Hawaii Yoga Institute's 200-HR Yoga Teacher Training

Go beyond

learning postures.

This training takes you through a comprehensive curriculum beyond postures and classroom application. This is the kind of learning that you won't do on your own.

I'm Interested

Get certified.

Learn with expert faculty.

You'll hear different perspectives from our lead faculty who have 30+ years of teaching experience and come from BIPOC backgrounds.

Choose your own learning format.

We provide weekends and immersion programs to accommodate your life schedule.

Have flexible payment options.

Our trainings are GI Bill® eligible and MyCAA approved. We offer scholarships and payment plans.

Have a genuine community.

You get access to a network of colleagues and community of teachers.

Our methodology:

We're challenging the old way.

Many 200-HR programs ask you to read a text, apply that information on your own, and use static approaches. We provide an interactive learning environment so that you can discuss concepts, challenge binary thinking, and formulate your own opinions.

Our faculty members cover curriculum to meet teaching objectives while adapting to the student group and centering social awareness.

HYI prioritizes you gaining teaching experience so that you are confident to teach inclusive classes that create a sense of belonging for your students. Nearly a quarter of our classroom time is dedicated to you actually teaching.

Financial support options:

Our programs are GI Bill® eligible and MyCAA approved.

HYI is a VA-approved facility, meaning that our 200-HR teacher trainings are GI Bill® eligible and MyCAA approved.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we also provide scholarships and work-trade options when funding is available.

Payment plans are always available. We accept PayPal Pay Later, so that you can pay in 4 interest-free payments. Or, you can opt for the flexibility of 6, 12, or 24 payments.

Faculty & Community:

Diversity is crucial.

We LOVE that our students and faculty don't fit the yoga stereotype. Our lead faculty are all BIPOC women from different cultural backgrounds. Our students come from incredibly different backgrounds, and you get to learn from and with them. You will learn just as much from your peers as you will from your faculty.

Nobody should have to change themselves to be "good" at yoga. Everyone should get to feel at home in their practice and their teaching, and our community and classroom supports this.

Our Curriculum:

Have professional readiness at your fingertips.

We meet all requirements of Yoga Alliance, and we take it further. With all topics (alignment, anatomy, philosophy, etc.), you will understand the WHY behind the WHAT so that you can make informed decisions to best suit your students' needs.

We hold converstations around the intersection of yoga, accessibility, and social justice because these are the challenges that confront us daily. They can be hard to talk about, and we want the first time you encounter these things to be in the classroom—not when you're caught off guard and about to teach a class.

See our full curriculum in the FAQ section below.

Upcoming Trainings

2025 dates, format, and tuition have not been announced yet. Fill out an Interest Form below and join our newsletter to get updates.

Interest Form

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide scholarships and work-trade options. More information will be available when we announce the next training.

Here's what to expect.

This is not a safe space.

This is a brave space.

This will not be a safe space. This is a brave space. Only you can determine what is safe for you. And you will be encouraged to hold space for yourself and for others.

This is not a transformative teacher training. You are already a whole person. This training is here to teach you skills and advance your knowledge.

This is not a pedagogical training. You will learn as much from your fellow trainees as you will from faculty. More over, our faculty are just as excited to learn from you!

This is not a vacation.

This is a place to learn.

PREPARATION

Prior to YTT, practice with as many different teachers and styles as you can. Note down the things you like, don't like, and why. Observe what teachers do to create an inclusive learning environment, such as their language choices, sequencing, and class setup.

READING

Required reading before YTT:

- Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson

Required during YTT:

- Heart of Yoga by TVK Desikachar

- Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali, Chip Hartranft

Recommended texts during YTT:

- Yoga for Everyone by Dianne Bondy

EQUIPMENT

- 2 yoga blocks

- 1 yoga strap

- 1 yoga bolster

HYI's enrollment requirements

We thrive when you thrive.

Don't believe us. Ask our graduates.

Watch Testimonials

See what our graduates say.

"Hawaii Yoga Institute completely exceeded all of my expectations from a yoga teacher training. Its teachers currate an incredibly holistic education of all aspects of yoga and honor its rich history and healing and connecting power. This training truly changed my life, and I cannot wait to take everything I have learned out into the world to share with others. I cannot recommend this program enough to anyone is interested in any aspect of yoga."

Arabel Meyer, 2023

"I had the fundamental tools, confidence, knowledge, and access to be a successful teacher the day I completed this program. As a veteran, this space was inclusive, and that was special. Also, the on-campus host and chef really set this training apart from others."

Sonia, 2023

"Everything about this training exceeded expectations—the venue, meals, hosts, teachers, and course content. The training focused on allowing yoga to be accessible to all bodies. This is a powerful tool to take into the yoga teaching world. What sets this experience apart from other YTTs is the people, particularly our teachers Kilty and Stephanie, who have so much experience and knowledge to share. Their teaching styles complement each other. Coming here was one of the best decisions I've made. Thank you!"

Jess, 2023

FAQ

Do I need to have yoga experience in order to take the 200-HR YTT?

We encourage you to take at least 2 yoga classes a week for 2 months prior to the training (a total of 16 classes minimum). If this is not possible in your situation, please let us know during your enrollment process so that we can discuss your personal yoga history. We welcome beginner and seasoned students.

What is covered in the curriculum?

TECHNIQUES, TRAINING AND PRACTICE, 75 HOURS

Asana

● Historical context

● Posture alignment

● Complete and safe sequencing

● Anatomical/alignment principles and contraindications

Pranayama & Subtle Body

● Historical context

● Effects of pranayama on body

● Sequencing with alternatives and adaptations

● Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, others

● Koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis, prana vayus

Meditation

● Key meditation terms

● Methods

● Ability to practice meditation

● Chanting, mantras, and mudras

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 30 HOURS

Anatomy and Physiology

● Skeletal system, muscular system

● Nervous system (stress response, mind-body connection)

● Bodily systems as they relate to yoga practice

● Respiratory system involvement

Biomechanics

● Types of joint movement

● Movement for balancing, stretching, awareness, and

physical limitations

● Contraindications, adaptations

YOGA HUMANITIES, 40 HOURS

History

● Definition of yoga

● Lineage, key ideas, and dates of Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial, Modern

Philosophy

● Relationship of asana, pranayama, meditation

● Major yogic texts

● How philosophy relates to the practice

Ethics

● Yoga Sutras ethical precepts

● Yoga Alliance ethical scope of practice

● Increasing equity in yoga

● Accountability measures

● How yoga ethics relate to practice and teaching

PROFESSIONAL ESSENTIALS, 55 HOURS

Teaching Methodology

● Sequencing, pace, cueing (verbal, visual, physical)

● Environment, class management

Professional Development

● YA credentialing process, continuing education

● Ethical commitment, liability, insurance, waivers

● Continuing education

● Professionalism, marketing, and promotion

Practicum

● Practice teaching exercises in small groups

● Giving/receiving feedback, mentoring, self-evaluations

● Design & teach a full yoga class in personal style

● Yoga research or specialized applications

● Practicum is completed within the training with classmates and lead teacher

Electives

● Ayurveda

What style of yoga will I be certified in?

Your yoga certification will be in multi-style yoga. We feel it is valuable in modern times to have a well-rounded yoga education. We pride ourselves on giving you a unique educational experience with an introduction to many yoga styles and traditions so that you may develop your own individual teaching voice from what you've learned.

I can't do certain postures or have an injury/disability. Can I participate?

Absolutely! Yoga is for everyone and every body. There are lots of ways to practice, teach, and engage in the training without doing every single posture. Your experience will serve as a teacher to others. Plus, we spend lots, if not more, time on philosophy, ethics, and the non-physical parts of this discipline.

Can I teach yoga classes after the 200-HR YTT?

Yes! After you complete the full 200-HR yoga teacher training, you will have the tools to organize and teach classes. You will also be able to register as a nationally recognized yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance (YA). While many studios do not require you to be registered with YA, they may request to see a graduation certificate from the yoga school you studied with.

What are the requirements for enrollment?

We require all students to have English-language competency, go through a 15-minute phone interveiw, have experience practicing with a yoga teacher or therapist, and demonstrate physical/mental health and readiness to fully participate in the demands of this program. You can read through all of the pre-enrollment information HERE.

What are the requirements for graduation?

• 100% attendance

• Participation in daily classroom discussion and teaching-practicum

• Prepare and teach a 20-minute yoga class

• Prepare and teach two 60-minute yoga classes

• Complete and demonstrate comprehension of the final written exam

All of these items will explained in-depth at the beginning of training and completed throughout the duration of the training. You will be well prepared to accomplish these items.

I have a previous commitment and need to miss a day(s) of class. Can I still sign up and participate in the course?

We recognize that 200 hours is a big commitment, and that there are some unavoidable time conflicts. However, we do have an attendance policy that we ask ALL students to agree to before enrolling. Missed hours require private make-up sessions and a make-up fee. If you'd like more information on this, please reach out, and let's chat about your needs.

Do you offer scholarships?

Scholarships are given on an individual basis. Here is the application. We do offer an early-bird discount for the 200-HR and 300-HR programs. We also accept MyCAA and GI Bill payments.

Do you accept GI Bill® or MyCAA payments?

HYI's 200HR in-person program is approved for students with VA benefits. Please click here to check your eligibility for the GI Bill® or call the GI Bill® Student Help Line at (888) 442-4551. We look forward to helping you complete your 200-HR YTT with this special tuition assistance option.

If you are a spouse of someone who is active in the military, you may be eligible for the federal MyCAA tuition assistance program. Please click here to learn more about the MyCAA program. We look forward to helping you complete your 200-HR YTT with this special 100-percent tuition assistance option.

I'm an international student. Can I attend the 200-HR YTT?

Yes! If you have specific questions about payment or certification, please reach out.

Do you provide housing accommodations?

For the extended weekends program, we do NOT offer housing. However we are happy to make some recommendations and connect you with any other students who are also looking for housing.

For the 3-week immersion program, YES, we do offer housing. More information is here. Space is limited.

We can't wait to learn with you.

Submit an Interest Form

2024© Hawaii Yoga Institute is a 501(c)(3) corporation organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill | Yoga Alliance®

info@hawaiiyogaintitute.com

(808) 262 - YOGA