Having the support and courage from those around you makes it easier to realize your potential and needs. We want you to experience what it feels like to eat healthier, live outside with nature, and connect with like-minded peers. Our hope is that you emanate that feeling and inspire your friends, family and community.
Below we have tried to lay out the clearest possible picture of what life on the island and in our community will be like. We want you to be as prepared as possible for the amazing experiences you are about to undergo.
Work and education
Hands on learning is our priority. We provides the arena for students to design , plant, and maintain gardens, orchards, and reforestation projects. As a community we harvest, process and market fresh fruits and vegetables for local farmers markets, participate in home dairy production, build with bamboo to create natural structures, preserve traditional Hawaiian planting knowledge, organize community events and workshops, and explore diverse ecosystems.
-The knowledge gained by learning in the field is accompanied by classroom lectures and discussions where students receive an in-depth understanding of ecosystem health, permaculture principles and agroforestry systems. HIP Agriculture hosts experts from around the island to various lecture topics include: bee guardianship, natural farming techniques, bio-char production, herbal medicines, organic cooking, green business, Hawaiian lo’i planting methods, and more.
-Work requires a variety of tools including hand sickles, shovels, hoes, pitchforks, pick axes, spades, loppers, machetes and hand saws. All students will be trained for proper use and safety of each tool used. If you have a favorite hand tool we encourage you to bring it along.
-While the work we do is rewarding and uplifting, it often pushes us outside of our comfort level and challenges us physically. Please come with a willingness to work hard and a desire to increase physical strength and endurance.
-Due to the nature of the work we require that work gloves and boots are worn at all times in the field. Please bring comfortable gloves and boots.
Weather and Environment
-Hosting a majority of the worlds climate zones, an active volcano, and the tallest mountain in the world from base at the sea floor to summit, the island of Hawai’i is one of the most diverse regions on the planet. The Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture is located on the northern tip of the Big Island where we experience average temperatures of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
-The sun is strong and we recommend students come prepared for working in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Please bring a sun hat, sunglasses, breathable long sleeves and pants. Fortunately, aloe is abundant on the island for post-sun skin care.
-We experience tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rains, please come prepared with proper waterproof rain gear.
-Please be aware that we sometimes experience the effects of volcanic fog (Vog). While it is most common south of us, vog is known to cause shortness of breath, sore throat, disturb the sinuses, and aggravate preexisting respiratory conditions.
Living
-Living amongst nature allows us to expand beyond the luxuries of modern conveniences and empowers us to feel confident in our innate survival skills.
The sprawling macadamia nut orchard where students can find and create their own little nook to set up their tent
-We invite students to set up camp on the land and ask that they come prepared with a sleeping bag, tent, rainfly, footprint, and tarp. Part of our learning experience is to build with bamboo and natural materials, we will work with students so that they might create their own living structures on the land.
-All students have access to an outdoor community kitchen, outdoor showers, composting toilet and limited laundry.
-Living outdoors in a tropical climate exposes students to the elements of our environment, including insects, dampness and mold, mud and dirt, and various weather changes, i.e. high winds and sudden rain fall.
-We ask that everyone bring environmentally friendly/biodegradable soaps and toiletries.
-Please be aware that cell phone service is sparse for some service providers.
-Access to wireless internet is available but limited on the farm and is not available during in-the-field hours.
-HIP Agriculture is located just few miles from the small towns of Kapa’au and Hawi where you can find grocery stores, post office, internet access, coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants, and mellow nightlife. Transportation is not always guaranteed but often available.
-Students should pack light and bring work clothes that can get dirty and clothes that you feel comfortable in. Weather varies so pack clothes for hot and cool temperatures.
-We are living and working on ancient, sacred lands. Working to preserve the knowledge of traditional Hawaiian culture we ask that everyone come to the land with positive intentions and respect for those who have walked before us.
Outdoor showers- don't worry, they've got hot water 
-We work together with equal responsibility to maintain our living space so that all may be comfortable and respected. You will be living and working in an intensive community environment and ask that you come with an open mind and open heart as we provide a judgment free space to share and listen with one another. We encourage students to work with staff when problems arise in the community so that constructive solutions may be reached. We hold weekly community council to encourage open, honest communication and the development of effective problem solving skills. Together we explore how to live and grow in community, conscious of how our individual roles affects the greater whole.
Diet
-We eat as much from the land as we can. Living in a mature orchard we enjoy an abundance of macadamia nuts, oranges, bananas and avocados. We grow a bounty of delicious vegetables and greens in our year-round gardens. Our locally grown starch crops include taro, breadfruit, yams, cassava, sweet potatoes and plantains. Varying by season we celebrate fresh fruits such as lychee, mango, papaya, starfruit, soursop, jack fruit, lemons, limes, tangerines, rambutan, guava, passion fruit, dragon fruit and many other tropical delicacies.
-In addition HIP Agriculture provides bulk rice, oats, beans and various other whole grains. We supply cooking oils and minimal seasonings, as well as bulk tea. Individuals should expect to supply any additional supplements they may enjoy, however they are invited to experience a diet free from high fructose corn syrup and genetically modified foods (i.e. sodas and common junk food.) We are creating the vibration of health and wellness and ask that all participants respect our standard for whole foods and healthy living. As we value a pure foods diet and focus on healing, we have witnessed this cleansing process set the stage for immense physical and emotional growth. As we engage in conscious eating dialogues we support one another through this period of personal development.
-We want all individuals in this program to feel physically, mentally, and emotionally strong and healthy. The staff acts as a support team to ensure that the individual needs of each member of our community are met.
Polulu Valley, just a short walk down the road...
