Aloha!  Waiaha is a biodiverse farm that uses permaculture principals while building towards becoming a commercially viable, income producing business.  We have a clear vision of how to become a model for 21st century agricultural practices that enhance the aina (land) rather than deplete it!  If you are interested in learning about true self-sufficiency and sustainability then Waiaha Farm is a place you’ll want to experience!

 Developing on 100 acres, Wai`aha is located in Holualoa on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano overlooking the town of Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Our north border contains Wai’aha Stream, which in ancient times, was the only year round river on the west side of the island.  With the water from this stream the Hawaiian Royalty or Alii grew some of the first crops brought by foreigners.  Some of these first crops planted at Waiaha include coffee, cotton, sugar cane and macadamia nuts.  The remnants of the first sugar cane mill in Kona can still be seen on the farm. 

 Here at Waiaha we value diversity, food security and a sustainable lifestyle.  We grow over 200 different types of plants and all of our animals systems add to the holistic management of our farm.  Our animals systems include poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep and goats.  We also do beekeeping and enjoy having year round honey.  Currently our diet consists of 80-90% of food directly from our farm including fruits, veggies, meat and dairy. (Note:  The animals systems are an integral part of our sustainability.  Individuals must be comfortable being around animals to fully enjoy your time at Waiaha.)

 As an educational intern some of your tasks might include milking goats, feeding and watering animals, harvesting and processing seasonal fruits, making goat cheese, planting gardens, as well as general upkeep of the farm and community spaces. 

 Details

 For the exchange we require 5 hours of work 5 days a week.  There is a one week trail period to make sure it’s a match for the intern and the Farm.  After that we ask for at least a one month commitment.  Maximum stay is three months unless otherwise arranged.  To full learn and understand the whole systems approach to sustainability it requires about 2-3 months of working and living on the farm.  The staff at Waiaha are available to teach any of the systems in detail to those that might want to learn a specific system more in depth. 

 Housing consists of dorm style rooms that may be double occupancy depending on how many people are staying on the farm.  Upgrades may be possible depending on each situation.  There are also several tent sites available.  As mentioned above we eat almost exclusively from the farm.  Lunch is a shared meal and cooking responsibilities are rotated.  Each individual is responsible for preparing their own breakfast and dinner, although we often share these meals as well.

 On the farm we value our ability to live lightly on the planet and ask that all visitors be open to suggestions and practices to align with this philosophy.  We request that guests bring toiletries that are biodegradable and organic when possible.   Each intern will receive a description of our practices upon arrival for easy integration. 

 Please check out our web site and pictures at Waiahafarm.com and you can find us on Facebook as well!

We hope to have you grow here on the Big Island!  Aloha!!!!