HOMESTEAD IN Hawaii
2 WEEK RETREAT
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EXPERIENCE LOCAL LIFE
PAHOA - KEAAU - HILO - VOLCANO - WAIMEA
STARTS ON FRIDAY - ONCE A MONTH
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THIS EXPERIENCE
IS FOR YOU
IF YOU...
- INVEST IN EXPERIENCES
- LOVE FARMERS MARKETS
- PREFER TRAVELING OFF THE BEATEN PATH
- YOU THINK CAMPING/GLAMPING IS A GOOD TIME
- SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
- CAN AFFORD HOTELS, BUT PREFER THE LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
- SEARCH FOR THE BEST LOCAL FOOD WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL
- dream ABOUT LIVING offgrid, IN A TINYHOME, CookINg meals from scratch
+ EATING chicken EGGS FOR BREAKFAST STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM
- AND you Want to experience tinyhome living on a farM
B/C YOU HAVE LAND (OR WANT YOUR OWN FARM) + ARE SEEKING TRIED + TRUE INSPIRATION/KNOWLEdGE
THIS IS NOT FOR You
b/C YOU'RE EITHER...
- not open to a new way of living
- SEEKING A RESORT EXPERIENCE
- prefer air conditioning 24/7
- DO NOT CONSIDER FARM TO TABLE FOOD A PRIORITY
- NOT INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT ON THE FARM IN HOT/RAINY CONDITIONS
- HAVE HEALTH CONCERNS THAT MAY EFFECT YOUR EXPERIENCE
- SEEKING A CURATED, SHORT TERM VACATION (SO, CHECK OUT OUR RETREAT)!
READY TO JOIN US?
HOMESTEAD IN Hawaii RETREAT (2 WEEK MINIMUM)
Here at Farm to Table Hawaii, we have a 2 week retreat program that is a partial work trade experience designed for strong able-bodied individuals who have a passion + interest in small, organic permaculture farms on the Big Island of Hawaii for 2 weeks (or more).
2 WEEK SCHEDULE:
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Upon arrival you'll meet fellow participants and receive a welcome kit complete with an intro manual, coffee/tea packets, farm tour + fruit tasting, and welcome drink at the welcome "pau hana" (happy hour)
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Saturday morning we'll head to a local farmers market and take the scenic routes to see the ocean.
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On Sunday, you have the option to visit a local farmers market in the morning and explore the island on your own before our potluck at 5:30pm at the farm where we'll have our first meeting.
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Monday morning we'll start early with a silent meditation at 7am, followed by a full work day.
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Tuesday, will be a great day to explore Hilo on your own.
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Wednesday morning we'll start early with a silent meditation at 7am, followed by a full work day.
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Thursday + Friday are your personal days, try exploring Volcano National Park or Kalapana
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Saturday we'll head to Waimea Farmers Market and explore the northern parts of Big Island.
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Sunday could be a great day to sign up for the 10:30am cooking class, and then we'll meet up at 5:30pm for our weekly meeting and potluck
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Monday morning we'll start early with a silent meditation at 7am, followed by a full work day.
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Tuesday is your free day to explore. It might be nice for an early hike in the neighborhood followed by a day in Hilo
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Wednesday morning we'll start early with a silent meditation at 7am, followed by a full work day.
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Thursday you'll receive your handmade lei before you head off to your next adventure!
Accepted retreat participants will experience farm to table living, local excursions and small batch from scratch meals. The experience is $999 and you'll have the option to rent a cabin on the property for $79/week plus 16 service hours, dome home for $129/week plus 16 service hours. Camping rates are $19/week plus 16 service hours.
You have access to high speed WiFi, the outdoor kitchen, picnic area, communal compost toliet, and hot shower access. In your tinyhome, you have a private fridge/freezer, drying rack for clothes, and electricity. If you're traveling with a partner and plan to share a bed, it's just 16hrs per person each week. Normal rates are $99/night in the cabin and $149/night in the dome plus cleaning fees.
Weekly Benefits ($900 Value):
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Silent Meditation: 7:00-7:30am Optional Group Meditation
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Work Day Farm Meal: 1 Meal per Work Day Chefs Choice - 2x Week
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Tuesday/Saturday/Sunday Market Tour: 1x/week Chefs Choice first week only
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Sunday Night Potluck: 1x/week at Weekly Meeting
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Farm Discounts:
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Farm to Table Meal: $20 Breakfast, $25 Lunch, $30 Dinner (based on availability)
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FREE Fresh Fruit when in abundance
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Complimentary Clarity or Business Session: Buy 1 Session, Get 1 Free
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Wild Pig Hunt + Processing Experience: 25% OFF
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Artisan Workshops: 10% OFF
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Cooking Class: $100 OFF
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A HUI HO Lei: Receive a lei on the last day of your stay as a gift from the land!
If you're just interested in volunteering and doing your own experiences/meals, it's $350/week with 24 volunteer hours each week.
WANT TO STAY LONGER?
VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE, COMMUNICATIVE, AND HAVE STRONG BUILDING, PERMACULTURE, OR GARDENING SKILLS MAY BE OFFERED 50% OFF AFTER 2 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS ($199/week). THIS IS SOLELY AN INCENTIVE FOR INDEPENDENT, HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS AND IS NOT GUARANTEED. IF YOU PUT IN THE REQUEST, THE FARM MANAGER WILL REVIEW YOUR WORK AFTER 2 WEEKS AT THE WEEKLY POTLUCK, MAHALO!
WEEKLY POTLUCK:
Every Sunday at 5:30pm there's a community potluck to discuss what was accomplished earlier in the week and what we're focusing on for the rest of the week.
Preference is given to candidates with previous permaculture and/or farm experience + education. We are looking for hard-working, kind, driven, adventurers with good communication skills who wish to deepen their Hawaii experience with an authentic, farm-based community + service oriented stay. Be prepared to work in the hot sun or rain.
Your stay does not include transportation to/from Hilo airport (ITO), which can be arranged (at least a week) in advance for $50/one way. Car rental is required, and you can find rentals on island as low as $30/day through TURO app. Accepted candidates must provide a $800/person security deposit and signed agreement. No guests, no parties, no heavy alcohol or drug use. To request an interview for our program, please email us your availability and we'll send you a pre-interview form.
Applications are prioritized + processed in the order they are received. Non-refundable deposits are required to claim your dates. We apologize in advance if your preferred dates are not available + appreciate your patience, thank you.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. The nearest food store is a 10-15 minute drive. Biking is not recommended as there are no sidewalks.
Q: Which day should I arrive at the farm?
A: The two-week volunteer program will start on Friday at 5pm with a welcome drink, farm tour and fruit tasting. You're welcome to arrive to the farm as early as 4pm, or you rent the cabin/dome/camp area prior to Friday for an additional cost.
Do I need travel insurance?
A: Highly recommended. You are fully responsible for your personal wellbeing and 100% liable for any accidents/illnesses. Must book your first night on HIPCAMP and then sign waiver before arriving to property.
Q: How many volunteers are there at one time?
A: We currently only have space for 1-2 volunteers (max 4 if they're couples); sometimes there will be guests staying on property as well. We only ask for 2 days of volunteering each week (which is 16hrs total, typically on MONDAY + WEDNESDAY)
Q: May I stay and volunteer longer?
A: Longer stays are negotiable upon successful completion of your original agreement, and based upon availability. After 2 consecutive weeks, you may be offered a discounted rate of $800/month (up to 2 people per cabin) plus 16hrs of volunteer work each week of your continued stay plus $50 for wifi + electricity (up to $50, anything over $50 is your responsibility). Please Note: If your volunteer hours are not completed, they will be deducted from your deposit.
Q: Are meals included?
A: At the Sunday weekly meeting (not a work day) you're invited to participate in the potluck, and you'll receive a meal each designated workday (typically Monday + Wednesday)
Q: What is included?
A: Volunteers will arrive to the property to a clean lodging area. The lodging area as well as the communal areas must be deep cleaned to receive your deposit. Anything that is found broken, that was not communicated beforehand, may be deducted from your deposit- please communicate before you leave so owner is aware something needs to be replaced, thanks!
Q: What should I bring to be comfortable on the farm?
A: Here's our essential recommendations:
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Refillable water bottle
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Work shoes
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Work gloves
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Long Pants
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Multiple Long Sleeve Shirts
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Earplugs
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Headlamp
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Sunglasses
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Sun Hat
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Chargers
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Shower Shoes
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Snacks
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Shampoo
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Laundry Detergent
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Biodegradable toothpaste, deodorant, soaps and shampoo / conditioner
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Non-toxic insect repellent
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Non-toxic mosquito coils or citronella candles
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Water bottle
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Tampons, pads or diva cup for women
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Sarong/Beach Towel
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Swimwear
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Towels
Extras: -
Art supplies, journal
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Camera
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Headphones
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Kindle/books
Q: What time does the work day start and end?
A: Workdays are schedule on MONDAY + WEDNESDAY from 8-12am when the weather is cool, then completing the work day 2:30-6:30pm rain or shine. Your break is scheduled from 12-2:30pm because the sun is extremely hot during this time and this will be when your farm meal is served- you can run any errands you need during this time as well.
Q: How do I document my volunteer experience?
A: You are asked to take before and after photos of their work. After each work period (12pm or 6:30pm), please send team leader the photos, the start and finish time, and a short description of the task completed. See example below:
8:00-11:00am (3hrs), Cleaning the Sugar Cane Wall, Total Hours Completed 3/16hrs - photo attached
11:00-12:00pm (1hr), Weeding 4/16 - photo attached
2:30-6:30pm (4), Building Planter Beds + Planting Trees 8/16 - photo attached
Q: What are the expectations while working?
A: Before you start your volunteer experience, we will have an introductory meeting to discuss the task list, and to demo/explain how things work best on the farm. Please note the conditions may be hot or wet, however we encourage you to start early and avoid the high sun. PLEASE BRING A WATER BOTTLE + STAY HYDRATED. While working on the farm we encourage you to treat it like a mindful meditation. You can listen to music or podcasts while your work. A break is scheduled from 12-12:30pm and this is the time for you to do any trips to town, calls, scheduling, etc. rather than taking multiple breaks during the work period.
Q: How do I receive my deposit when my retreat experience is complete?
A: At the end of your stay, please clean the living areas and then you'll meet with the team leader to show your space, recap your experience, and complete a questionnaire. If you are pressed for time, just clean your living quarters and then you can complete your recap via ZOOM and the questionnaire by email. As long as your hours are complete and your living space is clean, the deposit will be returned as received. If your area is not cleaned, $250 will be deducted to hire a cleaning service.
Q: I want to volunteer and I have an RV or tent to live out of, can you accommodate this?
A: Yes, to stay on property as a volunteer, it's $100/week plus 16 service hours per person for a minimum of 2 weeks. Camping without hours is $40/night + cost of meals. You'll have access to all communal areas, high speed internet, recharging areas, a parking spot and unlimited well water. $800/person deposit required and signed agreement.
Q: Can I pay more and work less?
A: Absolutely! Just mention that request on your form and if you'd like to work any hours or none at all (if so, please include the maximum amount of hours you'd like to work).
Q: If I live on Big Island, can I volunteer for one day?
A: Yes, please see below to see "HOW DO I GET STARTED" and if accepted, we request a 4hr volunteer experience between 8-12pm or 2-6pm. If you'd like to volunteer to redeem farm to table dining experiences, workshops or business consultations, please mention that in your application. You can start redeeming rewards with as little as 8hrs of solid volunteer time- the first four hours are a trial period before being approved for the rewards program or you can volunteer for specific events if extra help is needed.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Fill out the form and EMAIL chefjustinema@gmail.com to confirm we've received your application- if it's a good fit, then we'll send you a Zoom link for a video interview. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
AUGUST 27, 2023:
My experience volunteering for Justine was phenomenal. It is always a pleasure to contribute to those around me and an honor to serve the aina. During the volunteer experience my partner and I removed all the dead foliage from the sugar cane. We also planted two trees; an egg fruit and soursop. Afterwards we upgraded the pineapple patch by planting a new sustainable ground cover, perennial peanut. Justine as the instructor is very sweet and clear on where things are and what tasks needs to be accomplished. Well rounded and comfortable environment to co-create in.
As we were aina playing Chef Justine was cooking up a meal for my partner and I. While we were working she let us sample her soursop jam and gave us a jar to enjoy. The meal was four courses made with local quality ingredients which in turn looked absolutely stunning and delicious. The atmosphere was dreamy as there were roses, string lights, rain trickling, and coqui frogs singing. Her culinary skills are extraordinary! She puts great intention and effort into not only into her meals and environment but how she shows up and nurtures her relationships too.
I would definitely volunteer again. It was a enriching experience from start to finish and a great opportunity for learning. Justine is very encouraging. She’s easy to communicate and work with. It was a joy to craft the aina and we were rewarded with a beautiful farm to table meal afterwards.
- Raven G., Pahoa, Big Island HI (Daily Volunt)
IG: @ravengarlock
JUNE 6 - JULY 27, 2023:
I enjoyed my experience at FarmtoTableHawaii, and the hot outdoor shower felt great under the Hawaiian Stars. Justine communicated everything prior to arrival and the work trade off grid experience allowed me to reflect upon my relationship between the quality of my life and the quality of my presence. Renovating the dome (by painting interior and exterior) gave me the opportunity to offer my creative energy and witness the transformation from start to finish.
Matt Becker
Belmar, NJ (2 Months)
IG: @observertheobserver
DEC 29 - JAN 13, 2023: "Everything was exactly the same as Justine described during our zoom call pre-departure and I appreciated the details that Justine gave on the website, which gave me a great sense of what to expect. Justine was extremely communicative via email, text and in-person - she gave us clear instructions about the farm work or even minor things like where to find tools. I was 100% impressed by how sustainable the farm lifestyle was when Justine first introduced it to me, from the power system to the food we eat. It was my first time staying on a farm and I was able to spend time with myself, go on daily adventures, and arrange the volunteer work with flexibility. I have always been very independent growing up, and am comfortable with spending alone time, but the farm-stay experience redefined independence and self-sufficiency to me in terms of balancing between different tasks, exploring big island and keeping time to myself, while adjusting myself to a completely different lifestyle. I got to see my own adaptability, and really enjoyed spending a few hours a day volunteering on the farm!
- Yutong N., China (2 Weeks) IG: @yutong.is.out
I’m satisfied with my experience overall and the expectations were very clear! Living on the farm is very different from urban life, and the novelty of the volunteer program made the stay highly memorable. I did lots of hand weeding, which was quite therapeutic; I also learned how to use a lawn mower, which was fun. I am now a lot more mindful of my day-to-day cooking ingredients, sustainable practices, how to work in nature, and my daily activity level/patterns (especially how much time I spend outdoors). It made me realize that I have grown very accustomed to modern conveniences and enjoyed learning more about farming and great survival skills!
- JY., China
MAY 20 - OCT 2, 2022:
We have supported Justine's vision in making this small farm even more beautiful than it was when we arrived. There is many things growing on property and we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this farm to table experience. Since being here we have enjoyed dino kale, chard, bananas, oranges, papayas, peppers, basil, rosemary, oregano, chives, scallions, sweet potatoes, turmeric, ginger, ulu, farm fresh eggs, and coconuts! And there is so much more still growing! The cabin is super cozy, warm and inviting. It’s been a dream to sleep with the coquis and wake up to the birds. Justine has been the most nurturing host we’ve had by far! She also is super welcoming to us as a small family with a toddler. We are still grieving the transition to leave after caretaking this land but will surely be back in the future to see how everything is growing. Our family is being called to deepen our medicine in new land. We pay our respects to all the caretakers of Hawaii past, present and future. We have so much love for the islands and are grateful to be in service.
Much Aloha,
Benji, Jaz & Vera’sol
Phoenix, AZ (5 Months)
IG: @sacredjaz
MAY 2 - MAY 16, 2022: "FarmtoTableHawaii was an awesome experience for me! Justine, who runs the work-trade program and farm, is an amazing and outstanding human being, and I’m richer for having gotten to know her. She interesting, fun, kind, wise, resourceful, and a memorable chef! I found the work-trade program work to be rugged and real, and a great way to connect with nature in Hawaii. Be sure to read everything in the instructions manual Justine gives you upon arrival for the safest and best experience possible. If you’re doing soul-searching, adventuring, or looking to connect with nature/the land in Hawaii, FarmtoTableHawaii might be just what you’re looking for. It was exactly what I needed, and Justine was an awesome coach along the way who respectfully suggested a thought here or there that turned out to be something helpful on my journey. Thank you, Justine, for providing an experience that contributed to a life-changing pivot-point in my life! Mahalo!"
- David H., Pennsylvania (2 Weeks)