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Description
About Us-
Our farm is an off-grid, 86-acre sanctuary on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii. We are an intentional non-violent plant-based community. We have about 2 acres of permaculture garden, 15 acres of commercial lychee, 20 acres of food forest, and 40+ acres of pasture. There are many building projects that have been started or we are looking to start in the next year. We currently have 7 permanent residents and a rotating group of 4-10 work-traders. We have many animals including - rescue dairy cows, horses, a donkey, many dogs and cats, and a few bee hives. There is a meditation temple and many waterfall pools that are wonderful for swimming.
We are still in the building stages on the land and are looking for people to actively and enthusiastically participate in the building of this sanctuary with us. We are a working farm, and expect people who join us to work hard with us with a positive attitude. The environment can range from hot and sunny days, to rainy muddy days depending on the season. We are looking for people who are adaptable, self-aware and self-guided, mature, competent, and can manage their own physical and emotional needs. The worktrade expectations are 20 hours a week of help with an additional (approx)5 hours/week that support community(such as morning meetings, "council", and a meal prep or clean-up)
As an animal sanctuary, we don't consume some meat on the land. Eggs and dairy, and fish is fine. We are a drug and alcohol-free space in our communal areas. We ask for no obvious or abundant use of any substances.
Other than lychee when it is in season, we do not sell any farm produce. Our systems are still developing and everything we grow is utilized and shared within the community.
** PLEASE NOTE, we are prioritizing people with experience in: building, carpentry, tiling, stucco, and other areas of general contracting; OR strong physical capabilities in garden tasks, brush clearing, ect.
We are open to couples, with one person with building experience and the other who could cook, clean, and garden. We currently have an opening for 2 couples or 2 experienced individuals.Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will be learning along us and helping with the foundation of the community. There is so much to learn: ecology, culture, resiliency, communication, permaculture, healing, bee keeping, etc!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We’re looking for people who feel confident and good about themselves, who have achieved a degree of emotional maturity, and who can get along with others in a group situation. We’re seeking people who enjoy the company of others, and are willing to ask for what they want and need.
We have a variety of tasks on the landscape that need to be completed from gardening to assisting build projects. Something that you might be doing and that is very important is treating for fire ants. We do this every 3 months weather permitting.
We have 2 acres of permaculture garden that needs to be cared for; weeding, planting, picking up mulch, some tree trimming.Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Russian: BeginnerAccommodation
For two experienced builders & couples - the accommodation offered is our nicest place to stay on the land, a brand new room with a loft in a duplex unit, that is next to the community bathroom and community kitchen. We also have a small cabin with its own kitchen and bathroom for someone with experience who is willing to stay for longer to help us build.
Our other work exchange accommodation is a 10ft x20ft Carport with an air mattress and tent/mosquito net. It is a "Glamping" style tent camping with food staples, access to a community kitchen, community bathroom, shower with hot water, electricity. There is limited access to wi-fi and limited cellphone service. We noticed that those with Verizon wireless have full bar signal strength. There are group dinners prepared by community Monday through Thursday in the community kitchen.What else ...
This island is beautiful and diverse! The Hamakua Coast is a remarkable drive. We are 17 miles north of the town Hilo, where there is an international airport. Hilo has a university campus, good restaurants, and a bay for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. Our community has 2 kayaks. And some of the best beaches in Hawaii are only an hour away. Often people from the community are traveling down to Puna on the weekends for dances and events, and you're welcome to carpool with us. If you wanted to do more adventuring or have more autonomy, we would recommend renting a car and have connections for locals renting their cars.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have plenty of room if someone has their own setup.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two