Volunteer Packing Information

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 (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, if you prefer to have your own (we do provide yoga mats and props)
For campers:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad

What Not To Bring

Bedding and towels (we provide these)
Pets
Unnecessary valuables

Climate

Kalani is in a tropical jungle! It rains 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, Landscaping, or Kitchen department, you will need to wear close-toed shoes during your shifts, as well as a head covering 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 and Transportation

Kalani is in an isolated location 20 minutes from Pahoa, the nearest village, and 45 minutes from Hilo. Hilo has a shopping center with a WalMart, Borders, Office Max, Ross, a natural foods store, and other stores. Downtown Hilo and Pahoa both have wonderful farmers markets that sell local produce and flowers, as well as lots of local crafts for gifts.

Every other week, we offer a van ride into Hilo or Pahoa to go shopping. There is also a free state of Hawaii bus that runs between Kalani and Pahoa/Hilo. It comes by once in the morning and returns in the evening.

Some volunteers choose to rent a vehicle for a portion of their time here to go on short trips and adventures around the island. Several rental car companies offer vehicles at the Hilo Airport.

Contact Volunteer Coordinators: Salita and Tiffany

Please contact Salita or Tiffany for additional information or if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you!

Phone: 808-965-0468 ext. 117
Online: Contact Form for Volunteer Coordinators