Listen, and you will realize that we are made
not from cells or from atoms.​We are made from stories.
― Mia Couto

An Iconic Hawaiian Getaway 

Beach, Bike, Golf, Books, Relax. Includes parking pass to Mauna Lani Beach Club.

Ready to visit Hawai'i after reading Sara's novels? We've got you covered. The Surf House is located in the upscale community of Kulalani, within the world-class Mauna Lani Resort. Just minutes from gorgeous beaches and pristine ocean, it's the perfect location from which to explore the island. Sara's family once owned a small lava rock beach house in Puako, and her love for this coast and its waters runs deep.  

This charming, light-filled two-bedroom townhouse features soaring ceilings, large windows, and spacious, comfortable living areas, it’s the ideal place to relax and unwind. All of the units here are two-story and encompass both the bottom and top floors, so you will have no one above or below you. 

Location & Access to Amenities
Just minutes away (drive, bike, walk) from pristine beaches and the stunning Kohala coastline, you’ll have access to Kulalani’s premier recreation center, with two pools (an adult lap pool and a lagoon-style pool), two hot tubs, a fitness center, and a pavilion for gathering & BBQ. A parking pass to the Mauna Lani Beach Club gives you easy access to crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, paddle in the ocean, or catch a wave at Makaʻiwa Bay. 
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Authentic Hawai’i
As a special treat, guests will receive our complimentary Hawaiʻi Island Travel Guide offering local, hand-picked recommendations for exploring the island. Also,  you’ll get Sara Ackerman’s Book Sites, full of key locations from her novels. 

About Mauna Lani Resort
Located just 30 minutes from Keahole-Kona Airport, Mauna Lani spans 32 miles of breathtaking coastline. With magical beaches, two world-famous golf courses, historic fishponds & petroglyphs, and coastal walking trails, it’s a true paradise. 

Kohala Coast
​Writers Retreat

There is no adventure quite like the novel writing journey.

At the Kohala Coast Writers Retreat, your private group of 2-4 writers will work directly with USA Today bestselling author Sara Ackerman, who’s walked the very same path—and now wants to help light the way for you. We delve into elements of story that make up a novel, and how to craft a work that is unforgettable and unique to you, from expert plotting tips, to writing habits that actually work, to getting to the finish line and finding an agent/publisher.
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All retreats are flexible to your writing level, whether you simply have an idea for a novel or you have a few manuscripts under your belt yet want to deepen your work. Each guest will receive a copy of Sara's little book, The Novel Gameplan, as part of your retreat experience—and the daily sessions will bring its teachings to life in real time. Each session will include short writing/journaling activities that help you focus on where exactly youʻre going with your story.

The sessions are held in the beautiful Surf House (see to the left) in the Mauna Lani Resort. Theyʻll be relaxed but also highly productive, fun and inspirational, and are designed to transform your writing game.

Retreats are offered once each season.

The Retreat Includes

  • 5 nights/4 days lodging at the Surf House 
  • 2.5 hours each day (late morning or early afternoon) learning & writing with Sara
  • 1 morning coastal walk with Sara (optional)
  • 2 late afternoon/evening talk story events with Sara
  • 1 query critique or first page critique
  • Each writer receives a selection of Hawaiian goodies, including a signed copy of one of Sara's novels
  • Time to relax on the beach out front, or explore the natural beauty of Hawai'i Island

Pricing

Prices are flat rate for the whole group and include 5 nights of lodging + cleaning fee (travel & meals not included)
- 2 writers $3,800 plus tax
- 3 writers $4,200
- 4 writers $4,600​
  • Additional nights of lodging are optional for an additional charge, pending availability.
  • Should you want more writers in your group, inquire with Sara.

​Are you ready to take that leap? Great things will happen when you do! Please click the link below and we'll email you a flier.
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    CONTACT SARA

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