Goat Yoga on Oʻahu: What to Expect and Where to Book

I had never practiced yoga with a goat standing on my back, but I was ready to give it a try. As our instructor led us through cat and cow poses, miniature goats the size of Beagle dogs appeared one by one as the farmers dropped them into our fenced-in space. There were 50 of us and about a dozen goats, and as they trotted about — chasing each other through our arms and legs, baaing and nibbling at mats and shoes — our laughter grew so loud we could no longer hear the instructor, who was now in warrior one with a baby goat cradled in her arms.

Sweet Land Farm, a sprawling goat farm in central Oʻahu known for entertaining farm tours, artisan cheeses and decadent desserts, partners with nearby yoga studio Canopy from late January through April to offer goat yoga on select Sunday mornings. Guests arrive in workout clothes with yoga mats in hand, under the guise of preparing for mindful exercise — but what they are really here for are the goats, who by this point are just a few weeks old and eager to play and be held. "This is not focused yoga," the instructor told us. "This is for-fun yoga."

Goat yoga isn't new. In 2016, the New York Times covered the story of how it went viral after an Oregon woman named Lainey Morse introduced the idea at a party — originally inspired by watching kids and baby goats play together — and a yoga instructor in attendance suggested turning it into a class. The concept spread quickly, and goat farms around the world now invite guests to revel in the simple joy of watching these playful animals wag their tails, offer kisses and crawl over anyone within reach. Sweet Land Farm has offered it since 2023, and sessions sell out every time. "I've taught all kinds of yoga," our instructor said. "Beer yoga, baby yoga, surf yoga. After I taught goat yoga, I was hooked."

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The goats are always newborns, between one and three weeks old. "Any older than that and they pull your hair and chomp on you," said Sweet Land Farm owner Emma Bello McCaulley. They may be young, but they are still farm animals — guests are warned not to leave personal belongings lying around, as the goats will investigate anything left unattended, and may leave a little surprise for you at any moment. One made off with a woman's shoe. Another one peed on a yoga mat. Still, the cuteness factor overrides any concern. As the instructor continues to teach — sometimes with five goats at once vying for her attention — students stop mid-pose to take photos or simply lie down and cuddle with whichever goat wanders closest. It's exactly as the instructor put it at the start of class: "I'm your teacher, but the goats are your muse."

Goat yoga at Sweet Land Farm is offered on select Sunday mornings from late January through April and books up quickly. You can find sessions listed on Eventbrite or book directly through Sweet Land Farm's website. Wear comfortable workout clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty, bring a yoga mat and leave valuables in your car. No prior yoga experience is necessary, the goats don't care either way.