Hawaii's baking traditions carry the spirit of everyone who has ever called these islands home: Portuguese plantation workers who brought malasadas, Japanese immigrants who brought mochi, and generations of home bakers who turned tropical fruit and vanilla into something entirely their own. This retreat gives guests the opportunity to follow those flavors across two islands, from a working vanilla farm on the Big Island to a beachside kitchen on Kaua'i's North Shore.

We'll start on the Big Island, based at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast. A morning at Hawaiian Vanilla Company brings guests into the fields where the farm's orchids are hand-pollinated one bloom at a time, followed by a tour and tasting at Honoka'a Chocolate. The centerpiece of our time here is a full day of baking at The Treehouse, a secluded rainforest retreat on the Hamakua Coast reached only by private access, where a swimmable waterfall, winding streams, and a 500-tree lychee orchard set the scene for a hands-on class with chef Vitaly Paley, built around malasadas and other recipes inspired by the island's bounty. Before we leave the Big Island, we'll spend a morning on the water watching for humpback whales.

From there, we'll fly as a group to Kaua'i and settle in at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the North Shore. Guests will shake up their own Mai Tais, walk through Hanalei on a guided food tour, and try their hand at mochi-making and a Hawaiian poke class. We'll close the week on the beach, making leis at sunset over a final group dinner.

Guests will stay at two exclusive five-star properties across the trip: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Big Island, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kaua'i.

This retreat is limited to 16 bakers and is designed for those who love baking, beauty, and thoughtful travel.

• 8 nights in stunning accommodations (4 nights at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection; 4 nights at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay)

• Helicopter transfer and hands-on baking workshop at The Treehouse

• Whale watching excursion with Adventure Boat Tours

• Mochi workshop and Hawaiian poke master class

• Farm tour and lunch at Hawaiian Vanilla Company

• VIP tour and tasting at Honoka'a Chocolate

• Ono Kaua'i Food Tour

• Mai Tai cocktail class

• Flight to Kauaʻi

• Private roundtrip airport transfers

• Daily breakfast, some lunches, and group dinner

• One-year Bake from Scratch or other Hoffman Media subscription of your choosing

• Gift bag with curated favorites

• Airfare to and from Hawaii

• Some meals

What’s Included for Non-Baking Guest

• 8 nights in stunning accommodations (4 nights at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection; 4 nights at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay)

• Farm tour and lunch at Hawaiian Vanilla Company

• Mai Tai cocktail class

• Flight to Kauaʻi

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• Daily breakfast and group dinner

What’s Not Included for Non-Baking Guest

• Airfare to and from Hawaii

• Some meals

• Baking classes and some activities

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Set on 34 oceanfront acres along the Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani is home to historic Hawaiian fishponds, a half-mile of coastline, and the island's storied fire pits at sunset. As part of the Auberge Collection, it blends timeless Hawaiian tradition with elevated, contemporary hospitality.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Perched above Hanalei Bay on Kaua'i's North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a sustainability-minded retreat surrounded by lush tropical flora, with sweeping views of the bay's mountains and the Pacific from every room.

You'll fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island and depart from Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kaua'i at the end of the retreat. Your airfare from Kona to Lihue is included. 

The retreat ends on Kauaʻi. Hawaiian Airlines has inexpensive daily flights to Honolulu, other islands, and the West Coast. 

Private transportation is included throughout the retreat, along with transfers to and from both airports.

The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due November 1, 2026

• Payments accepted: American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

This retreat requires a minimum of 16 participants to proceed. If fewer than 16 guests have registered by two months prior to the retreat's start date, we reserve the right to cancel the retreat. We will email all registered participants to confirm once the minimum has been met. If we cancel due to low enrollment, we will refund all payments made.

If we must cancel the retreat for any other reason beyond our control, our liability is limited to a refund of amounts paid or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. In all cancellation scenarios, we are not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants, including airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

We are also not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided.

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

Do single travelers attend your retreats?

We always have single travelers on our retreats, and many make plans in advance for dinners and free time. We will connect you with all travelers ahead of the retreat via WhatsApp.

What airport should I fly into?

You'll fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island. As a group, we will fly to Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauaʻi. The retreat ends on Kauaʻi. Hawaiian Airlines has inexpensive daily flights to Honolulu, other islands, and the West Coast. 

Is breakfast included?

Yes, daily breakfast is included.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking sessions are fully hands-on.

Are children allowed?

All participants must be 18 years or older.

What should I wear?

Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.

Will we have free time?

Yes. Leisure time is thoughtfully built into the itinerary.

Can I extend my stay?

Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay before or after the retreat.