Ukulele Retreats

 

Photo: Larry Santos

Join us for our 5th annual
‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i!

March 22-26, 2026

Now accepting deposits:

Our 2025 retreat was truly extraordinary, and we're thrilled to share a glimpse of the experience with you! Enjoy Craig's beautifully crafted wrap-up video, featuring the most memorable moments and testimonials from our participants. ‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i will return in March 2026. We're creating another intimate retreat with 75 spaces available.

Only 9 slots left!

〰️〰️〰️〰️

Only 9 slots left! 〰️〰️〰️〰️

What does my retreat pricing include?

We have been hard at work making this retreat better and better each year. After feedback from our 2025 attendees, we are excited to announce we’ll be adding a second catered dinner and more cultural classes. Our *base price of $3,800 includes:

  • All ‘Ukulele & Cultural Programming

  • Sunday Reception with pupu buffet

  • Catered Lunches

  • Tuesday & Wednesday Catered Dinner

  • Recordings of all workshops after the event ends

  • Guest Instructors & Performers throughout

  • 4 Night Stay at the Kahala Hotel & Resort

*Base price is predicated on room availability of the Golf Mountain View Category. Subject to change once our contracted amount of rooms is reached. Book early to ensure your preferred room category.

Who is this Retreat For?

Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel at the Kahala Hotel & Resort Beach.

  • Curriculum will be geared for Confident Beginners to Intermediate players.

    • Confident Beginners are players that know most of their first position chords, some barre chords, and are comfortable with a handful of picking and strumming patterns. Though they do not need to read tablature, it will be beneficial if they have a basic understanding of it.

  • Breakout sessions will allow us to work with different levels in smaller groups

Why the Kahala Hotel and Resort?

We wanted you to be inspired, not only by the teaching, but by our location as well. With their spacious sleeping rooms and the beach being mere feet away, we know you will absolutely love this beautiful venue located on the outskirts of Honolulu.

  • Though it is out of the main city, it has a free shuttle to take you to the Kahala Mall and Waikīkī.

  • They have a Hertz Car Rental on site.

  • The Kahala hosts its own cultural activities such as lei making, basket weaving, hula, and more.

  • They also have boogie board, snorkel gear, stand up paddle board, kayak, and bike rentals. There are also daily yoga glasses available as well.

  • Enjoy their onsite dolphins via their Dolphin Quest Program. Participation in a Dolphin Quest experience supports vital marine mammal conservation, education and scientific study.

Meet our Hawai‘i Retreat Staff!

More Special Guest Artist and Teachers to be Announced Soon!

  • Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel

    Hosts & Instructors

  • Marion Koleski

    Travel Agent & Coordinator

  • Neal Chin

    Core Staff

  • Cory Mau

    Core Staff

  • Jeff Peterson

    Guest Instructor

  • Mika Kane

    Guest Instructor

  • David Kekoa Woodward

    Guest Instructor

  • Andrew Molina

    Guest Instructor

  • Jonah Davis

    Guest Instructor

  • Lina Girl

    Guest Instructor

Join us for our ‘Ukulele Retreat
San Diego!

June 28 - July 2, 2026

Now accepting deposits:

Due to our contractual agreement with the hotel, commuter rates will only be offered after our room block is fully booked. If classroom space is still available at that time, Marion will send out an e-mail to those that inquired.

Deposit refundable until Sept. 1

What does my retreat pricing include?

Our ‘ukulele retreats were originally going to start in San Diego in 2020. We are excited to bring this event back and make it even better! Here is what is included in our base pricing of $3,300:

  • Public concert on the first evening, with preferred seating for retreat attendees

  • Lunch on each full program day

  • Daily ukulele workshops

  • Recordings of all classes

  • Optional evening open mics/jams

  • PDFs for all workshops

Who is this Retreat For?

  • Curriculum will be geared for Confident Beginners to Intermediate players.

    • Confident Beginners are players that know most of their first position chords, some barre chords, and are comfortable with a handful of picking and strumming patterns. Though they do not need to read tablature, it will be beneficial if they have a basic understanding of it.

  • Breakout sessions will allow us to work with different levels in smaller groups

Why the Mission Bay Resort:

We wanted you to be inspired, not only by the teaching, but by our location as well. This hotel is the site of where our original ‘Ukulele Retreat (2020) was set to be and we are excited to finally have the opportunity to host it there in 2026. Amenities include:

  • Recently upgraded spacious rooms and suites

  • Beach access

  • Bonfire stations (certain room types)

  • Waterfront pool, poolside cabanas, and keiki wading pool

  • Tennis & Pickleball court access as well as resort games like Volleyball, giant chess, and more.

  • Free access to Men & Women’s Sauna

  • For families, keiki pop up tents, bonfires & s’mores (Saturday is free!), baby gear rental.

  • Easy access to paddle board & boat rental

Meet our San Diego Retreat Staff!

More Special Guest Artist and Teachers to be Announced Soon!

  • Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel

    Hosts & Instructors

  • Marion Koleski

    Travel Agent & Coordinator

  • Neal Chin

    Core Staff

  • Cory Mau

    Core Staff

  • UkuLenny

    Instructor

What others have to say about Craig & Sarah’s events

“You created a life-changing event. Seriously. I was aware of the passion, talent, joy, and incredibly supportive community that has gathered worldwide around the ukulele. But this was the first time I had experienced the full depth and breadth of that in person.”
— Scott D.
“LOVED the retreat! Craig and Sarah give so much of themselves, and I know the organization of the event must be enormous!”
— Megan R.
“Wonderful retreat and I look forward to going to more in the future. I’ve learned a tremendous amount and look forward to applying it to my practice and playing.”
— Lois L.
“I think Sarah and Craig are marvelous teachers. I have the great opportunity to attend workshops and I always come away learning a ton and having fun too. They are nurturing teachers and they make me feel like I have potential and something to offer.”
— Mia H.

PAST IN PERSON RETREATS

‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i
March 16-20, 2025

‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i
March 17-21, 2023

‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i
March 5-10, 2023

‘Ukulele Retreat Hawai‘i - March 20-24, 2022

Craig made a point of doing DAILY Vlogs for our very first in person retreat and it was an incredible experience.