Join Us
Internship Program
at Hawaiian Sanctuary Learning Center
Live, learn & grow at our learning center through a rewarding 3-month opportunity. We provide structured weekly experiences in one of our Internship programs; permaculture, marketing & media, groundskeeping & handyperson, guest services, housekeeping, kitchen & dining hall, and elixir bar. We provide internship housing, accommodations and meals throughout the week.
This unique opportunity on Hawaii’s Big Island provides services for the guests and residents who seek lodging, classes and events at Hawaiian Sanctuary Eco-Retreat Center.
It is a rewarding experience that can enrich your life and enhance your future dreams and goals.
NOTE: We are an alcohol and drug free community, and ask that you respect our space and our community with your personal integrity. No exceptions.
Please be sure to read all requirements and details below.
“Internships at Hawaiian Sanctuary Learning Center provide an incredibly unique experience. During your stay you can develop valuable skills through teamwork, cooperation, support, and growth.”
–Maggie V. (Intern 2022)
Blessings and Benefits
Community Living
Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for life, learning, and growth. Community life can be a blessing when each member fully commits to the process. Together, we create a vibrant and supportive environment that promotes well-being, personal growth, and a deep connection with nature.
Classes & Events
Create, develop, and lead in-house classes and events. Current examples we offer include yoga, dance, expressive art, wire wrapping, lectures, and more. Classes and events are a blessing to the greater community. The benefits are monetary and increased self-confidence.
Farm-to-Table Meals
Farm-to-table meals are served Monday through Friday. Breakfast is a group contribution effort that includes farm fresh eggs provided by our sister company MM 12 Farm. Highly nutritious, organic farm-to-table meals are a blessing to our bodies, minds, and souls. Our goal is to grow and abundance and share it with the greater community.
Eco-Community
Join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a deep commitment to sustainable practices and conscious living. Embrace a harmonious lifestyle that honors the natural environment, fosters authentic connections, and cultivates personal growth. Together, we create a nurturing space where you can thrive, learn, and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.
Holistic Spa & Gym
Rejuvenate and promote healing in our spa facilities that feature an ozonated hot tub, a UV infrared sauna, plus access to massage tables. Pahoa’s largest gym sits on our property and is accessible daily. These facilities are a blessing to the greater community, who support our therapists and trainers. Benefits are monetary and increased self confidence.
Wifi Internet Access
Enhance your experience at Hawaiian Sanctuary connectivity, thanks to our complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access that covers many areas of our property. Stay connected and work remotely or simply share your special moments with others.
Internship Requirements
25 Hours Per Week
- 25 hours per week in the Internship Role of your choice (Based on openings)
- 3 hours per week attending three community meetings
- Monday 09:00-10 am, check-in and share/hear community updates and plans for the week ahead
- Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Join us for Ohana Circle. A place where we meet to share compassionate communication and bonding through creative engagement techniques
- Friday 1:15-2pm, check-in and share/hear community progress, accomplishments and updates
- We invite each intern to devote 3-5 hours per month sharing gifts and talents with the community. Do this through a scheduled class, clinic or training event in service to the community
Accommodations
Intern accommodations are clean basic cabins or eco-pods that include electricity and a bit of privacy. Each includes lighting, a desk, shelving, a mirror, and a queen-sized bed with fresh linens and towels. Interns share compost toilets, shared male or female restrooms, a shower house with two large showers, and a shared community kitchen including appliances and utensils. Interns are ALWAYS required to help manage the kitchen and equipment which includes cleaning up after themselves. No exceptions.
Community Development
Community development begins the day you arrive. After meeting with the General Manager and the Internship Coordinator you will begin to develop friendships and relationships that can benefit you beyond your stay with us. Learning to nurture and grow these relationships requires skills that you can learn day-by-day through time-honored traditions of respect, patience, and commitment. Your stay with us may be brief but the skills you learn can be transforming and last a lifetime.
Security Deposit
A $200 security deposit will be due prior to your arrival to secure your space and time with us. Upon the satisfactory completion of your internship role, your security deposit will be refunded (less any outstanding charges).
Health Insurance
Interns are required to have personal health insurance coverage throughout their stay, and are responsible for their personal healthcare treatment and costs.
There are several short-term options for insurance. Airlines offer travel or emergency health coverage for the duration of a trip. The International Volunteer Card (IVC) offers effective, low-cost insurance.
Spirit of Aloha
Successful interns are emotionally mature individuals willing to collaborate and take direction. You must be in good health with a positive attitude. Interns are community members and team members with a commitment to honesty and integrity.
Available Internship Roles
Marketing & Media
The marketing & media team completes regular and custom updates to our calendars, posted events to social media pages, and websites. Experience is necessary. A positive collaborative attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. The MM team reports to the Founder and GM.
Groundskeeper and Maintenance
The groundskeeper & maintenance team collaborate to keep our grounds, facilities and housing spaces in good working order. Experience in landscaping and facilities maintenance is helpful, and a teaming attitude with a willingness to learn are essential tools for success.
Regenerative Farming with Permaculture
Our food systems production team uses a combination of permaculture techniques in our gardens, greenhouse, nurseries, and orchards. Interns also train with guidance from local experts in the cultural way; observe, understand, and interact with the land. You will be presented with opportunities to learn indigenous wisdom through ancient Hawaiian food production techniques and Korean Natural Farming.
Housekeeping
The housekeeping team meets daily to prioritize tasks and effectively keep the guest rooms and common areas clean and tidy. Experience is helpful, but a great attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. This team reports weekly to the GM. We offer a full scholarship for this 3-month internship. Contact us for more information or apply below!
Elixir Bar
Our unique mini-café serves up stimulating elixirs, refreshing fruit smoothies, and light farm-to-table fare, including a daily morning breakfast buffet for all staff and interns, Monday through Friday. You’ll find raw goodies, baked treats, and special dishes made just for our guests and residents. Some prior barista or light kitchen experience is helpful but not required for this role; a positive attitude and a willingness to learn are essential for making the most of your time with us.
Kitchen and Dining Hall
The main kitchen is for our Chef and one Kitchen Angel to prep, cook, serve, and clean-up daily meals – collaborative breakfast and farm to table lunch. Experience as a raw, vegan or multi-faceted chef is helpful. Also a willingness to Mentor as well as learn are essential.
Landscaping
The landscaper works under the direction of the founder and the Permaculture teacher to beautify plantings in common areas, roads, and around buildings. Experience is helpful, but a great attitude and willingness to learn are essential. This team reports daily to the founder or permaculture teacher.
Guest Services
Our guest services team meets and helps guests during their stay. Guest services meet on a daily basis to discuss and share with housekeeping which room turnovers need to be done. Our guest services give tours to our arriving guests and are the first point of contact for guest needs. This team reports weekly to the GM. Contact us for more information or apply below!
