Packing Information for Volunteers
What To Bring
- Shorts
- T-shirts, tank tops
- Swim suit
- Long pants
- Sweatshirt (for cooler evenings)
- Skirts, dresses, sarongs
- Flip flops, sandals
- Beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Books
- Camera
- Medications
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Bandana or head covering (if working in kitchen)
- Laptop (wireless access available)
- CD player or iPod with headphones
- Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
- Lightweight rain coat and/or umbrella
- Bug spray (citronella or eucalyptus oil is a good natural alternative
- Phone card for making long-distance calls
- Spending money for excursions, shopping, etc.
- Tennis shoes or close-toed shoes for walking on lava, hiking (and if working in the kitchen, landscaping, or maintenance)
- Fabric for decorating your A-frame or room
- Yoga mat and props ( we have yoga mats and props for you to use and some people prefer to have their own)
- If you are interested in being a driver for Kalani to assist in picking up and dropping off guests and volunteers from the airport, it is advisable to bring a “Drivers Abstract” from your local DMV
- For campers:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Tarp to protect from rain
What Not To Bring
- Bedding and towels (we provide these)
- Pets
- Unnecessary valuables
Climate
Kalani is in a tropical jungle! It rains a lot (more than 100 inches/year) on our side of the island, more so in the winter months, so it helps to have a lightweight raincoat. The weather here is relatively warm and tropical all year round. Day time highs range from mid-70s to mid-90s, and evenings are mild, mid-60s to low-70s. Bring sunscreen, as the sun can be very intense during the day. Once you are acclimated to the weather, evenings can feel somewhat cool and you may want long pants and a sweatshirt, especially in the winter months.
Dress Code
Kalani is very casual, as is most of Hawaii. Most people wear shorts, t-shirts, and sandals or flip flops. If you are assigned to the Maintenance or Landscaping department, you will need to wear close-toed shoes during your shifts, as well as a head covering if you are in the Kitchen department. Work in all departments can be dirty at times, so please bring clothes for working that could possibly get stained. Kalani also has a great free box that can be a source of clothing for both work and play.
Shopping
Kalani is in an isolated location 20 minutes from the nearest village and 45 minutes from Hilo. Every week, we offer a van ride into Hilo or Pahoa to go shopping. Hilo has a mall with a WalMart, Borders, Ross, a natural food store, and other stores. Downtown Hilo and Pahoa both have great farmers markets that sell local produce and flowers, as well as lots of local crafts for gifts.