We Tried It: A Honolulu Yoga Class Surrounded by Lush Palms

Yoga warmups on the outdoor workout patio at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

The class is called The Wild. (That caught my attention). Online it’s described as an energetic blend of vinyasa-based yoga, high-intensity training, primal movement, dance and weights. I can vouch, it checked all the boxes. My achy glutes, tender abs and throbbing thighs are proof every muscle was used in this lively session—which is a sign of a well-worth-it workout.

I popped into the Kaimukī location, across the street from Big City Diner, but there’s also a Kailua studio and the franchise offers classes on Waikīkī Beach—think of it as a naturally hot yoga session. Your first class is free and you’ll pay a drop-in fee for subsequent classes, or you can register for different membership levels at yogaunderthepalms.com.

I was surprised to be greeted by an in-house health bar loaded with healthy bites and sips: Think buffalo cauliflower wraps, Thai tofu sammies and veggie-packed juices and smoothies. Also (bonus for me), there’s a shopping nook—home to yoga essentials, trendy accessories and comfy athleisure and weekend wear. (Checkerboard cardigan, I’m coming back for you!)

Plant-based Paradise Kaimukī Cafe order window, plus yoga and lifestyle accessories for shoppers at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

The outdoor workout patio comfortably hosts about 20 people. From above, sunshine flows in through the wooden slats. Hanging lanterns evoke a Bali-esque vibe and every wall is alive with fresh foliage. It’s an alfresco nirvana. Or my dream backyard.

Owner and yoga instructor Summer Rothwell at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

Instructor Summer Rothwell, who owns the studio with her husband, gets you pumped from the get-go. She says there are around 15 to 20 different exercises/movements per class and that each class is unique. Light weights are typically incorporated as well.

A series of warrior yoga poses in The Wild class at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

The yoga warmups, paired with a slightly upbeat tempo, are quicker moving than the norm namaste routines. A series of cat and downward dog poses loosen tight muscles and the mood of the room. Twisting ab planks and side hip thrusts work the core—hard. Personally, I liked the peppy pace and mix of exercises. I’m cardio driven, so when my body is fired up and burning calories, it feels awesome.

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Yoga class participants working the core at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

Crunches, squats and light weight drills are sprinkled into the program. The music changes often and can go from Brazilian carnival beats to Megan Thee Stallion—you know the hotties get savage when her music drops. Dancing free style, slapping the ground and twerking were definitely the fun highlights of the class. And nobody was self-conscious—women were just doing their thing, having a good time. My thought witnessing this: This is how everyone should end their workdays.

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Ending the class with yoga pose Shavasana at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimukī. Photo: Stacey Makiya

The last exercise was Shavasana, a time to relax the mind and body. In other classes, I usually doze off during this time; I assume I’m not the only one. But, since this class turned me into an energizer bunny, I didn’t. Instead, my body felt exhilarated and I just laid down, closed my eyes and smiled.

3574 Wai‘alae Ave. in Kaimukī, 167 Hāmākua Drive in Kailua, (808) 492-8760; for class schedules and more info, visit, yogaunderthepalms.com, @yogaunderthepalms