Work Exchange Program

      Farm, Gardens
     Plants, animals &
         Healing Sanctuary

Working Vacations

We've had an amazing response from our ad and by word of mouth. We are pleased that there are so many who are interested in our programs. And it's great for us to have some extra hands around here helping out!

The working vacation area is separate from the main house. There are covered campsites and even a treehouse! These are designed especially for island living.

All around the property is lush green vegetation: bananas, surinam cherries, pineapple, macadamia nuts, avocados, tangerines, breadfruit, starfruit, oranges, limes and even dragonfruit! There are often bumper crops of one fruit at a time. For those who stay long enough, you will be able to sample them all!

There are beautiful tropical palms, orchids, tropical flowers and magnificent rainbow eucalyptus trees throughout the entire property.

But by far, the most exciting part of our property is the animals. We have a very special miniature donkey named Mocha Latte and his best friend Dasher the goat. There is also Lucy Goose, Chris and Sashimi the cats and Bunny Cakes, Nibs, Oreo, and other bunny family members. Also the ducks and a variety of chickens. You will have a chance to know them all!

We are extremely proud of our tiny slice of heaven. With cooperation and mutual respect we are able to embrace a lifestyle in harmony with one another and the elements of nature.

Our farm is a healthy, organic, sustainable, environment on 3 gorgeous acres.

It is important for us to work with responsible, compatible, caring people who are not into smoking, drugs, alcohol or any other harmful addictions. We appreciate integrity and harmony. Be prepared to connect with nature and leave your problems elsewhere. If you are struggling with addictions, debt or emotional issues we ask that you resolve these before making your commitment to stay here.

This is a rainforest environment. There are numerous critters (bugs, plants and animals some people consider inconvenient or annoying). But we strive to learn cooperation with harmonious elements on the planet.

The campsites are under cover and the average space will accommodate a regular sized camping tent and also enough room for 2 people with 2 backpacks, or 2 regular suitcases.

There is an outdoor kitchen under cover also, with an area about 12 X 20 feet, right under the tree house with a two burner propane stove, table, large coolers, water in containers, dishes, chairs and some room for food storage. There is a nearby composting toilet and a bathhouse with electricity and hot shower.

We request $20.00 deposit from each person per 3 day trial period, to stay in one of the camping areas. You will need to bring your own bedding, tents, air mattresses and towels. This money is not refundable. After the trial period, you may choose to stay on for $25.00 per week and five hours of work exchange each week per person for the camping arrangement.

We have found that this is the fairest method of work exchange for all concerned. We provide a safe and inexpensive place to stay while requiring a minimum amount of work in exchange.

If you would prefer to stay in the Treehouse, Jungle Hut or Garden room, linens and towels will be provided at the cost of $15 per person per day with the work exchange of five hours per week per person. There will also be a three day trial period.

The work exchange is expected every week. If you want to "pay forward" you can work additional hours and take "future" time off.

Transportation, laundry and meals are not included in this arrangement.

However, we are willing to consider special individual arrangements to make your stay enjoyable and affordable.

We ask each visitor to use our electricity and water resources sparingly.

Each person staying here is responsible for their own health, safety, and all personal expenses.

It is important for us to communicate regularly with all visitors for any changes relating to reservations, work agreements or space available.

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE FOLLOWING SKILLS:

Animal care       Land work     Plantcare           Handywork and maintenance
Housekeeping and Cleaning
Food Preparation         Artistic skills
Building and construction
Computer skills            Videography

We hope that you will enjoy the opportunity to participate in our working vacation program! Please send us an e-mail describing yourself and your planned dates of arrival.

OUR VISION AND SOME SUGGESTIONS

Our program is designed for visitors staying here for three weeks or more.. The time is meant to enable visitors to stay in Hawai´i without having to pay for costly accommodations and meals. We trust it will be a very positive experience for all of us. It will enable us all to meet conscious people from other parts of the islands, country and world.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore a unique connection with the elements of nature while nurturing your own creativity. We are a very special destination, and many visitors come here after an exhaustive, disappointing search for "the best deal" and wish they had come here first.

If you plan on arranging your own transportation to and from the property, there are taxi's from the airport. We can also suggest a transportation professional. If you like, we can help to arrange visits to some of the special sites in the area as well as take you to cultural events in the community.

It's a good idea to plan on renting a car for at least part of your visit here. We are not close to public transportation, and it will give you an opportunity to see the island at your own pace.

We are close to the town of Kea'au, which has a natural food store, regular grocery store and a farmers market.

We certainly have a wonderful community in East Hawai'i. Come and join us in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

With Much Aloha,
Sherri Carden and her team of professionals

A BEAUTIFUL DAY/Nani La 'Ao
Rainforest Gardens and Healing Sanctuary
HC 1 Box 4643
Keaau, HI 96749

(808) 982-7252 (808) 982-7252
e-mail: sherric@maui.net

Approved by Lucy, executive Goose in charge of operations.

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