Volunteer Program Options

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 are happy to offer some choices surrounding your contribution to the volunteer work program. 

Tuition fees are contributions which support the overall educational volunteer program. Volunteers receive many conveiences, which include; accommodations, meals, classes, excursions, pool/spa, use of the 120-acre botanical coastal environment, and free laundry use. Because Kalani Honua, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, volunteers are eligible for a full charitable tax deduction for the expense of tuition and travel to Kalani.

All volunteer programs are committed to assist for 30 hours per week in an assigned department.

Tuition fees vary according to length of time and accommodations as follows:

The three month commitment includes a week of free time (for personal relaxation, explorations, or intensive study). The two month commitment includes half a week of free time. During your stay, you may opt to participate in some of our workshops. Please contact us for additional information if you are interested.

Upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to hold your space.  In addition to the tuition, volunteers are required to pay a $100 security deposit upon arrival.  The security deposit is held to ensure that the condition of your living space is left the way you found it, along with all of its original items.  Prior to your departure, the volunteer coordinators will inspect your room and if approved the deposit will be returned to you.

Accommodations

All accommodations include bed linens, towels, a dresser, lamp, fan, and trash bin. Wireless access is available in through most of the property. Please note that housing is basic, simple, rustic, and fairly small in size. You should avoid bringing valuables or excessive items.

Volunteers making a 2 or 3 Month commitment have the option of staying in a shared room, shared cabana or an A-frame. Upon arrival, volunteers are usually placed in a shared room or cabana and then go on a waiting list for an A-frame (if desired). Each shared room accommodates two or three volunteers, and several residents share a bathroom.

A-frames accommodate one volunteer each. These unique housing units allow our residents to live in a community while enjoying nature. The A-frames are small (about 8 feet by 8 feet), but comfortable. The roof and two walls are made of corrugated metal, while the other two walls are screen. Volunteers personalize their A-frames (with fabric, lights, etc.), making this part of our property an artistic haven. Bathrooms and outdoor showers are nearby.

Cabanas are shared accommodations for two volunteers or a couple. These simple structures are similar to A-frames, in that they are close to nature and are basic in design.  They are squared at about 15 feet by 15 feet and have been designed by a past volunteer to feature a unique roofing design and with screen on three of the four walls.

Shared room	A-frame inside	A-frame outside	Cabana

One Month Volunteers are offered a campsite. Tent and air bed must be supplied by the volunteer. Occasionally, we are able to provide one month volunteers with housing, when available. However, priority is given to 2 and 3 month volunteers.

The campground area covers approximately four acres.  There are 16x16 tarps which cover the 8x8 wooden platforms.  Bathrooms and outdoor showers are nearby.

In addition to sleeping space, volunteers have access to communal lounge areas that include a TV/VCR/DVD player for movie watching, two shared computers with internet access, and shared phones. Wireless Internet is also available throughout most of the property for those wishing to bring along their own laptop.

Departments and Responsibilities

Volunteers provide service in our Kitchen, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Agriculture 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. All departments may occasional ask you to lift 50 pounds. 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. (Travelers insurance is adequate.)

Housekeeping

The housekeeping department ensures that guests and 'ohana' have clean and comfortable accommodations. Housekeeping volunteers clean and maintain guestrooms, prepare volunteer rooms, organize and caring for group spaces, office and common areas, and launder bedding and towels.

Maintenance

The Maintenance crew is responsible for the construction and upkeep of the buildings on property, as well as infrastructure on property. Some tasks include general facilities construction, repairs, collecting and hauling trash, and other duties that help Kalani function smoothly.

Volunteers on this team also collaborate to keep Kalani looking beautiful and functioning smoothly. Related tasks include prepping and painting buildings, renovating guest and staff accommodations, and making minor repairs.

Maintenance	Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture volunteers make Kalani's grounds fruitful and beautiful. They are involved in maintaining existing landscape, removing dead or non indigenous trees, creating pools, gardens, installing new plantings, tending to and collecting fruit and propagating new plant materials. They have a 120-acre playground!

Kitchen

The kitchen makes everybody happy with delicious food! Volunteering in the kitchen involves salad bar preparation, assisting the shift leader with cooking for up to 200 people, making salad dressings, cleaning the kitchen and stocking food. Everyone helping in the kitchen MUST have a current TB test.