Permaculture live-in work exchange program in Hawaii

Malama Aina Permaculture Homestead in Hawaii is a sustainable, eco-friendly farm dedicated to regenerative agriculture and permaculture principles. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Hawaii, the homestead focuses on creating a harmonious balance between people and nature. By practicing organic farming, water conservation, and renewable energy use, Malama Aina aims to foster a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures the land while providing fresh, healthy produce. Its mission is to inspire and educate the community about sustainable living and environmental stewardship, promoting a lifestyle that respects and cares for the earth. Now, you have the opportunity to live on the farm and learn tropical permaculture, homesteading, and off-grid living through hands-on work and exclusive class materials.

About the work exchange program

Program location

Nestled in the lush landscape of Kapoho, Hawaii, Malama Aina Permaculture Homestead is home to the Tropical Subsistence Demonstration Gardens—a vibrant space dedicated to sustainable living and tropical permaculture.

Length of Stay

• Start with a 1-week trial to see if it’s the perfect fit.
• A minimum stay of 1 month is required, though we prefer guests who can stay for 3 months or longer.
• Open-ended, long-term stays are welcomed for those who find a strong connection with the homestead.

The Work

25 hours of hands-on work per week. Your tasks will vary by season and the needs of the land, ranging from mulching (chop-and-drop with diverse trees and recycled County mulch) to weeding, harvesting, and planting. Occasionally, you may participate in building projects like sanding, painting, and light construction. You’ll get comfortable with tools like machetes, sickles, shovels, and loppers while performing physically engaging tasks. Be prepared to work in 4-hour blocks and, when needed, lighter duties can be assigned. Please note that cleaning and food preparation are not included in work hours.

Class Materials

As a work exchanger, you’ll receive full access to the 25-part class series, “How to Grow a Complete Diet in Hawaii with Permaculture.” This includes 50 pages of detailed notes, 25 photo-rich slideshows (featuring over 2,500 images), as well as recipes and plant ID guides. While not mandatory, the ideal candidate will find this treasure trove of permaculture knowledge highly motivating for self-study and growth.

Food Provided

Enjoy an estimated 50-75% of your food fresh from the land. Seasonal offerings include a variety of cooking greens, culinary herbs, bananas, papayas, coconuts (for coconut milk), cassava, and more. Availability varies with the seasons. Filtered drinking water is also provided. For the rest of your meals, you’ll need to supplement with items like rice, beans, eggs, or meat, depending on your preferences and the season.

Personal Accommodations

Stay in a 10×20 open-air carport tent with closeable ends, complete with a 4×8 raised bed platform for sleeping. You’ll also have a 6×6 covered personal yoga space with padded flooring. Mosquito nets for both spaces are provided. Please note there is no electricity in the tent.

Personal Skills

While no specific experience is required, skills in areas such as gardening, permaculture, nursery management, website design, marketing, photography, building, cooking, and more are highly appreciated.

What’s in it for You?

• Open-air kitchen equipped with a fridge/freezer, sink, 2-burner propane stove, blender, solar oven, and all the necessary cookware.
• Solar-powered electricity (limited to daytime charging for small devices).
• Hot showers and a composting toilet that nourishes trees on the property.
• Decent AT&T cell service (Verizon does not work here). No Wi-Fi is available, offering a unique opportunity to disconnect and live in harmony with nature.

Video

Map

Accomodation offer

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Flight offer

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