If you have been dreaming of visiting the ‘Aloha state’, but want to do it sustainably, then you should consider doing a work exchange in Hawaii.
Unfortunately, overtourism is a serious issue facing the Hawaiian islands, something we can’t ignore as responsible travelers.
Doing a Hawaii work exchange means you get to make a difference while getting free accommodation.
Let’s talk about why these 6 work exchange programs in Hawaii are a great alternative to staying at traditional hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. I was also compensated to create this content by HelpStay, but the opinions and advice are 100% my own. Some photos are provided by HelpStay.
Why Do A Work Exchange In Hawaii?
If you’re lucky enough to visit Hawaii, the natural beauty of the islands is reason enough to volunteer there.
From the mountains and waterfalls in Maui to the volcanic beaches on the Big Island, volunteering will give you a chance to witness some of nature’s most spectacular landscapes.
Volunteering is a great way to meet locals and gain a deeper understanding of the area you’re visiting.
You’ll get to know what life is like for people who live in Hawaii, which will bring you closer and make you feel more connected to the culture. You may even make friends with other volunteers.
6 Work Exchange Programs In Hawaii
Whether you’re planning a work exchange trip or a gap year in Hawaii, there are some cool experiences to have while getting to stay for free.
If you like the sound of helping out at a bee sanctuary, a glass factory, or even trying your hand at organic farming, you will enjoy learning about these 6 Hawaii work exchange opportunities.
#1 Help Out At A Glass Factory
Do you like taking old things and making them new? This Maui work exchange is at a factory in Kahului that repurposes glass into new products.
Besides general cleaning, you would be helping with sorting and cleaning bottles and learning how to do laser engraving and ceramic decals.
The factory owner, Matt, needs help with promotion/marketing, especially social media too.
He would like 30 hours of help per week in exchange for some meals and a private room with a queen bed.
The bathroom is large with a Jacuzzi tub, and a walk-in shower and is shared with another person. Matt also can pick you up and drop you off at the airport when needed.
#2 Learn About Vegan & Organic Gardening
Are you interested in learning more about veganism? This work exchange in Hawaii is located in the beautiful area of North Kohala on Big Island.
You would be helping a vegan, nonprofit, educational organization with organic gardening.
The organization focuses on helping people learn how to grow their own vegetables and cook vegan food (yay for free cooking classes!).
They require 30 hours per week and accept helpers from April to December.
If you want to learn how to live in an alternative way – in harmony with nature, a self-sufficient and community-based lifestyle, then this work exchange in Hawaii is for you.
#3 Help A Honey Bee Sanctuary
Do you want to learn more about bees? This Maui work exchange is a honey bee sanctuary with a farm/homestead and a gift shop located near the small town of Ulupalakua.
It is located in the ‘upcountry’ area of Maui so there are killer ocean views and beautiful sunsets, plus it’s close to the only winery on the island.
The bee sanctuary sits at 2,000 feet elevation on Haleakala with great weather to enjoy since it’s on the drier side of Maui – less rain and mosquitos!
The sanctuary is still in the early stages, so there are projects that need to be developed, like expanding the apiary.
They are also building an observation beehive because they focus on the public’s education of how important bees are/why we need to protect them.
Here are some of the duties to help with:
- Herb & Flower Garden – beautification for visitors, creates new sources for bees
- Gift Shop – selling products and interacting with the public
- Road stand – shaved ice and food for locals and tourists
- Online Promotion – helping with social media, the website, and the online store
- Food Gardens – caring for the vegetable beds
- Beekeeping – helping with the honeybees and harvesting honey
- Learning how to make products – make products that we sell such as lotion bars, candles, lip balms, jewelry, and any other crafts that we can think of to contribute to our road stand
- Construction – Using re-purposed shipping pallets to build structures, building beehives
- Painting – artistic painting for beautification and making signs
The accommodation is an off-grid camp with an outdoor kitchen and private shower.
They have a 3-week minimum stay and expect 25 hours a week, usually 5 hours a day, 5 days per week.
#4 Help Out Around The House
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, this Maui work exchange located on one acre in rural Kula could be for you!
Ayesha is looking for some help around the house, like cooking, cleaning, gardening, and elderly care.
She would like 25 hours a week, and in exchange, you get your own private room while the rest of the house is shared. She can also do airport pick-ups if necessary.
#5 Help At A Small Inn
If you’re a woman looking to do a gap year in Hawaii, then this opportunity is for you.
This long-term work exchange in Hawaii is a 1-year minimum commitment for a small bed and breakfast.
This inn is close to the ocean, located on the Big Island, near the town of Captain Cook. Nicole, the founder, is looking for a single woman that is retired or can work from home.
It would be a bonus to have previous computer, cleaning, cooking, spa services, business administration, or retreat planning experience.
Nicole would like 25 hours of help per week in exchange for a private room with access to the shared bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room and use of the swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna.
There is also the possibility of extra income and/or car usage for extra hours and both airport and bus station pick-up is offered.
#6 Learn About Organic Farming
Want to experience a combination of island life and organic farming?
This work exchange in Hawaii is on a small 4-acre farm in Hawaii Kai near Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It has been owned by the same family for the last 40 years.
The host, Karian, grew up on the farm, learning how to live off-grid/sustainably in case supplies aren’t able to reach the island.
He strives to share that same sustainability with visitors so they can understand island life, and get to know the rich cultural heritage of Ohau.
The minimum stay is 3 weeks and the maximum is 2 months.
Need some more inspiration? Get a free stay with these hostel jobs in Italy, France, Scotland, London, and Barcelona!
Karian is looking for those who are self-motivated, reliable, and genuinely want to learn how to organically farm.
In exchange for 25 hours of help per week, you get all meals covered, an area to camp (tent not provided), access to the outdoor shower, the washer and dryer, and WiFi.
Final Thoughts On Hawaii Work Exchange
If you’re looking for a way to sustainably explore Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture, volunteering through HelpStay is the perfect way to do it.
There are so many Hawaii work exchange opportunities out there that will allow you to make a positive impact on this beautiful state.
Whether you want to help out at a bee sanctuary, organic farm, or glass factory, there are some good options for those who want to do a work exchange in Hawaii!
Need some more work exchange inspiration? Check out these cool work exchange opportunities for next summer!
