Kalani's Volunteer Program
Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means. - Leo Buscaglia
Kalani's volunteer program is more than a service-exchange program. Volunteers become part of a thriving community based on service, mutual respect, and open communication. With more than 80 residents, as well as up to 120 guests at any time, volunteer help is crucial to maintaining and operating this non-profit, educational facility.
Volunteer Program Options
We offer two volunteer programs:
One Month Volunteer Program
The one month volunteer program is a commitment to assist in 20 hours per week in an assigned department, allowing time for greater participation in ongoing educational activities.
Three Month Volunteer Program
The three month volunteer program is a commitment to assist in 30 hours per week in an assigned department. A week of free time (for personal relaxation, explorations, or intensive study) is scheduled in the three month period. Each volunteer may opt to participate in some of our workshops during their stay. Please ask for additional information if you are interested.
Volunteer Benefits
In exchange for providing service to departments, volunteers receive a wide range of benefits, including:
- Three delicious meals each day
- An A-Frame or a shared room
- Free access to daily classes and activities, such as yoga, contact improv, hula and weaving
- Full use of facilities, including the swimming pool, two hot tubs, dry sauna, and workout room
- Opportunity to live in a diverse community of people from all over the world
- A week of vacation time (for three-month volunteers)
- A journal to help you to reflect and document your Kalani experience
- Weekly ohana night activities, such as movies, bowling, bonfires, etc.
- Weekly van run into Hilo or Pahoa for shopping or sightseeing
- Monthly volunteer trip to a location on the island (snorkeling, beach, hiking, volcano, etc.)
- Opportunities to participate in retreat workshops (limited)
- Reduced rates on bodywork
- Reduced rates on return volunteer visits
- Reduced rates on excursions
Departments and Responsibilities
Volunteers provide basic, routine assistance to our Kitchen, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Landscaping, and Aesthetics departments. Satisfaction depends on your attitude and intention, and growth comes from carrying out these tasks with a spirit of willing service. Past volunteers have found their assignments rewarding and a source of personal growth.
All positions in the departments can be physically strenuous, and we require you to be of sound physical and mental health. In all departments occasional lifting of no more than 50 pounds may be asked of you. Individuals with health challenges are encouraged to contact us to discuss possible volunteer placements before applying.
Please note that all volunteers are required to provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.
Kitchen
Volunteering in the kitchen involves salad bar preparation and assisting the shift leader with cooking for up to 200 people; making salad dressings; cleaning the kitchen and stocking food. Everyone working in the kitchen MUST have a current TB test.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping volunteers clean and maintain the guest’s rooms, prepare the volunteer rooms, organize and maintain group spaces, the office and common areas, and launder the bedding and towels.
Maintenance
The Maintenance crew is responsible for constructing and maintaining the buildings and infrastructure on property. Tasks include general facilities construction, maintenance, collecting and hauling trash, and other duties that help Kalani function smoothly.
Landscaping
Landscaping volunteers are involved in installing new plantings, maintaining existing landscaping, removing dead or diseased trees, and propagating new plant materials.
Aesthetics
Volunteers on this team collaborate to keep Kalani looking beautiful and functioning smoothly. Tasks include prepping and painting buildings, renovating guest and staff accommodations, and making minor repairs.
For More Information
Read our Volunteer Brochure
Download our Volunteer Brochure (PDF - 1.6MB).
PDF documents will require Adobe Acrobat Reader; if you don't have it already, you can download it here.
Contact Volunteer Coordinators: Michael Salita and Tiffany Manchester
Please contact us for additional information or if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you!
Phone: 808-965-0468 ext. 117
Email: volunteer@kalani.com