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
Two vegan and vegetarian farm-to-table meals are served Monday through Friday. We provide breakfast and lunch from our farm-grown fruits and vegetables. Highly nutritious, organic farm-to-table meals are a blessing to our bodies, minds, and souls. Benefits include health maintenance and improvements.
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 with seamless connectivity, thanks to our complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access that covers the whole property. Stay connected effortlessly and share your incredible moments with loved ones back home.
Internship Requirements
25 Hours Per Week
- 20 hours per week in the Internship Role you choose
- 4-5 hours per week attending three community meetings
- Monday 10-11am, check-in and share/hear community updates
- Monday 6-8pm, share in the preparation of our ohana dinner then learn non-violent communication skills from experts
- Friday 1:15-2pm, check-in and share/hear community updates
- 5 hours per week sharing your talents through class and/or event offerings and/or community service
Accommodations
Intern accommodations are clean basic cabins or eco-pods that include electricity, lighting, a desk, shelving, a mirror, and a queen-sized bed with linens and towels. Interns share compost toilets, male/female restrooms, a shower house with two showers, and a fully stocked community kitchen that includes refrigerators, stoves, sink, dishes, etc. Interns are ALWAYS required to clean 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 (unless 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 mature individuals in good health with a positive attitude. Interns are community members and team members, so a commitment to honesty and integrity is essential. Communication skills are also critical, therefore weekly meetings encourage honest feedback and individual contributions.
Available Internship Roles
Marketing & Media
The marketing & media team meets weekdays to update our calendars, post events to our Facebook and Instagram pages, and update our websites. Experience is necessary. A great attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. This team reports weekly to the GM. Contact us for more information or apply below!
Groundskeeper and Handyperson
The groundskeeper & handyperson team meets daily to prioritize tasks and effectively keep the grounds, facilities, and housing spaces in good working order. Experience is helpful, but a great attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. This team reports weekly to the GM. Contact us for more information or apply below!
Permaculture
The permaculture team tends to the gardens, nurseries, and orchards. Interns train under local experts to observe, understand, and interact with the land and to create and develop permaculture designs. You will apply indigenous wisdom including Korean Natural Farming and Hawaiian Cultural Planting Methods. Contact us for more information or apply below!
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
The elixir bar team meets daily to prep, serve, and clean up for morning coffee, elixir service, and light treats to guests. Experience is helpful, but a great attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. This team reports weekly to the GM. Contact us for more information or apply below!
Kitchen and Dining Hall
The kitchen & dining hall team meets weekdays to prep, cook, serve, and clean-up for two daily meals – breakfast and lunch. Experience is helpful, but a great attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. This team reports weekly to the GM. Contact us for more information or apply below!
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!
