Volunteer With Us
See how we are building a more resilient future through programs that restore land, uplift ʻike kūpuna, and empower our community.
E mālama i ka ʻāina, a e mālama ka ʻāina iā kākou.
Care for the land, and the land will care for us.
We welcome our community to engage in meaningful, ʻāina based work at our farm sites in Waimea. When you volunteer with Kumano I Ke Ala, you participate in the restoration of traditional food systems, the perpetuation of ʻike kūpuna, and the strengthening of our collective resilience. Our work is rooted in aloha ʻāina, a deep love and responsibility for the land that feeds and sustains us. Together, we steward spaces that nourish both people and place.
Why We Gather
At Kumano I Ke Ala, our volunteer days support:
- Revitalization of traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices
- Food sovereignty for our community
- Environmental restoration
- Community resilience
- Intergenerational knowledge transfer
When we work the land together, we reaffirm our kuleana to care for it so future generations may continue to thrive.
Whether you join us once or return regularly, your presence strengthens our shared commitment to ʻāina.
What Happens on a Volunteer Day?
Each volunteer day is guided by seasonal needs and site priorities. While tasks vary, the structure remains consistent.
We begin with a shared welcome and orientation. We ground ourselves in the purpose of the day, the history of the place, and the ʻike that informs our work.
Cultural and historical understanding is woven throughout the day. We share about traditional agricultural practices, food systems, and the significance of the ʻāina we steward.
Volunteer days are primarily hands on, with cultural context integrated throughout.
Common activities may include:
- Working in loʻi kalo
- Planting and harvesting
- Weeding
- Clearing invasive species
- Infrastructure and site maintenance
Work ranges from light to moderate physical activity and may involve bending, lifting, standing for extended periods, mud, uneven terrain, and exposure to sun or rain.
We gather rain or shine.
Volunteers leave with deeper connection to ʻāina, community, and ʻike.
Why We Gather
Volunteer days are held once per month and scheduled three months in advance.
Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Please arrive on time so we can begin together.
Location:
Peʻe Kauaʻi Farm Site
4877 Menehune Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Volunteer days are open to:
- Local community members
- Corporate groups
- Schools and educational groups
- Cultural practitioners
All participants join the same shared volunteer experience.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to complete the registration form. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign the waiver on their behalf.
Volunteer work ranges from light to moderate physical activity.
Participants should expect:
- Uneven terrain
- Muddy conditions at times
- Direct sun exposure
- Possible rain
The terrain is not ADA accessible.
- Portable restroom available on site
- Tools are provided
- Volunteers should bring their own water
- Comfortable work clothes that can get dirty
- Closed toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Refillable water bottle
- Hat and reef safe sunscreen
- Snacks
- Any necessary medications
- Optional towel and change of clothes if working in wet areas
We gather in alignment with shared values:
- Respect for ʻāina and one another
- No drugs or alcohol
- Punctuality
- Collective responsibility
If you register and are unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so another community member may participate.
How to Sign Up
- Complete the Volunteer Registration Form at least 24 hours prior to the volunteer day.
- Select the exact date you plan to attend.
- Submit your signed waiver.