What inspired you to work for Big Island Farms?
My interest in ancient indigenous cultures led me to launch the NGO, Association Terra Nation, a non-profit which supports the rights of Native Nations and sacred cultures. It also provides funding for food, shelter, and medicine in third-world countries. I enjoy sharing as much knowledge as possible to our future leaders.
At Big Island Farms, our mission is to show hands-on how its possible to restore the land and to create sustainable living.
Farm to Table
Describe a typical day at work.
The day begins with a daily meeting with our staff. Then we do a round of mulching in our food forest, followed by opening a new food forest, seed saving to building compost, and eating amazingly fresh and nutritious food.
Why do you do what you do?
We need to all take sustainability seriously, and caring for the land is the first step in the right direction."E Malama ‘oe I ka ‘?ina, e Malama ka ‘?ina ia ‘oe.” Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is seeing the fruits of our labor and the individual who blessed it with their presence. I love hearing back from past students and seeing how much this program helped them find their goal in life and how it helped them grow.
Medicinal plant introduction and tasting
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I run two nonprofits and I have been helping indigenous tribes as well as ancient cultures for over 25 years. Teaching in Hawaii and honoring Hawaiian culture is the best of both worlds..
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is making sure to balance my daily schedule. It's easy to get lost in the jungle, especially on a 64-acre farm. I always have to pace myself and my daily workflow.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We just finished our new medicinal herbal tincture line and are currently working on opening our new shop at the front of our property. As well as building our 7th food forest.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Understand that you are coming to live on a farm, we always think of Hawaii and the beach, but our farm is really not a hotel experience. You will be living close to nature and have all the amazing benefits that come with such an experience.
Hawaiian Biology
What makes Big Island Farms special?
Our program is unique because it is a well-rounded and interactive internship. We cover beekeeping to healing medicinal plants. Then from Hawaiian culture to soil building and composting. We offer a program that everyone can learn from and experience according to their needs.
What hopes do you have for the future of Big Island Farms?
Big Island Farms offers so much more than most other programs out there, we are focused on making a unique experience where everyone can really live deeper into what they really want to do with their lives, what inspires them, and what will make them better individuals.
What is Big Island Farm’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to help growth on all levels. From building sustainable regenerative agriculture programs to educating on how to be a better person within your community, our main goal is to facilitate healthy growth on all levels.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope students get a better understanding of taking care of the land and gain knowledge about maintaining healthy biodiversity upon returning to their normal lives. We also hope that they have a healthy growth experience and become better-supporting members of their communities.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
When I was 17, I traveled solo to India, Nepal, and Tibet. It was a life changing experience; it helped me better understand myself. I honestly recommend everyone experience a new culture. It helps you see life from a different perspective. You will learn to appreciate the beauty of the language and how the locals interact with the land.
Teaching in our food forest
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I have been studying ancient languages and dialects for over 25 years. When you study linguistics, your eyes are opened to a broader spectrum. You are able to connect with the land on a deeper level.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being conscious of your surroundings and respectful to the culture and the people. When you go somewhere, try to understand how the locals see and interact with the land. Being humble, in this way, will open many doors.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And at Big Island Farms)
We want everyone to feel welcomed despite their gender, cultural background, or beliefs.
Clear communication is extremely important. What I think is most important is enthusiasm and gratitude.