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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Nov 2025
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Description
Our 3 acre homestead is located on the rural East side of the island of Maui in Hana. Being the custodian to this special part of the 'last Hawaiian place' rich with cultural and spiritual significance is a blessing.. The farm consists of a sampling of trees such as papaya, banana, cacao, coffee, inga, soursop, avocado, lychee, rambutan, jackfruit, surinam cherry, fig, star-apple, eggfruit, sapote, macadamia nut, lemon, orange, mountain apple and coconut.
As we expand to growing vegetables and maintain the gardens already planted, we're looking for hard working mature couples traveling together (occasionally single travelers will be accommodated). Guests are welcome who appreciate a unique experience and are open to the cultural exchange in an isolated Hawaiian village.The ability to perform physical labor in the tropics is expected.
On our small farm, there are a few chickens and ducks for ambiance, eggs and companionship and a variety of new fruit trees that are beginning to produce. The trees and new garden area produce enough for sharing with Workaway guests and family. The 'bunkhouse' for visiting guests is partially solar powered with an indoor-outdoor living space along a stream with a view of Hana Ranch pastureland. The bunkhouse has a kitchen and shower/bathroom in the private unit. Our farm is located near the town of Hana but in an isolated part of the island of Maui. The location is prime with cell phone and internet access and proximity to the amenities of the town such as food trucks, gift shops, bank, post office etc. In their spare time, guests explore the beaches and hiking trails.
Mature couples 21 or over are preferred as they have a partner to explore the area with and work alongside. A minimum of 8 weeks is usually required to really absorb the mana of the area and learn about the history and culture of the 'last Hawaiian place'. Applicants should be aware that part of the reason Hana is preserved culturally is that it is isolated. A two hour drive down a mountainous road over 52 bridges is required to get to the town of Hana. Your host is a retired educator and teaches basic organic farming in the tropics, including the mo'olelo (stories, legends) of the area and the native plants that we grow. There is a library of resource books in the cabins about the history and culture of Hawaii as well books on growing native plants, the flora and fauna of the Islands and creatures found in the ocean. Making flower and ti leaf leis may be part of the experience utilizing seasonal flowers and ti leaves found on the property. Guests learn to cook the native produce such as ulu and jackfruit when in season and prepare other products from the farm. Traditional Hawaiian lava rock walls have been constructed by Workawayers for a lasting imprint. A Facetime or WhatsApp interview and references are required to be considered for the opportunity to enjoy a special win/win Workaway experience at our little piece of paradise.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Outdoor activities
Beach
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Hana is a beautiful enclave of refuge from the busy world of modern America. There is so much to learn about organic gardening and how to be in touch with the earth and nature. Travelers will grow strong physically as well as spiritually by helping on the land (aina) over the time spent being in touch with the sound of the ocean, wind, rain and the birds. The significance of the area is rich in cultural history and those with an open mind to the Hawaiian way of life will come away with a life-changing experience. The peace and quiet provides a gift that can not be adequately described. We will share the mo'olelo (stories of the place) with guests and provide books and other reading material in the cabin to enhance the experience and knowledge of what is known as 'the last Hawaiian place'. Your host is a retired educator and able to provide guests with the appropriate Hawaiian names for plants and animals as well as sharing the basic history of the various cultural sites in the area. Working together in the kitchen to prepare ulu, jackfruit, dry bananas and juices is part of the cultural exchange. Experiencing Hula and ukulele along with other percussion instruments such as drums, are special aspects of a visit to our farm. Guests have learned to construct traditional Hawaiian lava rock walls to protect the trees and support their growth.
Help
Workaway guests learn how to cut down banana trees and dry bananas, pineapple, starfruit and jackfruit in the food dehydrator. There is always weeding, fertilizing, pruning, mowing as the jungle persists in growing into the garden areas and taking over. Opening up coconuts for the ducks and chickens and making sure there is a water supply and watering new plantings during the dry season are all part of the daily task assignments. We are a private homestead and not commercial operation. Guests enjoy the lifestyle away from the crowded world of mainstream modern culture with a return to basics as custodians of the 'aina' or land. Being open to learning how to pronounce the names of local landmarks, practice traditional conservation and native food preparation (such as ulu and coconut) and enjoy Hawaiian music and dance through participation in periodic evening sessions is part of what we offer. Guests are considered an extension of the family and sometimes share dinners together to celebrate milestones such as birthdays or holidays.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Private cabin with propane stove and shower, electric refrigerator and freezer. Enclosed sleeping room and open air covered patio and kitchen fronting a stream. Couples over 21 years of age are preferred as they can help together on the homestead and also explore the neighboring beaches and hiking trails together.
We provide items such as coffee, tea, sugar, spices, margarine, peanut butter, jam, condiments (soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayo, relish), bread, tortillas, pancake mix, syrup, rice, oatmeal, breakfast cereal etc. Making meals from products in season found on the land such as fruits and vegetables. (seasonal: avocado, starfruit, banana, pineapple, lemons, oranges, coconut, surinam and Brazilian cherry, breadfruit (ulu), and jackfruit provide additional nutrition. Organic eggs during laying season are also available. There is ample food for at least two meals a day for guests if they take advantage of the staples and produce off the land.
What else ...
We are half mile away from Koki Beach and one mile from Hamoa beach and Hana Bay. Good snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, boogieboarding etc. There are many waterfalls and natural pools in the area plus hiking trails. Also, historic sites such a Pi'ilani Heiau at Kahanu Gardens and the National Park at Haleakala are in the area. The location is convenient to the food trucks and stores of Hana town and central to the community while bordering the Hana Ranch.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
archie
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (22)
The nearly four months I stayed here were glorious, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to experience Hana and learn learn some about homesteading in the tropics. The couple notes I… read more
Thank you for the time spent together on the farm. We loved Maui, Hana, the area, the programs. We gained a lot of new knowledge.
Thank you is probably not enough.
Mahalo!
Adrienn & Zsolt
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Feedback
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Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
The nearly four months I stayed here were glorious, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to experience Hana and learn learn some about homesteading in the tropics. The couple notes I… read more
Thank you for the time spent together on the farm. We loved Maui, Hana, the area, the programs. We gained a lot of new knowledge.
Thank you is probably not enough.
Mahalo!
Adrienn & Zsolt
I spent 5 weeks in Hana with Melanie and the others workaway , it was really interesting I was the most skilled so I really enjoy teaching the others about construction , butchered chicken etc
everyone was there for helping and work as a team , teaching… read more
They worked as a team and focused on making a difference at the place while still enjoying the magic of the Hana area and other parts of Maui. We wished… read more
I felt so welcome and Melanie showed me around the property with such passion. It's a huge garden with lots of fruits which I was always allowed to eat! The chickens are very cute and easy to look after. I harvested, did some weeding,… read more
Our time at Melanie and Kevin farm was amazing. We had the chance to learn about all different plants and fruits. We ate many bananas, avocados, papayas, starfruits, goyava, pineapples... All the fruits were delightful.
Melanie is a positive person and she is very thankful for all the work we do. It’s pleasant having her around and… read more
You can really take a rest from civilization there. You can feel the power of nature. Nearby there are amazing spots to swim and snorkel. The property is a beautiful garden full of fruit bearing trees. The cabin we stayed at was very comfortable and well equipped. Melanie was always helpful,… read more
Their hearts are ALOHA, and always think about how I can stay comfortable.
Even, English is my second language, some times I couldn't understand , I felt heartful Aloha spirit.
I could feel and enjoy beautiful nature every moment, and find inner peace .
It was my own… read more
