Big Island Farms

Shane Krukow

2024-04

We did a 1 hour tour with Sarah. She was most delightful and knowledgeable about editable plants and sustainable organic practices. My wife and I enjoyed our time with her very much! She explained different plants as we sampled them. We purchased macadamia nuts, tea and baked goods (organic and gluten free) that were wonderful! Thank you!

Adam Wilson

2023-12

Really enjoyed Big Island Farms. I visited the farm for a tour of their food forests. Our tour guide, Amy, was awesome and very knowledgeable. I’m very interested in starting my own food forest and this was a great place to go to learn and see the processes that they have in place. I hope to be back for a visit soon!

Cory Anderson

2024-02

Great farm tour learning about permacultures! Our guide Shay was stellar and the fruit was delicious, though I wish we got to try more of the fruits grown in the garden :)

Lexa Scott

2023-05

I came to big island farms in August of 2022 excepting to just learn about the land and premaculture. I did not expect to learn so much about the community, make connections and relationships with both the land and people, learn so much about the history of Hawaii and much more. Jordan created the most amazing 10 day series that is jam packed with knowledge and experiences. This is such a spiritual place to connect to yourself and the land if you are open for it. Everyone on the farm is welcoming and truly a family. I loved it so much I decided to stay and wwoof for two more months. I can't wait to meet more people, build relationships and give back to the land!

Aria Chesapeake

2023-05

The Learning in Paradise internship was a highlight of my life that I will carry with me always. The leadership team not only carry immense knowledge, but also lead by example in the way they have created a deep connection with the entire community. This experience reminded me to listen into my heart first as well as to strengthen my ears and my mind. The priorities here are straight and not to mention the food brought a new energy to my body that I have never felt before!!! I love you farmily, you have made me better.

Campbell Will

2024-03

I had such an amazing experience on the tour with Annick and Sarah. Upon arrival I was greeted with open arms and smiles! There was SO MUCH useful information and takeaway lessons. I actually think I'll come back and do it again! Highly recommend

Christina Magers

2022-05

SO THANKFUL for my time at Big Island Farms this summer! I learned so much about organic agriculture, sustainable farming, the vegan lifestyle, permaculture, and caring for the environment and other human beings in healthy, sustainable ways. I appreciated the chance to interact with other amazing human beings and learn from them. I also benefited from the chance to explore the island and learn about Hawaiian culture. I do recognize that there were some minor organizational issues and a lot more time in the kitchen than I was expecting to spend there, but I would honestly say that the entire experience was well-worth it and I know that this place has lots of potential to offer for whoever goes there next! :)

Amelie Sophieee

2023-05

I attended the 10 day mini workshop series at Big Island Farms in August and still cannot explain how much this short time there meant to me. Everything from the People, the Farm, The Detail behind every Workshop, the Food was more than perfect and i'm still so happy about the People i met there. Every single person i met on my journey there was full of knowledge and was genuinely just such a wise and genuinely kind soul. You truly come back as a changed person in the best way possible💛

Kelly Ervin

2023-09

My experience at Big Island Farms for their 10-day workshop was life changing to say the least. It was evident the time and work that went into organizing each day's schedule, while ensuring we still had our own time to explore the farm and hangout. One day we went snorkeling, another we had a mushroom workshop, the next we made homemade pizza with ingredients from the farm. There was always something happening. Jordan, who led our group of 14 lovely humans, is an absolute gem and gifted us with so much knowledge and experience on Hawaii's land, culture, permaculture, and beyond. I can say confidently the connections I made during these 10-days are lifelong. It's clear the love that was put into the creation of this program, because I left feeling it. This was an experience that I will never forget, and recommend it anyone who loves being outside, learning new things, and meeting new people.

Michael Wood

2017-05

Easily the most beautiful place I've ever had the opportunity to visit. The staff is very knowledgeable and during my stay I learned a lot about organic agriculture and permaculture that I have been able to utilize in my everyday life. I also really enjoyed the food on the farm. It was very fresh, delicious, and unique and has inspired me to cook more unique dishes back in Kentucky. I would highly recommend visiting to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to be involved in an organic agriculture system.

Kalana Kai

2023-09

This was the most life changing experience I’ve ever had. From the first moment I felt safe, comfortable and at home on the farm. The cabanas are super cute and comfortable and the communal spaces are adorable and my favorite way to relax with the group after a long day. I loved every second of this program. The days were structured with visiting another farm and volunteering or a lesson in the morning followed by a fun activity or an application of what we learned in the afternoon. Jordan and the rest of the Big Island Farm staff had so much love and knowledge to share and it was incredible to be around so many like minded yet diverse people. If you get the chance to do their 10 day program I cannot recommend it enough. You will learn and challenge yourself in ways you would never expect.

jeff turner

2024-02

If there were negative stars… rat poop/urine in the walls… same including dead and live rats in kitchens that are used to prepare food for the public. Health department report coming soon. Anu and Gordon are dark… asked us to arrive from the mainland early which we did at a loss. Continually lied, illegal “outhouse” bathrooms. Cold dirty washing water from laundry goes into kitchen sink… more to come

Jillian Graves

2023-10

I did the Workshop series at Big Island Farms and it was an amazing and memorable experience! The farm is beautiful and peaceful. The people are so cool, chill and amazing. Such an amazing place! They also have a super cool cafe!

Tuan Hoang

2022-05

A great host and very informative tour. Bonus, it’s location is just 7 minutes driving from Waipio Valley Outlook. Highly recommended.

Kyrie Hayden

2023-05

We absolutely loved this tour! Shane, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about all of the plants and growing methods and he was so sweet and patient with our two little kids (4 and 2). It was one of our favorite tours on the island, and we loved trying new fruits and plants straight from the earth. Definitely worth a visit if you’re on the Big Island!

Isabela Mayhall

2023-05

We found this place on yelp and had an amazing time. The tour was only our small group, so we were able to have a more personalized experience which was nice. I will definitely be coming back next time I am on the island! Everyone was so nice and knew so much about the farm. The taste platter at the beginning with things they grow on the property was delicious and was a nice way to try new things I'd never think of trying!

Maitri Tewari

2023-05

We stopped to buy some coffee & tea. The prices were steep but understandable as it's remote. The services were outrageous. They had no milk for the coffee and offered creamers. For the price they were charging no milk is not justifiable. Anyways, we put one creaner in and it cuddled right away. The lady in the store had no idea how to tell if a creamer is bad and was asking us how to tell if it's bad ....We also ordered a teapot of tea. When asked if the teapot will have enough tea for 3 cups, she said not likely but she will do us a favor and charge us for a teapot and give us 3 cups of tea. We thought that was awfully nice of her but then when we saw the tea cups they were tiny and there was half the teapot of tea left. When questioned why are we not getting all the tea we bought she started saying she did us a favour by charging us teapot price instead of individual cup price. Sorry not sure why you would have a teapot option and then cheat us our of half the teapot after we the price of teapot you posted .... Again no milk and by this time we were scared to use the creamer. When asked for our money back,for one coffee at first she agreed but then she was reluctant abd refuse to give us our 5 dollar back if we didn't give her a penny. She was passive aggressive to both me and my husband. We told her we didn't want trouble and will never be back and just asked her to give our money back. She finally did so and we left and entered our car to leave. At that time she decided to take pics of our number plate without asking us. We then asked her to stop taking pics without our permission. She then smirked and her friend at the deck started taking pic/ video of us without our consent. Anyways it was a bad experience and didn't have to be this way. Experiences like this can really shake u off. I guess we are not stopping In a farm for awhile.Buyers BEWARE of this place !!!!

Vince Mashek

2023-06

We really enjoyed our tour and our guide Taylor. If you have an interest in sustainable farming, you’ll really enjoy this tour. Interesting to see the methods used and enjoy the taste of this farm.

Mina Litvak

2023-05

This was the best farm tour I’ve ever been on. Sinead was so informative and passionate about permaculture food forests! She even tailored the tour to our particular interests. She truly conveyed the importance of permaculture principles and sustainable living. Her passion is contagious! The whole team at the farm shop was incredibly welcoming, kind, and fun. Thank you for such a memorable experience!

Sebastian N. Medina

2022-05

Annick and Neil from the start of our tour were extremely friendly and welcoming to us. From the moment we stepped out of our vehicle, we were being treated more like family rather than tourists.It was such a great experience not only getting to hear about all of the sustainable practices being executed on the farm, but also see them thru for ourselves.Annick demonstrated a wealth of horticulture knowledge and you can easily feel the passion on that property while walking around.Would highly recommend for anyone interested in seeing a glimpse of a sustainable approach to growing food.

Gary F

2023-05

We had a wonderful time here, getting to see, smell, and taste the various fruits, vegetables, and herbs they grow. We learned a lot about various tropic foods, and got to taste some difficult to find items, including apple bananas. It was well worth the cost and the drive from Kona. It’s right on the way to Waipi’o Valley Lookout (still on paved roads, so fine with rental cars), so stop here if you’re heading that way.

Tracy Stobbe

2022-05

Extremely interesting! Knowledgeable guide, full of facts, and helpful/responsive to our special needs. Highly recommend to anyone looking to do something different (from your usual snorkeling tours). Got to taste apple-bananas off the tree and macadamia nuts (that our 10-year-old enjoyed cracking on the hand vice).

Colman Cassidy

2023-05

I stayed at Big Island Farms summer ‘2020. During an unprecedented time (Covid-19) the staff was nothing but exceptional. Annick is amazing, she made us feel really welcomed and appreciated. Qualities like that are rare and should be acknowledged. Everyone I met radiated positivity, we sang, danced, climbed trees and embraced the unbelievable scenery. One of the wonders of the world (Waipi’o Valley) is literally a five minute drive from the farm. I think at the end of the day, what was most important about the experience for me, was the values, the discipline, the culture, the memories that make me who I am today. I would recommend to any prospective intern or Woofer. Thank you Annick for having us and hopefully I’ll see you soon 😊 💙.

Hannah Lipton

2022-05

Went for the 4 week Internship and it was such an amazing experience. Learned so many new concepts and was truly immersed in farm life. The people that work on the farm are incredible. Definitely a once in a life time experience. If you have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend!

Brooke Sanchez

2022-05

I just finished the 2021 summer internship and I highly recommend for first and second year college students. I learned so many things you can’t get in a regular class. The farm is beautiful! Healthy food forests that are amazing to roam and lovely trails along the mac nut forest. The living space was comfortable, clean, and spacious. HOT WATER! All you need is on the farm. Wifi isn't the best but why be on your phone anyway. Expect rain but it makes you more appreciative when the suns out. Make sure to voice your interests and ask questions. The directors are a wealth of knowledge.

Klavdiia Osipova

2023-05

So peaceful and green place! Highly recommend for family with children and organic lovers

Kevin Fenner

2022-05

The farm tour is excellent. Learning about the benefits of farming in Hawaii with the differing climatic zones and unique soils was extremely interesting. I have been around agriculture my entire life and am amazed at how much I have to learn. Annick and Gordon understand that to become stewards of the land (Malama Ka ‘Aina) cultivating crops as well as mind, body, and spirit'aina are part of the journey. Their philosophy of teaching and learning, including certifications, internships and education are well thought out. I was lucky to have Annick prepare me some cassava starts for my farm project.

Dylan Male

2022-05

Aloha! :)I highly recommend the Big Islands Farms internship program to anyone considering an internship that i) fosters connection to yourself and the land on which you live; ii) provides you with new skills and a deepening of knowledge; iii) shift your perspectives and iv) IS IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCATION.As a 2017 Fall intern in the Organic Agriculture program, the experience continues to have an ongoing and positive contribution on my career endeavors and personal journey years later. As an Australian intern, I was made to feel very welcome into the Big Island Farms community and was provided with many opportunities to experience Hawaii Island in all its beauty. I learnt a lot from my program about permaculture and all things tropical horticulture and enjoyed working on an organic compost design project. Food provided was delicious and the facilities (i.e kitchen, workshop area, amenities, cabanas) were all good. I continue to recommend the internship program to students here in Australia and look forward in excitement to hopefully coming back one day!Mahalo,Dylan

Jake S

2022-05

Big Island Farms offers much more than any other farming experience on Hawaii Island. Kitchen, internet, and onsite showers and toilets are sustainable and eco-friendly, and the amazing views, food forests, cabanas, and a natural landscape that includes a stream and waterfall brings comfort and a sense of connection to the land that will teach you to take care of yourself through taking care of the land.My internship director brought us to so many excursions and trips to experience Hawaii in a much more intimate way than your average tourist experiences. Hiking in the volcano caldera, snorkeling along Kona Beaches, camping in sacred valleys, making our own salves and organic creams, and learning Hawaii culture in a respectful way. This internship was what brought me out to Hawaii, and because of my time on Big Island Farms I was able to make more connections and expand my knowledge on Big Island, which eventually got me hired full time with several jobs here.On Big Island Farms, you only get the fullest reward if you put in the most work with the best intentions.

first last

2022-05

THIS WAS A SCAM. they made us pay $3000, offered little to no scholarships, and then gave us a program where we didn't actually retain anything. they said no refunds because it was spent on workshops, but we had 2 free workshops. they belittled us, got labor out of us instead of teaching us about our subjects, and failed to even meet basic needs.In response to owner:1. Hostels provide adequate beds, bathrooms, and basic needs2. you've been farming on this land for long enough that it should be self sustaining, yet you continuously buy food. this contradicts your mission statements.3. all staff stated feeling under compensated, and all were not with us all day4. beekeeping was with an already established work-trade, mushroom was either free or given $150, Hawai'ian leis was by your staff member (they should have already been paid), and the Hawai'ian prayer ceremony was culturally insensitive and was not by a local5. Waipio valley is free to visit, various students went on their own time and didn't have to pay, National valley volcanoes is $15 a person and the leader made the group step onto dangerous and sacred land not meant for the interns, and the ceremony was provided at a resort that is free to enter.6. your "special classes" took up time for actual, scheduled classes, so we weren't able to learn about what we paid money for.7. you used as a source of labor. whatever we learnt was about what you wanted to get out of us, not about further applicable skills8. the owner regularly spoke over us, gaslit us, and frankly didn't acknowledge us as adultsIf you claim to care about your community, stop hogging the well water, give food back at reduced prices, and stop stealing money from interns who want to learn more about farming, marine biology, and ecology in a culturally respectful manner.