Wwoofing in Maui and other Misadventures...
Wwoofing in Maui and other Misadventures...
Kristin and Brian Loken
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The Journey Begins in San Francisco California.... Hi my name is Kristin and this is the story of how my partner and I moved from California and moved to Maui so that we could try and learn something new...Whether it was a new way of life or a new way of thinking...we did not yet know.
The Journey Begins in San Francisco California.... Hi my name is Kristin and this is the story of how my partner and I moved from California and moved to Maui so that we could try and learn something new...Whether it was a new way of life or a new way of thinking...we did not yet know.
We sold everything and hopped on a plane to Maui, Hawaii...to work on an organic farm and to learn about organic farming...
This is where we began... Big lights...Big City ..…After living in California all of our lives we decided to follow my dream of living off the grid in Maui, Hawaii. This dream became a reality when Brian and I became Wwoofers. What is a Wwoofer you ask?? Let me give you a little Wwoofing history lesson.
This is where we began... Big lights...Big City ..…After living in California all of our lives we decided to follow my dream of living off the grid in Maui, Hawaii. This dream became a reality when Brian and I became Wwoofers. What is a Wwoofer you ask?? Let me give you a little Wwoofing history lesson.
Wwoof stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization provides a link between organic farmers and individuals interested in learning about organic farming and sustainable living. Individuals are given a chance to work and study in a work trade position. Farmers share their farming knowledge, cultural knowledge, and show their Wwoofers how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and how to promote a sustainable and thriving community.
My interest in Wwoofing had began over a decade before and as much as I had researched online and talked to individuals who had actually lived the experience, nothing prepared me for the reality of giving away everything you own and jumping into a new life with only the bare necessities. I definitely was wearing rose colored glasses as I sat behind my computer screen and planned my decade long dream. Reality has been a beautiful and at times, crazy journey and I have definitely learned to look at the journey of becoming a full time Wwoffer with my head out of the clouds and my eyes wide open.
My partner and I had no experience in organic farming. We both came from several years of working in the retail service industry. I am currently completing my Masters degree in Education online and I thought that it would be a perfect fit to complete my degree while relocating while also having the ability to learn how to live sustainably and work remotely while both in school and after graduation. My idealistic thinking would turn out to be a far cry from the reality of what we were about to experience.
My partner and I had no experience in organic farming. We both came from several years of working in the retail service industry. I am currently completing my Masters degree in Education online and I thought that it would be a perfect fit to complete my degree while relocating while also having the ability to learn how to live sustainably and work remotely while both in school and after graduation. My idealistic thinking would turn out to be a far cry from the reality of what we were about to experience.
We arrived in Maui on Maui on March 3, 2020. We were so excited to live the Wwoofing experience. With the dream of becoming knowledgeable about both Hawaii and Organic farming, we started our first Wwoofing experience on a small farm in Kahului, Hawaii. One week after we arrived... Covid-19 arrived and everything on the island was closed down. The farm that we were working on however did not close down. I was surprised that this small banana farm was able to stay open during this time. We learned how to harvest bananas and do different kinds of gardening but the impact of Covid-19 was suffocating and the overall experience at this farm was a bit of a disappointment. We stayed at this farm for almost 5 months and finally in July of 2020, were able to find another host farm...and so begins our journey at Kula Haven Farms which is located in Kula, HI.
We arrived in Maui on Maui on March 3, 2020. We were so excited to live the Wwoofing experience. With the dream of becoming knowledgeable about both Hawaii and Organic farming, we started our first Wwoofing experience on a small farm in Kahului, Hawaii. One week after we arrived... Covid-19 arrived and everything on the island was closed down. The farm that we were working on however did not close down. I was surprised that this small banana farm was able to stay open during this time. We learned how to harvest bananas and do different kinds of gardening but the impact of Covid-19 was suffocating and the overall experience at this farm was a bit of a disappointment. We stayed at this farm for almost 5 months and finally in July of 2020, were able to find another host farm...and so begins our journey at Kula Haven Farms which is located in Kula, HI.
On July 19, 2020 we moved from our first farm to Kulahaven Farm in Kula. This farm raises trout and watercress. During our time here, we have learned about aquaponic farming as well as the raising and production of trout for commercial use. We have met some very amazing people during our time here and we have learned quite a lot of useful information about farming techniques that we can use in the future at any other farm that we might go to.
On July 19, 2020 we moved from our first farm to Kulahaven Farm in Kula. This farm raises trout and watercress. During our time here, we have learned about aquaponic farming as well as the raising and production of trout for commercial use. We have met some very amazing people during our time here and we have learned quite a lot of useful information about farming techniques that we can use in the future at any other farm that we might go to.
We also have learned how to build tiny houses at Kulahaven Farm. Someday, Brian and I hope to buy our own plot of land and build a tiny house someday...so the skills that we learned from this project will definitely come into play at sometime in our future.
We also have learned how to build tiny houses at Kulahaven Farm. Someday, Brian and I hope to buy our own plot of land and build a tiny house someday...so the skills that we learned from this project will definitely come into play at sometime in our future.
Farm Friends
Crazy Hair Day on the Farm
A quiet moment between things to do...
Campfire night...
Getting Ready for our next Adventure.. No Matter Where we go..The people that we have encountered on this journey will always be a part of who we have become..
Getting Ready for our next Adventure.. No Matter Where we go..The people that we have encountered on this journey will always be a part of who we have become..
Where are we headed next??
Where are we headed next??
Our time spent Wwoofing this year has been one of lessons both amazing and a little bit scary but because of the experiences that we have had...We are stronger people both individually and as a couple. Wwoofing has provided us with skills that we will carry with us no matter where our next journey takes us. Thank you Maui for teaching us more about ourselves than we ever thought possible.
If you would like more information about Wwoofing, please do not hesitate to contact me at:
jricha13@mail.ccsf.edu
Things that make Wwoofing even more fun: Realize that plans change and the road can get bumpy..but sometimes those bumps in the road end up being the best part of the experience.
Things that make Wwoofing even more fun: Realize that plans change and the road can get bumpy..but sometimes those bumps in the road end up being the best part of the experience.
Be prepared to meet a lot of beautiful friends along the way...furry friends, human friends, and critters abound.. :)
Be prepared to meet a lot of beautiful friends along the way...furry friends, human friends, and critters abound.. :)
Things to remember before your Wwoofing experience begins:
If it sounds to good to be true..it probably is. Make sure that you ask your potential host the following questions:
What duties are expected of me?
How many hours a week do we work?
Is transportation provided or is there public transportation near by?
Do Wwoofers have set days off?
Is there a reliable internet connection?
Are meals provided?
It is best to be prepared with these questions or whatever you want to ask before the interview with the host. Also ask exactly where the farm is located so you can research the are to make sure that it is a good fir for the experience that you are looking for. Sometimes by not asking these questions in advance, you may be surprised and even a little bit disappointed when you arrive to your prospective farm. Educate yourself before you go..That's a lesson that my partner and I have learned from not asking the proper questions before and during our first Wwoofing experience.
9/15/2021: Hi Guys!! I know it's been awhile but it's good to be here again. There will be some changes very soon, as Brian and I are headed to Kauai shortly.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has thrown the world for a loop...so I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy and safe. Sending love to everyone!!
Kristin and Brian
This is our first day adventure...We got lost but what a place to get lost in...
This is our first day adventure...We got lost but what a place to get lost in...
This is the backyard of our new farm. We wake up to this every morning..I feel blessed.
This is the backyard of our new farm. We wake up to this every morning..I feel blessed.
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