Join us on the big island of Hawaii for a fabulous week of music, dancing, and exploration this Nov 9-16, 2026 (the perfect time to escape cold climates for someplace warm and tropical!)
Each day will feature a new outdoor adventure -- from visiting national parks, swimming & snorkeling the white-sand beaches, hiking to waterfalls, biking the local trails, exploring native culture & history -- plus dancing & dining every evening with the local community at the many music venues Kona has to offer. We also have a studio booked in Kona for morning classes and workshops to kick the day into gear.
The weekend of Nov 13-15 will be a special dance workshop intensive in collaboration with Denise Westbrook and the Big Island Social Dance Club where Ari teaches each year. This is a wonderful community of dancers adept at all the social dances, but particularly swing, ballroom, Latin, WCS, NC2S, and tango. Friday night will be our opening dance party, Saturday and Sunday will feature wonderful dance workshops, and Saturday night will be our big dance shindig at Denise's amazing studio.
Here is the Weekend Workshop Schedule for Kona (Please note: this is a tentative schedule and may be adjusted later):
Fri, Nov 13, 2026
=> 6:30-8:30pm: Night Club 2-Step Foundations & Fun Tricks
Sat, Nov 14, 2026
=> 1:00-2:30pm: West Coast Swing - Blues Fusion Workshop
=> 2:30–4:00pm: Fun New East Coast Swing Combinations
=> 6:30-7:00: Intro to Ballroom Blues - Teaser Class
=> 7:00–9:00pm: Fabulous Community Dance
Sun, Nov 15, 2026
=> 1:00-4:00pm: Cross-Step Waltz Class + Afternoon Tea Dance
For folks who would like to come a little earlier and explore a different part of the island, feel free to join Ari in Hilo for a special add-on adventure where he will be running a different dance workshop weekend for the Hilo community (Nov 6-8, 2026). Come see what Hilo has to offer as we explore the eastern side of the Big Island! (see "Pre-Trip Add-on" details below)
For folks who would like to come a little earlier over the Nov 6-8, 2026 weekend, feel free to join Ari in Hilo where he will be running a special workshop & dance weekend for the Hilo community from Fri-Sun. **PLEASE NOTE -- This is a separate workshop event from the Kona week. This means you would have to pay for the event yourself at the door ($65 plus $15 dance), and you would need to book your own hotel or AirBnB room while in Hilo. You can fly directly to Hilo, or you can take the FREE island bus to get there from Kona if you would like to fly into Kona (see logistics details below).
DETAILS:
WHERE: Hilo Elks Club, 150 Kino'ole St, Hilo, HI
WHEN: Fri - Sun, Nov 6-8, 2026
(Tentative) WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Fri, Nov 6, 2026
TBA
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm: Nightclub 2-Step: Fun & Flowy Combos
2:00–4:00pm: West Coast Swing - The Basics & Beyond!
7:00–9:00pm: Fabulous Community Dance - Ari DJ's the best ballroom music from around the world! ($15 separate cover at the door)
Sun, Nov 8, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm: Cross Step Waltz - Great Traveling & Raveling Variations
2:00-4:00pm: American Foxtrot - Fun Combinations
COST: (Pay at the door)
1 workshop only: $25
2 workshops: $40 (Save $10)
3 workshops: $55 (Save $20)
4 workshops: $65 (Save $35)
Saturday Dance: $15
TO REGISTER:
Write to uyedam@gmail.com to pre-register, or simply register at the door 15 minutes before class.
LOGISTICS
You can: 1) fly into Hilo for the event (airport code ITO). After the event you can take the free island bus to Kona on Nov 9th to join the group there for the Kona Dance Adventure Week portion; or 2) You can also fly to Kona first (airport code: KOA) and either take the free bus to Hilo for the workshop weekend there, or rent a car for the weekend -- lots of options :)
BUS INFO: Hawaii Island (Hele-On Bus):
Free Fares: The Hele-On bus system, serving Hawaii Island, offers free fares for its fixed routes and Kako'o paratransit services.
Service: Hele-On provides service generally seven days a week from 3:15 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Schedules and Maps: You can find schedules and maps on the Hele-On website. However, I have found the easiest way to get the schedule is to simply use Google maps. Put in Hilo as your starting location, and get directions to Kona using the public transportation icon/option (ie vs. the car driving or walking icon)
HOUSING: Housing for the pre-trip workshop weekend in Hilo would be on your own. There are many hotel and AirBnB options available. If you're planning to join us in Hilo, let Ari know. He has an AirBnB option available and may also be able to help with transportation.
GETTING THERE:
The trip will begin and end in Kona, Hawaii.
Plan to fly into Kona, Hawaii (airport code: KOA) for a 5pm start time on Mon, Nov 9, 2026. We will meet in the Royal Kona Resort Lobby for our group welcome dinner at 5pm. The Royal Kona Resort is located at: 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
If you are joining us in Hilo for the pre dance-week add-on, plan to fly into Hilo, Hawaii (airport code ITO) or at least arrive there by Friday, Nov 6th, 2026.
If you are leaving immediately from the dance camp to fly home, plan to fly out of Kona on Monday, Nov 16, 2026 Transportation to the airport is included for anyone leaving Kona that morning or afternoon before 3pm. You are, of course, more than welcome to stay longer in Hawaii, in which case you would need to get to the airport on your own if not leaving on Nov 16th.
The bulk of the dance classes will be during the workshop weekend at the Big Island Social Dance Club (see the weekend schedule in the "About This Trip" section above for the class topics), plus we will have daily morning workshops just for our group at the Island Social Dance Studio as well. Those class topics will be drawn from popular social dance styles, including swing, blues, balboa, foxtrot, waltz, WCS, NC2S, salsa, rhumba, tango, cha cha, hustle, etc. (Details TBA).
Outside of the workshop times, we will mostly be exploring the island and spending the evenings dancing with the locals at various venues with live music. We may have some spontaneous pop-up classes during the week if the group would like :)
Group activities will include daily adventures, sight-seeing and touring, evening dance parties, plenty of socializing, and many other fun "non-dancing" activities. So many options, so little time!
CLASS LEVEL: Our classes are exciting, informative, relatively fast-paced, and as such are tailored much more toward the intermediate and above level social dancer. Unless we are introducing a brand new dance, we do not gear any of our classes towards beginning dancers. Participants should have a solid, broad-based dance background.
If you have any questions about your level of dance, please let us know.
Very Early-Bird Pricing Packages: (Good through Jan 31st, 2026. Staring Feb 1st, prices go up $100)
================ OPTION 1 =====================
1) Dance Week with HOTEL & BREAKFAST:
=> For SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS: $2,295 per person (two people per room).
=> For PRIVATE ACCOMMODATIONS: $3,495 for a solo room
Lodgings will be at the beautiful Royal Kona Resort in downtown Kihei
A $600 downpayment is required to hold your spot
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability.
We try to keep an excellent lead/follow balance on our trips. Therefore, all single follows are encouraged to sign up with a lead to prevent being wait-listed. Recruit a single lead today! We do our best to clear the waitlist as soon as possible. The deposit is fully refundable if we can't get you in.
Spaces are limited to 12 leads and 12 follows (all attempts will be made to maintain lead/follow balance throughout the trip)
Pricing Includes:
7 nights lodging
Daily group breakfasts
Fri-Sun Weekend Workshop Intensive (all classes and parties)
Daily group dance classes (with opportunities for private coaching)
Numerous evening social dance opportunities with local dancers
Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation throughout
Various daily adventures & visits to local attractions (the beach, the markets, waterfalls, Volcano National Park, manta ray night dive, etc) leaving from the Royal Kona Resort
Not included:
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Tips for any hired guides, etc
Alcohol/specialty drinks not included with meals
Any extra meals/drinks not included in the itinerary
Any extra sundries/amenities/purchases
Any extra excursions not included in the itinerary (ie, Manta Ray Night Dive, Whale Watching, National Parks, etc)
================ OPTION 2 =====================
2) Dance Week Without HOTEL & BREAKFAST:
Cost: $875 (you would need to find your own housing)
Pricing Includes:
Fri-Sun Weekend Workshop Dance Intensive (all classes and parties)
Daily group dance classes (with opportunities for private coaching), with transportation to the studio provided from the Royal Kona Resort
Numerous evening social dance opportunities with local dancers (transportation provided from the Royal Kona Resort)
Various daily adventures and visits to local attractions (the beach, the markets, waterfalls, Volcano National Park, manta ray night dive, etc) leaving from the Royal Kona Resort
Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation for all events throughout, leaving from the Royal Kona Resort in downtown Kihei
Not included:
Hotel
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Tips for any hired guides, etc
Alcohol/specialty drinks not included with meals
Any extra meals/drinks not included in the itinerary
Any extra sundries/amenities/purchases
Any extra excursions not included in the itinerary (ie, Manta Ray Night Dive, Whale Watching, National Parks, etc)
================ PAYMENT INFO =====================
DEPOSIT:
A $600 deposit is required to book your reservation. Please register and pay your deposit using the WeTravel registration page below. The remainder of your payment can be made to Ari using one of the following methods:
FOR FREE:
Venmo (Send to @Ari-Levitt-1) The picture is of Ari lifting his dance partner. The last 4 digits of his phone are 9172. There is no surcharge for using Venmo.
Zelle: Send to: arilevitt@hotmail.com There is no surcharge for using Zelle
Check or Money Order (in US funds). If you are opting to pay by check, please note this on your registration form and Ari will send you more information
WITH AN ADDITIONAL FEE:
This WeTravel Site: Simply log into your WeTravel account and complete your payment there. An additional 3.5% fee will be added to the total price by WeTravel
PayPal (Send to: arilevitt@hotmail.com). You will need to add a 3.5% PayPal fee to the final cost of the trip
PASSPORT [For Non-USA Citizens]: For non-USA citizens, you’ll need a valid passport to travel to Hawaii, and your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We'll need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS [For Non-USA Citizens]: Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Proof of COVID Vaccination is NOT currently required for this trip.
No other special vaccinations are required for this trip either.
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips and will help protect both your investment and our vendors should you need to cancel. There are many companies that offer travel insurance options. You can sign up with one such policy during the payment checkout portion of this registration.
Private 3rd-Party Insurance Companies:
If you are a AAA member, you may want to check with them.
I have also found that Faye insurance is very easy to purchase online. (www.withFaye.com).
Allianz Travel Insurance seems to be a very popular choice among our travelers as well (www.allianztravelinsurance.com) If you travel several times a year, Allianz also provides an annual travel insurance policy which can save you money overall. It's very easy to sign up online, or you can contact the Allianz reservations team at 866 884-3556.
This WeTravel website has a travel insurance policy that you may purchase at checkout. The policy allows you to cancel for any reason, which is a nice option to have. Other travel insurance companies may place restrictions on why you may cancel (for medical emergency only, etc). Be sure to check your policy limitations
Here is an online list of the 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies for 2025
Airlines:
Airlines also frequently provide travel insurance for your trip that you can purchase at the check out page when you are buying your tickets, and you may want to look at that option as well. Be sure you know if this covers just the flight, or the flight and travel in-between.
Credit Card Inclusions:
Certain credit cards also provide cancellation and interruption benefits for any vacation package that you may buy using your card. This means that if you charge the full pre-paid cost of a packaged trip through a travel agency to your credit card, that expense typically qualifies for purposes of travel insurance protections. Please note: if the travel agency's merchant category or descriptions on your statement don't clearly show prepaid travel or a traveler itinerary, the card issuer may require supporting documents. One of our participants found this to be true in our case when she discovered her purchase was registered on her credit card statement as "entertainment" and not "travel". Be sure to check with your credit card company first to make sure that 1) they provide travel insurance, and that 2) you know exactly what they are covering and what you would need to submit to them for a refund
Once you have purchased your travel insurance, please let us know the company name and policy number you have with them.
Last Option:
If you don't have a policy already and don’t want to use the one offered at check-out here, feel free to CLICK HERE to purchase insurance through our affiliate company, World Nomads*.
*PLEASE NOTE: We do not represent World Nomads. As an affiliate, we receive a small commission when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. This is information only and not a requirement to buy travel insurance through this company.
Liability:
We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.
In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part (This includes such things as war, acts of terrorism, government shutdowns, airspace closures, natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest, etc).
We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.
Risks of Travel and Release:
We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country.
For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19.
YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.
If you have any questions, please contact us at danceadventures@comcast.net
Join us Nov 6-8, 2026 for a Very Special Hilo
Hawaii Swing & Latin Dance Workshop Weekend
with World Class instructor Ari Levitt
WHERE: Hilo Elks Club, 150 Kino'ole St, Hilo, HI
WHEN: Sat & Sun, May 24-25, 2025
SCHEDULE:
Fri, Nov 6, 2026
TBA
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm: East Coast Swing Foundations & Fun Tricks
2:00–4:00pm: West Coast Swing - The Basics & Beyond!
7:00–9:00pm: Fabulous Community Dance - Ari DJ's the Best Ballroom
Music from Around the World! ($15 separate cover at the door)
Sun, Nov 8, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm: Fun Cha Cha Combo's with a Little Twist
2:00-4:00pm: Bachata - Great Traveling & Raveling Variations
COST: (Pay at the door)
1 workshop only: $25
2 workshops: $40 (Save $10)
3 workshops: $55 (Save $20)
4 workshops: $65 (Save $35)
Saturday Dance: $15
TO REGISTER: Write to uyedam@gmail.com to pre-register, or register at the door 15 minutes before class.
MON, Nov 9, 2025 (Tour & Transfer to Kona)
Adventure Activities:
=> Rainbow Falls Hike
=> Volcano National Park Visit
Dinner: TBD in Kona,
or Blue Dragon, in Kawai Hai (live music)
Dancing Options:
DENISE’S
5:00-6:30pm: Salsa 201 - $18
6:30-7:30pm: Brazilian Zouk - 201 - $18
7:30-8:30pm: Brazilian Zouk- 101 - $18, $15 for 2
8:30-9:30pm: Brazilian Zouk - Practica - $10
--------------------------------------------------
For folks who would like to join us in Hilo for the pre-trip workshop weekend, you can fly into Hilo for the event, then take the free island bus to Kona on Nov 5 or 6 to join the group there for the Kona Dance Adventure Week portion. You can also fly to Kona and take the free bus to Hilo, or rent a car -- lots of options :)
BUS INFO: Hawaii Island (Hele-On Bus):
Free Fares: The Hele-On bus system, serving Hawaii Island, offers free fares for its fixed routes and Kako'o paratransit services.
Service: Hele-On provides service generally seven days a week from 3:15 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Schedules and Maps: You can find schedules and maps on the Hele-On website. However, I have found the easiest way to get the schedule is to simply use Google maps. Put in Hilo as your starting location, and get directions to Kona using the public transportation icon/option (ie vs. the car driving or walking icon)
HOUSING:
Housing for the pre-trip would be on your own. There are many hotel and AirBnB options. If you're planning to join us in Hilo, let Ari know. He has an AirBnB option available and may also be able to help with transportation.
Join us Nov 9-16, 2026 for a Very Special Kona Hawaii Swing &Waltz Dance Workshop Weekend with World Class instructor Ari Levitt
WHERE: 74-5583 Luhia St, Suite A1,Kailui-Kona, HI
WHEN: Fri, Sat & Sun, Nov 13-16, 2026
WEEKEND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Fri, Nov 13, 2026
6:30-8:30pm: Night Club 2-Step Foundations & Fun Tricks
Sat, Nov 14, 2026
1:00-2:30pm: West Coast Swing - Blues Fusion Workshop
2:30–4:00pm: European Style Swing
6:30-7:00: Intro to Blues - Teaser Class
7:00–9:00pm: Fabulous Community Dance - Ari DJ's the Best Ballroom Music from Around the World!
Sun, Nov 15, 2026
1:00-4:00pm: Cross-Step Waltz Class + Afternoon Tea Dance
GENERAL OVERVIEW - DAILY SCHEDULE:
**Please note — this is a tentative schedule of activities only and may be adjusted on the fly as new information becomes available and new activity options open up (We often learn about new places to dance or new fun things to do when we are on island). Your adventurous spirit and flexibility in this regard is very much appreciated. It will be fabulous!
MON: Nov 9th: Arrivals
=> Sunset Dinner: Papa Kona’s 7am-9pm: 75-5770 Ali’i Dr 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona
=> Dancing Options:
DENISE’S (separate charge at the door $18/class)
5:15-6:15pm: Latin dances 101
6:15-7:15pm: Rumba - Level 4
6:15-7:15pm: West Coast 201
7:15-8:15pm: West Coast Swing-Level I-Ongoing
TUES: Nov 10th
=> Adventure Activities:
Early morning snorkel
Beaches, Turtles, Exploring the coast
Evening Manta Ray Dive (Optional): Dolphin Discoveries $80
=> Dinner: Huggo’s on the Rocks: 75-5824 Khaki Rd, KailuaKona, live music
=> Dancing Options:
Morning Group Private with Ari @ Denise's (Optional, Time TBD)
DENISE’S - class options (separate charge at the door $18/class)
5:15-6:15pm: Salsa -101
6:15-7:15pm: Bachata 101
6:15-7:15pm: Bachata 201
7:15-8:15pm: Salsa Rueda
WED: Nov 11th
=> Adventure Activities:
Early morning snorkel
Black Sand Beach Hike, Pololu Valley.
Or if bad weather, can go to Volcano National Park
=> Lunch: Off the Grid Food Truck a Pololu Valley, or
Gil’s Lanai, Kapaau (Live music on Thur night)
=> Dinner: At the Elks Club, Kona - Tex Mex Band Ranchera 6-9pm.
(Dinner ends at 6pm, so we can also go elsewhere)
=> Dancing Options:
Morning Group Private with Ari @ Denise's (Optional, Time TBD)
Elks Club, band Ranchera 6-9pm (Marlina’s Band)
Ari teaches min lesson 7:15-7:45pm
DENISE’S
6:00-7:00pm: Romance Dance - Level 2/3 - $18 or $9
Blue Dragon - Alex Marley Reggae
Willies: 6:30-9:00 Ronnie V. & Friends
THUR: Nov 12th
=> Adventure Activities:
Early morning snorkel
Beaches, Turtles, Exploring the coast
=> Lunch: TBA
=> Dinner: TBA
=> Dancing Options:
Morning Group Private with Ari @ Denise's (Optional, Time TBD)
Open Evening
DENISE’S
TBA
FRI: Nov 13th
=> Adventure Activities:
Early morning snorkel at Kealakekua Bay - Captain Cook Memorial
Visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunaua (Place of Refuge) National Park
Coffee, or Chocolate, or Vanilla Plantation Tour
=> Lunch: The Coffee Shack, just above Kealakekua Bay
=> Dinner: TBD
=> Dancing Options:
DENISE’S - Ari’s Workshop Weekend
=> 6:30-8:30pm: Night Club 2-Step Foundations & Fun Tricks
SAT: Nov 14th
=> Adventure Activities:
Early morning snorkel
=> Lunch: TBD
=> Dinner: TBD 5:00-6:30pm before evening class
=> Dancing Options:
DENISE’S - Ari’s Workshop Weekend
=> 1:00-2:30pm: West Coast Swing - Blues Fusion Workshop
=> 2:30–4:00pm: European Style Swing
=> 6:30-7:00: Intro to Blues - Teaser Class
=> 7:00–9:00pm: Fabulous Community Dance
- Ari DJ's the Best Ballroom Music from Around the World!
SUN, Nov 15th
=> Adventure Activities:
Kahalu’u beach for snorkeling, or
Pure Kona Green Market @ Amy B Greenway Botanical Gardens. 9am-2pm
=> Brunch: Brunch at the Coffee Shack: 83-5799 Mamalohoa Hwy
=> Dinner:
=>Dancing Options:
DENISE’S - Ari’s Workshop Weekend
=> 1:00-2:00pm: Cross-Step Waltz Class
=> 2:00-4:00pm: Cross-Step Waltz Class + Afternoon Tea Dance
MON, Nov 16th
=> Departure
