Work Exchange

Work Exchange and Internship Program

Kutira and Raphael created this unique program in 1997. They have since hosted hundreds of people to whom they have taught the art of sustainable living and individual empowerment through the wisdom from within. Kahua in Hawaiian means “to empower the wisdom from within”. It has been a safe haven for many people from all walks of life, especially for young students, who come to Maui to spend some quality time and deepen their awareness of living ecologically and responsibly with Mother Nature. It is also a time for deepening the awareness of self and experiencing inner and outer wisdom.

Come with your passion and your skills. Help to create magical gardens and a beautiful landscape. Teach others your skills, while learning about farming and living off the grid.

Our students have enlarged our circle of friends and belong to our extended world wide family. All of them have brought their own unique talents and have contributed to the growth and beauty of the land.

The Property

Kahua O’Malio Bamboo Farm is 15 acres of sustainable land covered with an emerald jungle of native plants, food trees, and lush tropical surroundings. We’re located on the pristine North Shore of Maui, surrounded by 18 acres of cliffs and oceanfront. Hiking trails lead to fresh water pools, a 150 foot waterfall and lagoon, or to the private ocean bay at the base of 300′ cliffs. The land has been declared a “Resting Place of Mature Souls” by the ancient Hawaiians.

We are 40 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from Paia , and 20 minutes from Ho’okipa, the wind surfing capital of the world.

We are solar powered, backed up by a large generator, and have our own well water. The rain fills our water catchment ponds used to irrigate the farm. We are truly “off the grid”. We specialize in structural bamboo. There are about 12 species growing. We feature unique and elegant bamboo housing, and a grand view of the ocean.

Application

If you are considering spending some time with us we would like you to submit an application with a picture. Write your information this way:

Send an email to wwoofer@kahuainstitute.com with the subject line: WWoofer/Internship and your name. In the email, please include…

1. Your full name and age
2. WOOFER member number if you have one (World Organization of Organic Farming) or how you have heard about us
3. Write about your previous experiences, skills and a bit about your family background
4. Please answer the following questions:
   • What would you like to experience in your 3-6month stay?
   • What do you want to contribute?
   • What are three of your strengths?
   • What are two areas you could improve on?
   • What are your biggest hopes?
   • What are your biggest fears?
   • What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
   • What brings you the most joy in life, and what is your passion?
   • What would you like to learn about sustainable living and organic farming?
   • What would you like to experience as a WOOFER?
   • What would you like to experience as student of Embodied Spirituality?
   • Share some of your skills that could be helpful to us.

After your application is reviewed and accepted, we will contact you and coordinate a time for a Skype interview. Visit skype.com to create an account if you don’t have one already.

It is important for us to choose the right person, as we are a small community/family with visiting retreat guests from all over the world. We want to make sure that we invite the right people to harmonize with our center.

If you get accepted to be one of our next work exchange students, we will be entering into an agreement to be held with the best intentions and integrity. The time period we have mutually accepted is to be honored and is not subject to change.

The Kahua Institute provides…

We provide you with sleeping accommodations of our choice. You may stay in a tent, in a room located in the main house, in a bamboo structure, or in other shared accommodations. Bedding and linens are provided. Some other amenities we will provide are:

• Hot water showers
• phone
• wireless Internet access for your own computer
• washer/dryer
• communal kitchen, hangout space, and library, called the Tiki House
• Balinese meditation temple

You agree to…

The work exchange is based on 25 hours per week. Many skills are needed in order to maintain and run our place from cleaning, repairs, maintenance, landscaping, gardening or special projects. We are an artistic community and always find great project to beautify the land.  We do not expect you to do work for which you are unsuited and before you come we will make sure you understand the jobs you will be doing. We do expect good communication skills and openness to improve. Your hours are mostly 9am to 2pm, but can be flexible as long as 25 hours be completed each calendar week. Some jobs, like feeding chickens, might need daily attention. The work can be demanding and when your work is done the time is yours to learn, play or focus on what nourishes your spirit.

We mostly work in teams and designate the different chores in our weekly group meetings. We are always open for improvement and if you have a special skill and you would like to contribute, we are open to explore with you. We have hosted cooks, artists, computer wizards, green thumbs, and many other talented people.

Living off the grid, being totally supported by Mother Nature needs a lot of awareness. Please turn off lights when not needed, and take short showers. It is an absolutely incredible experience to feel free of thought pollution and of power lines. We are sure it will be very beneficial for your soul, mind and body.

Food

You are responsible for your own food, personal supplies and transportation; however transportation into town to get food can be arranged. From time to time we have community dinners, organized by everybody. Once your group is settled, you usually end up cooking and shopping together as this is truly community living. We encourage a healthy diet.

Our gardens are growing and what ever the land provides can be used. We have coconuts, bananas, passion fruit, greens of various types, herbs and more. Of course all is seasonable and depends on availability. You may have your own garden. Everything grows fast and we have a seed bank.

Classes/Learning

We invite you to come learn about sustainable living, organic farming, or Embodied Spirituality, and to enjoy the many teachings of Kutira, Raphael, and other guest teachers.

Students who stay for 3 to 6 months are welcome to join any teaching of Raphael and Kutira for cost only (materials and food during the retreat). This only applies to our Maui retreats. Once a week we give a class on Embodied Spirituality, or have a guest teacher, or a students present their skills. Non-residents pay $25.00 or work 2.5 hours before the class.

We are linked with another neighbor farm (Launa I’O Eco-Education Center, or Hale Akua). Their wwoofers take classes with us, and you will be able to take classes on organic farming, yoga, and jungle landscaping with them.

If you are a musician you will additionally gain insight from Raphael’s vast musical knowledge. Bring your instrument.

Weekday morning classes within walking distance can include Chi Kung, yoga, and mediation. We encourage students to participate once or twice a week. There is no charge for Kahua wwoofers.

Phone/Computer

Calls with international rates will require your own calling card. There is only 1 phone line for all students and guests. Calls from your friends/family are to be received during office hours, 9am to 8pm HST (GMT -10), so we don’t wake the guests. Most cell phones work here.

We suggest that you bring your own computer. We provide wifi access throughout most of the property. Our office computer is available for emergency use only.

Transportation

There is no public transportation where we are. The nearest bus stop is 6 miles away. Many students hitchhike, as it is legal and common here. Others buy old Maui cruisers and then sell them before they leave.

Check out Maui Bulletin Classifieds or Craigslist Maui for used cars. We provide transportation when any of the family rides to town (usually twice a week). Since the rise of gas prices we carpool as much as possible. Limited parking space on the land, please contact Kutira before making any vehicle arrangements.

What to bring

• boots or shoes you can work in when it rains
• small umbrella
• gardening clothes
• water bottle
• flash light
• personal supplements/medicine
• a journal or notepad
• enough money to eat and live for your entire stay

If you forget something, there is a really good thrift store in Kahului.

Receiving Mail

Your friends and family may send mail to:

Your name
c/o Kahua Hawaiian Institute
P.O. Box 80080
Haiku, HI 96708

This address is only for personal mail. You may not use this address to open a bank account, credit cards, cell phone, auto registration or other official matters. You must open your own PO Box for these purposes.

Visitors

Depending on availability we can extend a special rate to your friends and family to visit during your stay.

Notes:

We have a family dog, her name is Mochi and a cat her name is Minu. They love to hang out in the Tiki House and socialize with the woofers. Interaction with them is unavoidable. If you are allergic to dogs or cats, please consider whether or not you want to stay with us.

If you have further questions please send an email. Please remember the time difference in Hawaii (HST, GMT -10) BEFORE you call us. Take some time to check out our wwoofer facebook and get a feeling of what is awaiting you here!

Peace and blessings,
Kutira, Raphael and the Kahua Staff

Share on Facebook