We are an organic (not certified) green tea farm in the Hamakua District of Big Island. We believe that nature teaches us to cultivate humble and pure minds.  Our tea cultivation and tea making is based on Masanobu Fukuoka’s Natural Farming, to see the world through a nature-centered perspective and learn from nature. Taka, farm manager / co-owner, is a certified Japanese Tea instructor and Kimberly is the family and business manager.

In the tea fields, processing and tea room, we are looking for those with not necessarily advanced skills and degrees, but right attitude, those looking to cultivate humility and honesty through work. We do not teach much or give lessons but give the opportunity for you to observe and participate, and believe that as you hone your senses, you will gain knowledge and insight on how the system increases its fertility through natural means. This requires time and commitment.

Jobs: At this time we have no paid positions available.

Internship / Volunteers (1-3 months):
Farm Experience Required
At present, we are accepting volunteers year round. We are a family of 5 engaged in homesteading, homeschooling, farm tours and web sales. We have a rustic cabin with an outhouse and hot outdoor shower to be used by volunteers. Electricity is limited.

Good candidates are those who are inquisitive, observant, committed to caring for the environment around them, and those who enjoy working and living independently in a peaceful, remote environment.

Volunteers are considered for a full stay after an initial trial period of 2 weeks.

Work Tasks:

Field maintenance: Weed control and hand weeding, planting cover crops

Harvesting: (spring-summer) tea harvest and sorting

Pruning, trimming: (fall-winter)

Miscellaneous: maintenance of fruit and forest trees, fencing, animals, weed mat, farm buildings, cleaning and maintenance of tools, removing invasive species.

We ask for about 15 hours of work per week in exchange for housing, but if you’re eager, we can provide plenty of good projects to dig into.

Applying: When you contact us, please email the following to info(at)maunakeatea.com: Your resume or outline of your education and experience, your availability and timing, how spending time on the tea farm helps you achieve your longer term goal, what else you would like to learn while you are here, and what else you might like to do while you’re on the island. We look forward to hearing from you.

Updated: November 2024