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5 Jul 2025
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Description
Last-Minute Helpers Needed!
Aloha! We’re a positive, energetic couple living off-grid on six acres in the remote and beautiful Kaʻū District on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. For over 30 years, we’ve been involved in cultural exchange programs, and we’ve welcomed people from around the world into our lives and home.
Our journey with Workaway began through our daughter, who traveled the globe participating in the program. Inspired by her experiences, we became Workaway hosts and have also personally participated in the Workawayprogram in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the USA.
We are passionate about sustainable living, meaningful connection, and creating a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Life here is filled with simple pleasures—working on creative projects, exploring the island, spending time at the beach, and hosting gatherings with friends and Workawayers. We also love to play cribbage, and we’re always happy to teach!
Our home is shared with our two sweet dogs, who are very much a part of our ohana (family):
Wrigley, our 12-year-old Corgi and the wise elder of the house
Haupia, our 2-year-old energetic and playful Whippet/Pit mix (aka “Wipit”)
They bring us endless joy and are loved by all who stay here.
We’re inviting enthusiastic volunteers (2+ people traveling together) to join us on this journey toward self-sufficiency and authentic island living. This is not your typical tourist stay—it’s a cultural and educational exchange, where you’ll engage with Hawaiian traditions, community values, and the ‘āina (land). In return for your time and effort, we offer meaningful hands-on learning, warm hospitality, and unforgettable Big Island adventures.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Technology
Politics / Social justice
LGBTQ
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Self development
Farming
Charity work
Languages
Cooking & food
Gardening
Photography
Drawing & painting
Astronomy
Carpentry
Animals
Architecture
History
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural Exchange & Learning:
Workaways will benefit by:
• Gaining practical life skills in sustainability
• Immersing in a Hawaiian rural lifestyle
• Participating in cultural gatherings and learning about island traditions
• Experiencing real-life community and nature-based living
• Contributing to a lifestyle rooted in respect for the land (Āina), self-sufficiency, and aloha
Help
Opportunities to Learn and Explore:
Cultural Immersion: Learn about Hawaiian culture and local traditions by participating in gatherings, markets, and events. • Sustainable Living: Learn about solar power systems, water conservation, and eco-conscious choices in daily life.
• Hands-On Skills:
•Bread, sausage and pasta making
•Brewing traditional beer & cider (for personal use only)
•Artistic expression through painting murals
•Gardening, composting, and caring for the ʻāina (Hawaiian word for “land")
• Help care for our dog Wrigley and some chickens.
• Community Engagement: Join beach cleanups, local gatherings, and contribute to local sustainability efforts.
What We’re Looking For:
• Eager to learn, create, and contribute
• Comfortable with remote, quiet living
• Respectful of nature, culture, and others
• Positive, self-motivated, and open-minded
Requirements:
• US or International Driver's License
• Active cell service (we must be able to reach you)
• Non-smokers only
• Must have your own transportation - You can get around the island by renting a car or using the Hele-On bus, which is free and runs between many major points around the island. We’re happy to help you catch the bus and pick you up when needed.
• For 2+ people traveling together and over 25 years old
• Must enjoy a remote country lifestyle
A Note About Location:
We're located on the Big Island, not Oahu. Please note we’re 1.5 hours from major towns (Hilo and Kona), but just minutes from groceries, local restaurants, and community events. Kaʻū is a culturally rich area with dramatic landscapes, including ancient lava flows and breathtaking ocean views.
Come Share, Learn, and Grow With Us!
This isn’t just a place to volunteer—it’s a place to discover new skills, connect with people, embrace a simpler life, and explore the true spirit of Hawaii. If you’re excited by meaningful help and life-changing experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
🌺 Reach out today and let the adventure begin!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
• A private Workaway cabin with a king-size bed, kitchen, bathroom, deck, and outdoor sitting area
• The cabin is fully off-grid and powered by solar energy, with rainwater catchment for water supply — perfect for those wanting to experience sustainable island living
• On help days, we enjoy a large meal together
• A flexible schedule so you can explore the island (e.g., help 3 days, explore 4!)
• Free time to discover incredible nearby sites like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Green Sand Beach, South Point (the southernmost point in the USA), and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
• Transportation options: You can get around the island by renting a car or using the Hele-On bus, which is free and connects many major locations. We’re happy to help you catch the bus and pick you up when needed.
What else ...
Time Off – Explore the Big Island!
During your free time, we encourage you to get out and experience the incredible natural and cultural beauty of Kaʻū and beyond. Here's what you can enjoy nearby:
🌺 Local Highlights (Very Close):
Local Restaurants & Shops: Enjoy fresh island cuisine at nearby restaurants and stock up on supplies from one of three local grocery stores.
Weekly Markets (Wednesdays & Saturdays): Shop for local produce, art, crafts, and fresh ono (delicious) fish at the OKK Market in Na‘alehu.
Punaluʻu Bake Shop: Famous for their Portuguese malasadas (donuts) — a must-try while in Kaʻū!
South Point (Ka Lae): Visit the southernmost point in the U.S. — a great place for cliff jumping, fishing, and coastal views.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea): A unique beach you can hike to or access by local shuttle — one of only four green sand beaches in the world!
Whittington Beach Park: Perfect for ocean views, picnics, snorkeling, fishing, or walking the dog.
🌋 Day Trips & Cultural Sites:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Walk through lava tubes, visit active volcanic craters, and explore endless trails.
Wood Valley Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple visited and blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Miloliʻi Village: Explore one of the oldest Hawaiian fishing villages and relax at a quiet, palm-lined beach.
Manukā State Park: A lovely local hiking and picnic spot surrounded by native forest.
Kaʻū Coffee Trail & Winery: Sample world-class coffee and enjoy a visit to a small Hawaiian winery.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge): Explore Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park and snorkel at nearby Two Step.
Hilo Town: Take a scenic drive to Hilo for waterfalls, botanical gardens, museums, and shopping.
🚐 Transportation Options:
Rental Cars: Best option for exploring the island freely on your schedule.
Hele-On Bus (Free): The island’s public transit system connects Ocean View to Hilo, Kona, and other locations. We’re happy to help you catch the bus and pick you up when needed.
We are excited to hear from people who are enthusiastic about off-grid living, cultural exchange, and contributing to a sustainable community. Please read our participation requirements carefully:
✅ Participation Requirements:
• Couples or 2 people traveling together only
• We live a peaceful, remote lifestyle, and love hosting respectful, curious, and adventurous people looking to learn, grow, and experience authentic Hawaiʻi. If that’s you — we’d love to hear your story!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have good wifi for digital nomads! If one goes down there is a back-up access
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Haupia
She is 23 lbs Whippit.
Wrigley (12 years)
He is a hawaiian dog with a corgie mix, 20 lbs
Feedback (12)
They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
Photos
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They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
They dug holes for the post footers, moved and compacted gravel, cut grooves in boards for the roof structure to go over the container, painted… read more
During our interview, we asked if performing hospice care and Griffon’s potential death on their… read more
I really don’t think there is a weed left on our… read more
They spent their time focused… read more
We couldn't have asked for a more interesting, fun and rewarding placement, and our time with these fabulous folks passed all too quickly! Between them, Mike and Cheryl are a wealth of knowledge and a powerhouse of productivity, and it was a… read more
When it comes to Cheryl and Mike (and Elly and Griffon for that matter), well... what can we say? Warm-hearted,… read more
Hosting Alicia was a great pleasure: she is a really nice… read more
Fortunately, Mike and Cheryl understand the heat… read more
They began their island life with us and are now employed in Kona. Looking forward to spending more… read more
