Volunteer Life at Kalani
To read about life from some of our volunteers' point of view, check out the Kalani Blog.
Community Life
Kalani's community is comprised of guests, staff, and volunteers. We form a group of like-minded individuals who value interdependence, mutual respect, integrity and responsibility in living together.
Because this type of communal living is no longer common in our culture, it often takes getting used to. Personal boundaries are sometimes tested, and patience and tolerance are daily ingredients. We ask you to treat everyone with respect, starting with yourself. When living with others, resolving conflicts is an art that we can all practice.
Most volunteers comment that living and assisting within the community was the most powerful and rewarding aspect of their Kalani experience. Allow yourself to be amazed by others and grow with your community.
Volunteer Benefits
In exchange for providing service to departments, volunteers receive a wide range of benefits, including:
- Living less than a mile from beautiful, black sand Kehena beach
- Three delicious meals each day
- A-Frame or shared room (when available)
- Free participation in our daily classes and activities, such as yoga, ecstatic dance, hula and weaving
- Full use of facilities, including a clothing-optional swimming pool, two hot tubs, dry sauna, and workout room
- Opportunity to live in a diverse community of people from all over the world
- A week of vacation time for 3 month program or half a week for 2 month program
- A journal to help you to reflect and document your Kalani experience
- Weekly `ohana night activities, such as movies, bowling, bonfires, etc.
- Bi-weekly van run into Hilo or Pahoa for shopping or sightseeing
- Excursion to the Sunday morning local farmers market for shopping
- Monthly volunteer trip to a location on the island (snorkeling, beach, hiking, volcano, etc.)
- Opportunities to participate in retreat workshops (when open and available)
- Reduced rates on bodywork
- Reduced rates on return volunteer visits
- Reduced rates on excursions
- An affordable way to spend an extensive period of time in Hawaii
- Live near an active volcano!
Many current and past volunteers have asked us to describe, in more detail, the things that happen aside from the responsibilities associated with volunteer work. However, the benefits of living, participating and being at Kalani can be difficult to describe in words. Every experience is unique. We highly recommend the Kalani Blog for personal descriptions of what life at Kalani can be like. You can also connect with current and past volunteers through our Facebook Group.
Community Rules
As with any communal situation, there are set boundaries that volunteers, as well as guests and staff, are expected to follow. These boundaries, while broad enough to allow for personal expression, are important to respect.
We expect all participants to demonstrate a positive attitude and to act with integrity and honesty. In addition, we ask all volunteers to follow these rules:
- Quiet time: 10 pm - 7 am
- No smoking on property except in designated areas
- Punctuality for work
- No music or movie watching without headphones
- No large internet downloads during business hours
