Visitor Participation Agreement & Liability Waiver
Last Updated: March 4, 2026
Pohoiki Ashram is a spiritual and religious community located in Hawaiʻi devoted to prayer, service to the land, and communal spiritual practice in the lineage of Shri Haidakhan Babaji.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the life of the ashram. Because the ashram is located on natural volcanic land and includes physical outdoor activities, all visitors must read and agree to the following terms before entering or participating in activities on the property.
1. Nature of the Ashram
Pohoiki Ashram is a place of spiritual practice rooted in daily prayer (aarti), communal service (karma yoga), and simple living. Visitors are invited to participate respectfully in this spiritual environment and agree to honor the religious nature of the community, including prayer times, shared work, and community guidelines.
2. Voluntary Participation
Visitors understand that participation in the activities of the ashram is voluntary. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
gardening and farming
land stewardship and clearing vegetation
moving natural materials such as lava stone
assisting with construction preparation or building tasks
preparing or serving meals
cleaning or maintaining shared spaces
walking the land or participating in outdoor activities
Visitors agree to participate at their own discretion and according to their own physical abilities.
3. Natural Environment and Property Conditions
Pohoiki Ashram is located on land formed by volcanic activity. Visitors acknowledge that the property includes natural terrain and outdoor environmental conditions.
Potential conditions on the property may include:
uneven volcanic terrain and fresh, sharp & brittle lava rock
unstable or irregular surfaces
vegetation and natural obstacles
construction or work areas
tools or materials used for land stewardship
weather conditions typical of outdoor environments
insects, wildlife, and natural environmental hazards
Visitors accept responsibility for exercising reasonable caution while moving about the property. Visitors also understand that the lava on the property is more sharp, brittle, dangerous and lethal than other areas on the island and agree to not walk on it, as we are preserving it.
4. Assumption of Risk
Visitors acknowledge that activities at Pohoiki Ashram involve inherent risks.
These risks may include but are not limited to:
slips, trips, or falls on uneven terrain
cuts from sharp lava rock
collapsing lava tubes
injuries from lifting or physical activity
exposure to weather conditions
encounters with insects or wildlife
accidents related to tools or work activities
risks associated with camping or outdoor living
Visitors understand that these risks may result in injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.
By entering the property or participating in activities at Pohoiki Ashram, visitors voluntarily assume all risks associated with their participation, whether known or unknown.
5. Camping and Overnight Stays
Overnight stays at Pohoiki Ashram currently involve camping accommodations.
Visitors who stay overnight acknowledge that:
they are responsible for bringing appropriate camping equipment
outdoor living conditions may vary
they are responsible for the safety and security of their belongings
Pohoiki Ashram is not responsible for personal items brought onto the property.
6. Health and Personal Responsibility
Visitors confirm that they are physically and mentally capable of participating in activities at the ashram.
Visitors agree to:
act responsibly and safely while on the property
follow guidance provided by ashram hosts or volunteers
avoid activities that exceed their physical abilities
Visitors are responsible for their own medical care and personal well-being while visiting.
7. Supervision of Minors
Minors may visit Pohoiki Ashram only under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians assume full responsibility for the safety, supervision, and conduct of minors while on the property.
8. Community Conduct
To maintain a respectful spiritual environment, the following are strictly prohibited on the property:
alcohol
recreational drugs
illegal substances
weapons
disruptive, aggressive, or unsafe behavior
Visitors agree to respect the spiritual nature of the ashram and the daily rhythm of prayer and communal life.
Pohoiki Ashram reserves the right to ask any visitor to leave the property if community guidelines are not respected.
9. Media and Photography
Visitors understand that photographs or video recordings may occasionally be taken during community activities, ceremonies, or gatherings. By visiting Pohoiki Ashram, visitors grant permission for the ashram to use images or recordings that may include their likeness for purposes including:
website content
social media
educational or informational materials
Visitors who prefer not to appear in photographs should notify the ashram hosts.
10. Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, visitors release and hold harmless Pohoiki Ashram, its directors, volunteers, caretakers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability for injury, illness, death, loss, or damage that may occur during visits to the property.
This includes, but is not limited to:
participation in activities on the property
outdoor environmental conditions
camping or overnight stays
travel to or from the ashram
Visitors voluntarily accept responsibility for their own safety and participation.
11. Indemnification
Visitors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Pohoiki Ashram and its representatives from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from their actions while visiting the property.
12. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi, United States.
13. Acknowledgment and Agreement
By visiting Pohoiki Ashram, submitting a visit request through the website, or entering the property, visitors acknowledge that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to this Visitor Participation Agreement and Liability Waiver. Visitors further acknowledge that they understand the inherent risks involved in outdoor activities and accept those risks, including the possibility of serious injury or death.
