Mohala Farms is a 6-acre organic farm located in Waialua on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawaii. Established in 2005, the farm has undergone significant development aimed at revitalizing the land, restoring its natural productivity and abundance. Through dedicated efforts over the years, Mohala Farms has built its infrastructure to support sustainable agricultural practices. In the Spring of 2009, the farm launched its commercial sales of organic produce, marking a pivotal moment in its history as it began to expand its customer base and production capacity.
The farm’s mission revolves around fostering healthy local communities in Hawaii through sustainable agriculture, lifelong education, and cultural and creative arts. This mission is supported by a strong commitment to community service, as Mohala Farms serves not only as a place for farming but also as a hub for learning and advocacy. The community engagement extends to various programs, including a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, where residents can participate and receive a share of the farm’s harvest. The CSA program, along with the farm’s presence at local farmers’ markets, exemplifies its integration into the local economy and community life, providing fresh produce to the people of Waialua and beyond.
Mohala Farms operates within a framework of mutual cooperation and local self-sufficiency, embracing traditional Hawaiian values and practices. The farm nurtures not only crops like kalo (taro), ‘ulu (breadfruit), and ‘uala (sweet potato), but also the communal spirit of the area. Volunteers, interns, and local community members participate in various activities, contributing to the farm’s mission while connecting with the land and each other. As the farm continues to grow and adapt, it remains an essential part of the North Shore community, fostering relationships and encouraging a sustainable future for agriculture in Hawaii.
Mohala Farms offers an enriching work-exchange opportunity for WWOOFers who are dedicated to organic farming and sustainability on the North Shore of O’ahu. Since 2009, over 250 volunteers from around the globe have come together to participate in meaningful agricultural work while immersing themselves in the beauty of Hawaiian culture and the land, known locally as ‘aina. Volunteers are trained in a variety of organic farming practices that span across sales, marketing, and construction projects. With the expectation to work 37 hours a week across five days, participants stay on the farm for an average of 1-2 months. Accommodations are comfortable, featuring tents on elevated platforms, and volunteers receive farm-fresh produce in exchange for their efforts, making it a rewarding experience for those looking to contribute to sustainable agriculture while gaining valuable skills.
**Work Exchange Opportunities Duties and Benefits:**
– **Information on the Volunteer Roles Available:**
– WWOOFers assist in a wide array of organic farming tasks, including planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops. They also participate in farm building and construction projects.
– **Duties and Responsibilities:**
– Volunteers are required to work collaboratively within a community-focused environment, adhering to the farm schedule and fulfilling assigned tasks diligently, regardless of weather conditions.
– **Types of Projects or Activities:**
– Organic farming tasks, sales and marketing strategies, and infrastructure improvement projects.
– **Length of Stay:**
– Average duration of 1-2 months.
– **Hours per Day:**
– 37 hours a week, typically spread across five days.
– **Days Off per Week:**
– Two days off per week.
– **Type of Accommodation:**
– Comfortable tents on elevated platforms with solar-powered hot showers.
**Benefits for Work Exchange:**
– **Volunteer Benefits:**
– Access to farm-fresh produce and comfortable living arrangements.
– **Skills and Experiences Gained:**
– Practical knowledge in organic farming techniques, community collaboration skills, and understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
– **Unique Opportunities:**
– Personal growth through cultural immersion in the Hawaiian lifestyle and landscape, as well as involvement in hands-on farming practices.
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