Volunteer FAQs
Non-refundable deposits and full payment for all stays are required to claim your dates. We apologize in advance if your preferred dates are not available + appreciate your patience, thank you.
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Q: Do I need a car?
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A: Absolutely. The nearest food store is a 10-15 minute drive. Biking is not recommended as there are no sidewalks.
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Q: Which day should I arrive at the farm?
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A: We can accommodate your stay any day of the week as long as there is availability
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Q: Which day can I go to a farmers market?
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There are markets on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Do I need travel insurance?
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A: Highly recommended. You are fully responsible for your personal wellbeing and 100% liable for any accidents/illnesses. You must book your first night on HIPCAMP and then sign waiver before arriving to property.
Q: How many guests are there at one time?
A: We have space for 1-2 guests per tinyhome and 2 spaces for campers.
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Q: Are meals included?
A: Please read the details of your booking, and if you'd like to add-on meals, just reach out!
Q: What should I bring to be comfortable on the farm?
A: Here's our essential recommendations: -
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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Insect repellent; mosquito coils or citronella candles
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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
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Journal
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Camera
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Headphones
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Kindle/Books
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Q: What time does the work day start and end?
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A: We work in the rain or shine (and sometimes it's easier when it's raining). Ideally we'd like you to complete your commitment is two, 4 hour sessions and it should be a fun and enjoyable experience to get connected to the land! If you bring a partner and they do not want to work the land, you can take on their hours.
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Q: How do I document my volunteer experience?
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A: You are asked to take before and after photos of their work. After each work period, please send team leader the photos, the start and finish time, and a short description of the task completed.
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For longer volunteer periods, see example below:
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8:00-11:00am (3hrs), Cleaning the Sugar Cane Wall, Total Hours Completed 3/16hrs - photo attached
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11:00-12:00pm (1hr), Weeding 4/16 - photo attached
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2:30-6:30pm (4), Building Planter Beds + Planting Trees 8 out of 16 trees - photo attached
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Q: What are the expectations while working?
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A: Before you start your volunteer experience, we will have an introductory meeting to discuss the task list upon arrival. We are happy 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, please avoid phone calls during the work session.
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Q: How do I receive my deposit when my retreat experience is complete?
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A: Volunteers will arrive to the property to clean lodging and communal areas; before you leave these areas must be deep cleaned to receive your deposit. Anything that is found broken (and it was not communicated beforehand) may be deducted from your deposit- please communicate before you leave so owner is aware something needs to be replaced.
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At the end of your stay, please clean the communal living areas, and then 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, $200 will be deducted to hire a cleaning service.
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Q: I want to volunteer and I have an RV or tent to live out of, can you accommodate this?
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A: Yes, you can stay on property in your RV or tent for a special rate. You'll have access to all communal areas, high speed internet, recharging areas, a parking spot and unlimited well water. $200/person deposit required and signed agreement.
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Q: May I stay and volunteer longer?
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A: Longer stays are negotiable upon successful completion of your original agreement, and based upon availability. If approved, work trade experiences are $500/week for an additional 7 days, plus 8 work trade hours (excluding the ChefRX component). Work trade hours can be completed in one day, or two, 4hr days. Additional meals and farmer market tours can also be added on when you extend your stay at a discounted rate
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Q: Can I pay more and work less?
A: Absolutely! Just book everything a la carte!
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Q: If I live on Big Island, can I volunteer for one day?
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A: At this point in time we are only accepting retreat guests, thank you!
Q: How do I get started?
A: Book your stay on Hipcamp or Airbnb then EMAIL chefjustinema@gmail.com to confirm we've received your booking and then we'll send you a Zoom link for a complimentary 30min meeting with Chef Justine to discuss your goals of the trip and to see if it's a good fit. We look forward to hearing from you!
Required
Ground Rules
Provide your own transportation, no parties, no cigarettes on property, clean up your space, do not invite any guests to the property, and approach this experience with an attitude of gratitude.
Work Trade
Volunteer Experience
To offset the cost of your stay, we ask for 8 hours of volunteering per week. If you prefer to book the cabin or dome without volunteer hours, it's $99-120/night.
Sustainability
Environmentally Friendly
Please be mindful while staying on the farm. The tiny homes have access to electric however we ask that you turn off all lights/fans when not in use.
Innovative Concepts
Creative Culinary Artistry
If you choose to volunteer a workshop or dining experience, we will schedule your experience 3-4 months in advance. Last minute experiences may be considered.







