We are a certified organic tea farm at high elevation on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Our tea cultivation is based on Masanobu Fukuoka's Natural Farming, aiming at minimalist simplicity and cultivating the purity of zen. Taka, farmer co-owner, is a certified Japanese Tea instructor. Kimberly, business manager co-owner, is trained with the Specialty Tea Institute of America and is also a full time mother of two.
Farming at Mauna Kea Tea
We believe the natural farm to be an ultimately self-sustaining ecosystem. Using no fertilizers and no pesticides neither organic, manure based, nor conventional, we learn from soil in its pure form and use only natural means (weeds, cover crops, and mulch) to increase fertility. That's it.
We do not teach or give lessons. Some of our past participants say that as you develop your keen senses, you will gain knowledge and insight on how the natural system increases in fertility by the natural means. This requires time and commitment. We emphasize cultivating humble and pure minds to observe the environment through nature-centered farming. We work hard and learn together and when not tending plants, do other projects to improve sustainability.
Sizen Saibai - Japanese Natural Farming
As opposed to Korean natural farming which uses various IMOs and herbal sprays, we utilize modern Japanese natural farming techniques, refined to improve soil structure and fertility, remove fertilizer poisoning, and increase plant health and quality through the use of various plants. All techniques have been adapted to suit the particular Hawaiian environment.
Accomodation, Foods
Facilities consist of: minimalist shared building with limited solar power, private hot outdoor shower, squatting outhouse, and private garden space for your vegetables. We provide tea and staple foods. You must provide your own tent for personal space and bedding.
Work tasks
Work tasks include preparing soil, weeding, harvesting, packaging, and general assistance. You may also be asked to, based on your particular skill and interest, to give other administrative assistance or facility maintenance.
Available Posistions / Good Candidates
***Farming Experience Required***
We accept interns year round. We have an intimate community of 2-4 interns at once, sharing a small community building. Good candidates are those who are responsible and committed to learning and caring for plants and farm environment, being able to work independently, sometimes with other staff members and interns. Interns receive grocery stipend after a trial period of 2 weeks.
We ask 25 hours per week of working time including attendance at meetings. We allow a one to two week trial period to make sure that everyone feels good about the fit at the beginning of your stay. With a good fit, we prefer longer term stays, with a minimum of one month and preference for candidates staying three months or longer.
In off time many people hitchhike to spend weekends in the sun. Waipio Valley is 30 minutes from home, Kohala Coast Beaches, 45 min. Honoka'a town is 5 miles. Also see us on facebook, twitter and our blog.
Applying for Internship position
Please email the following information to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Name
Age
Address
Pnone #
Email address
WWOOF ID (if you have one)
Date of arrival and length of stay (1 month minimum)
Where did you hear about us?
-----------------------
Background education
Job experience
Farm and garden experience, and what you learned from it
Interest / Hobby
Reference (at least past 2 farms or if you worked at 1 farm for a long period of time)
Answering following questions will help us understand who you are, what you like to accomplish while staying at our farm and your future goals.
- How do you describe your personality? (The best way is ask somebody you know what kind of person you are. )
- What do you expect to gain during your stay at our farm and beyond?
- What types of work do you expect to do at the farm? What do you think natural farming requires you to do?
- How do you describe your level of sustainability? In other words, WHAT ACTION DO YOU TAKE TO BE SUSTAINABLE AT THE FARM AND BEYOND?
Shumei Natural Agriculture: Farming to create heaven on earth Farming measured by a different yardstick altogether. How did an agricultural movement develop in Japan that is defined less by commercial success than by close harmony with nature?
How people who maintain their agricultural system lives in harmony with the natural environment
Farm Location
Mauna Kea Tea Garden is located in a rural area on the slopes of the dormant shield volcano Mauna Kea. The garden is located 5 miles from the town of Honoka’a which boasts a movie theater with occasional musical performances, health food and grocery stores, Saturday farmer’s market, banks, library, and a few other shops. In your free time, arrange a trip to local beaches at Waipio Valley or the Kohala Coast, a 30 minute to 1 hour drive away. Public transportation is available on the island but is limited.
If you are interested and motivated in learning and developing natural farming experience, email us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Please tell about yourself, your interests and experience, and what you hope to get out of your time with us on the farm.
Farming 
