know the songs? Nope. Everything is taught call-and-response. You’ll learn by listening and repeating.

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  Is there a cost? It’s free; donations are welcome to support the facilitators and space.

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  Where do I park? In the first lot at Laʻakea. Walk down the driveway and turn right at the sign to the meadow.

Hope to see you in the circle—come add your voice to the prayer and let the land hold the rest. When you’re ready, get tickets/RSVP →