Live & Learn Here

Living at La’akea

There are three distinct ways to be here with us:

1. Visit (you get to stay here and enjoy the land and community short-term, with minimal obligation)
2. Residential learning stay (come for a course / training)
3. Farm support (this is a work / trade agreement, and the route into long-term community membership here.

Part of the vision at La’akea is to provide opportunities for people to come to La’akea; to spread the experience of living in an intentional community, to educate about permaculture, and to share personal development skills. In exchange, we receive the benefit of additional labor, outside perspective and new friends.

See an Introductory video Here

We would like you to know about life in this part of Hawai’i to help you decide if La’akea would be the right place for you.

Our Site

Temperatures range up to the 80’s during the day and the 60’s at night. We are located in the sub-tropical rain forest. It is both a magical and wild place. We receive approx. 150 inches of rain a year, which makes it very green and lush, as well as moldy and mildewy.

We are situated at 1200 ft. elevation, which means it is cooler in the morning and evenings (65 degrees or so in winter months) than at sea level. We live close to nature, and share the land with ants, mice, rats, mongeese, feral pigs, night-chirping coqui frogs, and yes, mosquitoes. There are also butterflies, a pet dog, and a lot of cats!

We love this property – its fertility and abundance, the gentle light and mist, the arching double rainbows, and the warm sunny days that shine on us. We live “off the grid,” and rely on solar energy and water catchment. That means we have electricity and potable water in our main house, but none in most of our accommodations.

Testimonials

June 2011 interns

Summer interns

“It’s not just fruit and vegetables we’re cultivating here. It is so much more…. so amazing!” – Mandi, 2008
 
“During my stay at La’akea I gorged myself on the bountiful nectars of life. Pele was very kind to me and the punaverse took care of me. Thank you all. Puede vita!!!” – Matt Gubelmann, New Jersey, 2005
 
“This is a sacred space where we can witness the co-evolution of human beings.” – Mateo Tryllium, Hawaii, 2005
 
“I will begin by saying mahalo (thanks), can’t begin to explain everything I have learned and how I have grown.” – Laura Schmidt, 2005
 
“I truly believe I have been able to redirect my path to a more focused humanitarian based life mission with your guys help.” – Mitch, 2006
 
“I enjoyed putting work and energy into this land, and harvesting the fruits and food of other people’s labor. To plant seeds and trees that will grow into the future. Making friends that will remain in my heart and mind forever. Getting down to the earth, dirt, sweat and blood; this island is full of fun!” – Isa, 2006

Donate to our educational permaculture programs! We will be very grateful and use it well! Use the button below to go to PayPal, log into your account, and send money to info@permaculture-hawaii.com.

If you donate over $25 and want it to be tax deductible, email us and we can provide that option.

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