Join our happy family in Pahoa, Hawaii, USA

Details

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  Description

  ***We are not asking for help with caring for our children.
  **"If you write us, please tell us why you are interested in a cultural exchange with us specifically.
  
  Aloha! We are Matt and Noelle with 6 kids under 13 down to three months old! Matt grew up in the Philippines so felt at home when he moved to big island. Noelle was born and raised on Kauai, got her degree in California and travelled abroad, living in Italy 6 months, new Zealand 6 months and other places) before moving to the big island.
  
  We are a homeschooling family. Our kiddos are super sweet and just wonderful (no bias!) We love living as creatures in God's beautiful jungle here in Puna on the big island. We enjoy music, singing, community, cooking (and baking of course), natural health, Lego creations, reading good living literature, ocean play, working outside and meeting new people- to name a few!
  
  We have very much enjoyed hosting people from around the world in the past and look forward to welcoming you!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  If time allows and you ask me, we can show you sourdough baking as well as other natural fermenting like kim Chee. Practical herbalism and knowledge of local Hawaiian plants. Please don't be shy to ask!
  Experience the blessing of joyful children and funny kid conversation. We are musical and sing and play guitar. Learning violin and piano as well.
  We are very busy and value our individual family space, but will be happy to help you in everyway we can!

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

  Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.

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  Help

  We are busy with work and more importantly investing in and raising our six children. We love the cultural exchange and look forward to getting to know you!
  
  There will be food available in the kitchen in your place for you to eat and cook for yourself. Specifically, organic eggs, organic sourdough bread, butter,jelly, organic peanut butter, bean,rice, some veggies, some fruit, salt, pepper, local honey, coffee and tea. Of course you can also buy other food items you may need.
  
  Preference is given to those able to rent a car. (highly recommended)
  
  Some days we will do housework, maintain and expand our garden beds, permaculture food forest landscaping , composting, animal care, dog walking, help with food preparation, various household tasks, and open to what your unique skills are!
  
  
  Experience the beautiful hawaiian green jungle (note: rainy, but warm) in our Puna district of Hawaii!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Your own bedroom or shared bedroom
  
  Things to bring or buy first day to make it comfier/easier for you:
  
  Earplugs/white noise machine if you are a light sleeper
  Sunscreen and bug spray as you are in the tropics
  Closed-toed shoes but also flip flops (we call them slippahs here)
  Shorts with elastic band for ease of movement
  Sunhat if you want.
  Thick garden gloves for yard work
  Light rain jacket in winter (we live in wet jungle)
  US sim card if your phone is foreign. Walmart carries them here on the island
  Your personal soap, shampoo, conditioner etc
  
  This is rural off the beaten path Hawaii, NOT touristy, no night life, not beaches everywhere or resorts with drinks on the sand. This is a special kind of wild West place in the lush green lava rock ground jungle. Streets are often
  Dirt roads in neighborhoods, no street lights, perfect for star gazing! Coqui frogs sing every. Night and lovely "bird-like" song. Puna area is a special place. Fast growing as it has much land availability for purchase and many want to live a more sustainable life! If you are looking to slow down and have time to listen to birds (or frogs) sing, drink herbal tea and journal, work on personal hobbies and do some exploring on the weekends, this would be a place to consider.

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  What else ...

  Some places of interest near us. Kahena black sand beach (by car 15 min, free bus 1 hour), 20 min drive to the newest lava beach on Earth (!!!!) and geothermal hot ponds for swimming.
  Pahoa Village is our town. The old village has a health food store, kava kombucha bar, organic sourdough bakery, Thai, Hawaiian fusion, pizza and some shops. It is not a touristy place, but there are many travelers working on farms
  Hilo is 30min drive (one hour bus ride) and has local farmers market, lots of cute shops, restaurants near the bus stop downtown along the ocean). In Hilo there are many water entry places like Richardsons beach, carl-smith beach, Honolii (surf spot). Hilo also has waterfalls (drive only), botanical gardens (drive). And beautiful parks to walk in. Kona 2 hours by car or 3.5 hours by bus. Some have caught the bus to Kona on the weekends and stayed at a hostel while visiting the downtown Kona touristy spots along Ali'i drive. Volcano town, where the national park is, is 1 hour.by car (and longer by bus!) .
  
  There is a bus that picks up close and goes around island, but does not come frequently and requires walking to places of interest. There are so many things to see! Volcano national park, Kona beach camping, Mauna kea, old time cowboy country of waimea, South point, green sand beach, manta ray snorkel experience, waterfalls. You will need to rent a car to get to most of these places. Most people take the bus into Hilo or down to kahena Beach during the week and rent a car on the weekends. Check out the hele on bus schedule

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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