Movement‑Based Classes Designed for Balance, Strength, and Self‑Care
New Summer Classes to Sample in August
Experience movement, mindfulness, and community at Kokokahi
Try something new and reconnect with yourself. Both members and non-members can try up to 7 Wellness Classes completely free!
Free August Classes
Mondays 1:00pm-2:00pm
Join us for a free weekly Wellness Walk as part of the Wellness by the Bay. Led by Gabrielle (Gaby) Toloza of Mindful Connections, LL.
These guided one-hour walks combine gentle movement, mindfulness, nature, and community connection to support overall well-being. Enjoy a refreshing walk around the beautiful Kokokahi campus, engage in mindful reflection, and connect with others in a welcoming, supportive environment. Suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Wednesdays 9:30am-10:30am
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of everyday life. While we can’t always control the challenges we face, we can learn healthy, practical ways to respond to them.
This beginner-friendly workshop introduces meditation as an accessible, evidence-informed tool for managing stress and supporting overall mental well-being. Participants will gain a better understanding of how stress affects the mind and body, why the mind naturally becomes busy, and how meditation can help cultivate greater awareness, resilience, and inner calm.
Through education, discussion, and guided meditation, participants will learn simple techniques they can begin using immediately to better navigate the demands of daily life.
No previous meditation experience is required.
Location: meet at Hale Ana
This class is taught by Certified Meditation Teacher and Founder of Layer.
Fridays 12:00PM-1:00PM
Take a mindful pause in the middle of your day and reconnect with your body, breath, and community. Midday Reset Yoga is a gentle, beginner-friendly class designed to help you release stress, reset your nervous system, and return to your day feeling grounded and refreshed.
Experience:
Gentle, accessible yoga for all levels—perfect for beginners
Simple techniques to ease tension and relieve stress
A chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reset midday
Connect with others in a welcoming, supportive community
Location: meet at Hale Ana
This class is taught by Dr. Donna Mayeda of Ke Ola Noa
Fridays 4:00pm-5:00pm
Join Julie Ann Aragaki for a restorative sound healing session using crystal sound bowls to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and reset the nervous system. This calming experience offers a space to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with inner peace and well-being
Suggested Props to bring to Enhance the Experience:
-Yoga Mat: Provides foundational cushioning and insulation against the floor.
-Bolsters & Pillows: Placed under the knees or neck to relieve tension and support long periods of lying down.
-Blankets: Essential for staying warm, as the body's core temperature often drops when deeply relaxed.
-Eye Pillows: Help block out visual distractions and promote deeper nervous system regulation.
Location: meet at Hale Nanea Rm.4
Upcoming Wellness by the Bay Classes
Sign Up for Classes
Complete Registration form below.
Select up to 7 classes on a mix and match basis.
Start attending any of our free classes - 7 Free of charge!
Member Only Classes
$50 YWCA Kokokahi Membership is required to attend these classes. Additional fees and class tuition may be added
Mondays: 8:30am - 9:30am
Taught by Ky Voung of Key Fitness join us for 8 sessions learning different kinds of circuit training with his one-of-a-kind Ky Fittness Truck.
Build strength, improve mobility, and gain confidence through functional exercises that support everyday activities. This welcoming, all-levels class combines dynamic warm-ups, strength training, balance work, and light cardio using bodyweight movements and equipment such as resistance bands and kettlebells. Participants will improve overall fitness, flexibility, and stability in a supportive community environment.
Fee: $80/month. Non-refundable +YWCA Kokokahi Membership
Tuesdays: 9:00am - 10:00am
Taught by Vangie White, Kokokahi’s own Aquatics Manager. Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention Instructor.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall well-being through Tai Chi, a gentle mind-body exercise practiced worldwide for its health benefits. This class is designed to help reduce the risk of falls while promoting relaxation, coordination, and confidence in movement. Suitable for beginners and adults of all fitness levels.
Please wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes, and bring water for hydration. Registration is required, with limited space available on a first come, first served basis.
Fee: Free with YWCA Kokokahi Membership
Wednesdays 11:00am-12:00pm
Classes Begin Wednesday September 9th, 2026.
Strum, Sing and Play Ukulele with Collete Pohlman. This engaging class focuses on learning how to play the ukulele, including a variety of strumming techniques, musical keys, and time signatures. Participants will also be introduced to percussion instruments and singing while exploring different musical styles and cultures.
Music is a fun way to stimulate the mind, build confidence, and develop creativity. Open to both beginners and advanced students, this class provides a supportive and enjoyable environment for learning, practicing, and making music together.
Fee: $80.00 + YWCA Kokokahi Membership
Tuesdays 1:45pm-3:45pm
*Begins September 1st, 2026
Simple Mah Jong, Mah Jong Kailua style.
Taught by Barbra Green
Fee: Free with YWCA Kokokahi Membership
Program Highlights
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Attend up to seven classes within a single calendar month. Classes cover a variety of practices designed to help participants deepen their connection to themselves, to the land, and to community. New classes added each month. *Select classes require a membership and/or a drop-in fee.
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Mix and match complimentary classes to fit your schedule. Preview Kokokahi’s offerings and see whether a membership is a good fit for you!
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Enjoy free parking and experience our beautifucampus. Classes take place in a variet of picturesque settings—our waterfront gymnasium, historic cabins, and shaded, tree‑lined lawns.
Meet Our Instructors
Gaby Toloza
These guided walks are designed to promote movement, mindfulness, social connection, and overall well-being.
Wellness Walk FacilitatorKawehi Hopkins
Kawehi is a Certified Meditation Teacher and the founder of Layer, a wellness brand dedicated to helping people build an inner world they love to live in through practical tools, meditation, and community.
Certified Meditation Teacher, Founder of Layer
Donna Mayeda, MD, Dip. ABLM
Dr. Donna Mayeda is a primary care physician committed to helping people build healthier, more connected lives through movement, mindfulness, and community. Drawing from both medical practice and personal experience, they recognize yoga’s ability to support physical health, reduce stress, and promote healing beyond traditional care.
Ke Ola Noa – Direct Primary Care
Julie Ann Aragaki is a happiness practitioner who helps people calm their minds, reset their nervous systems, and find happiness from within.
Through sound therapy, she learned to slow down, become present, and recognize the abundance already around her. Today, Julie uses the healing power of sound to help others cultivate greater joy, gratitude, and well-being.
Meditation Facilitator Julie Ann Aragaki
Fitness coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Key Fitness HawaiiKy Vuong
Ky has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals improve strength, mobility, and overall wellness. As owner of FitTruk, Hawaii's mobile fitness experience, he is passionate about making fitness accessible, engaging, and effective for people of all ages and abilities. Ky specializes in functional fitness training, emphasizing real-world movement, injury prevention, and sustainable healthy lifestyles.
Vangie White
Kokokahi Aquatics Manager and Certified Tai Chi InstructorShe is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and water safety through high-quality aquatics programming and Tai Chi instruction. With a passion for helping others build confidence, strength, balance, and lifelong skills, Vangie creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants of all ages and abilities.
Barbra grew up in Kailua and graduated from Kailua High School and finished degrees from UH Hilo and UH Manoa, with BA Sociology and MED Higher ED Administration. Now retired, she plays 3-5 times a week and is thrilled to offer a class at Kokokahi YWCA.
Mahjong InstructorBarbra Green
Colette Young Pohlman
She is a former DOE Music Specialist and professional entertainer with extensive experience teaching multicultural music in Hawaiian, Japanese, Spanish, French, and English. Her classes explore a variety of genres including Hawaiian, Pop, Rock n Roll, R&B, and Ballads, while building skills in ukulele, vocals, rhythm, movement, and percussion.
Ukulele InstructorFrequently Asked Questions
Who is the 7‑Class Wellness Classes?
The pilot program is available to non‑members who want to try Kokokahi group wellness classes before joining.
How many classes can I attend?
You may attend any seven group wellness classes.
When must the punch card be used?
The 7‑Classs must be used within the same month you are registered for. All seven classes must be completed by the end of that month.
What happens after I use all seven classes?
After all seven classes are used, continued access to classes requires a $50 Friends of Kokokahi membership.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions or additional details, email Kati at kchau@ywcaoahu.org, or call (808)784-0430