Mana Yoga Studio on Kauai's North Shore was built in 1998 from recycled hurricane lumber. Hurricane Iniki struck the island with force five winds in 1992 and damaged almost every home on Kauai. The mostly cedar constructed building has a zen like decor with all wood floors and walls. The wood was painstakingly reclaimed and sanded by Mark Gilbert who built the high ceiling studio with huge screen windows looking out at the spectacular north shore mountains and waterfalls. The building is constructed with large beams and timbers which have been framed like an old New England style barn.

   The studio is owned by yoga teacher Michaelle Edwards and is located on her 5 acre property where she lives, teaches yoga, and grows fruits and vegetables. Hurricane Iniki tore the roof off of her home here and blew away almost all of her possessions. Michaelle reflects, "Hurricane Iniki was a reminder that the most important things in life are not material possessions. I am filled with renewed gratitude for life itself after experiencing the destructive power of 225 mile per hour winds."

 The studio represents the healing bourn of a natural disaster. Students are encouraged to be grateful for every breath of the sweet island air and to let the sound of the birds singing outside the rural studio be louder than their thoughts.
Michaelle Edwards has been practicing yoga for over 30 years and teaching since 1993.