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Agricultural Care & Wellness 

Care, Tend, And Grow: Work Trade Opportunities

Harvesting fruit at Kūaloli

A unquie experience that nourishes body, mind,
and spirit

You’ll be living in rural Hawaii, oceanside, immersed in the Hawaiian elements, supporting the care of an organic farm, in a space rooted in healing, simplicity, and growth. Owned and cared for by Robin Duryea, a longtime student and teacher rooted in natural living and healing modalities via yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, you'll be in good company as you re-connect with yourself and the land.

Seva, or selfless service, has long been a part of Robin’s own practice. Here, caring for the land and contributing to the life of Kūaloli becomes an opportunity to practice presence, generosity, and connection through meaningful work.

 

Mornings may begin with caring for the plants, harvesting fruit, tending the land, supporting bigger projects or working in the vegetable garden—rhythms that invite presence, purpose, and connection.

 

We currently grow and harvest Coconut, Papaya, Banana, Cacao, Ulu, Cashew, Avocado, Moringa, Noni, Abiu, Starfruit, Mountain Apple, Mango, Pineapple and more! 

Working on the land can be both meditative and hard work, but it has a way of softening the mind and strengthening the spirit

To care for the land is to enter into a reciprocal relationship—one that’s regenerative, grounding, and unique to living in Hawai‘i. Caring for the land is simple in nature but does result in getting sweaty and dirty! 

And while land care is always needed, we also welcome those with other skills and gifts to share

— photographers, videographers, social media storytellers, chefs, carpenters, organizers, and people with creative or technical skills. If you have a talent or skill that could support our mission and you feel aligned with the spirit of this place, we’re open to exchanging living on the land for your time and offerings.

Worktrade at Kūaloli is a reciprocal exchange of time, energy, and place

In exchange for approximately 3 hours of work per day, 4–5 days per week, plus a $125 weekly contribution toward the added amenities, you’ll have the opportunity to live on a beautiful tropical farm just steps from the ocean and 5 min from Kehena Black Sand Beach. Stays range from 1–4 weeks, with the possibility of extending for a longer stay.

In exchange, you receive:

  • Private accommodations

  • Access to our shared outdoor kitchen, showers with hot water, flushable toilets

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink

  • One load of laundry per week

  • 1–2 complimentary yoga sessions per week

  • Fresh fruit from the land

  • Opportunities to learn about tropical farming, land care, and off-grid living

  • Hands-on experiences such as harvesting fruit and making fresh coconut milk

  • Time and space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience life on a living tropical farm

  • Plenty of time to explore the island, rest, and enjoy all the area has to offer

 

This opportunity is best suited for someone looking to step away from the pace and noise of everyday life—to slow down, reconnect with nature, find inspiration, those moving through transition and those with experience looking for another great opportunity! Worktrade offers an affordable, immersive experience of Hawaiʻi for those willing to contribute to the land. 

 

Worktrade also requires self-motivation and independence. Some days you may work alongside Robin, while other days you’ll work independently. There may be times when you are the only worktrader on the property, while at other times there may be another worktrader or the occasional guest passing through.

 

Even when there are several people here, the overall atmosphere is quiet, relaxed, and spacious. This is not a busy communal worktrade environment—you’ll have plenty of time and space to settle into the rhythm of the land and enjoy your own company.

Apply Today

Looking to reconnect with your body and the natural world? Needing space to feel and reflect? Need a break from city life? Want to experience a deeper side of Hawaii?

Submit your application and we'll reply soon!

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Work Trader at Kūaloli

2024

Paige McCann

My time at Kualoli Retreats was a truly transformational chapter in my life. Kualoli is a sacred and powerful place. The land is alive, vibrant, and incredibly nurturing. Each day brought something new—whether working on the land, sharing meals, or spending time in quiet reflection. Robin, the property owner, holds a clear vision rooted in regenerative living and conscious stewardship. Her guidance is both grounded and inspiring, and she encourages work traders to show up with presence, responsibility, and a willingness to grow.

 

For those considering a worktrade: this is not just a place to work; it is a place to learn, to reflect, and to contribute to something meaningful.

Kualoli Retreats is more than just a destination—it is a living example of what conscious, heart-centered living can look like. 

Work Trader at Kūaloli

2024

Giuliana Mauro

I had the opportunity to do a one month worktrade at Kualoli and it was special! The location is truly beautiful, immersed in the jungle and just a walk across the street is the ocean with a gorgeous lookout. I found it very peaceful and rejuvenating to be on this land. If you're willing to listen, it will share so much wisdom with you. The work itself was varied, sometimes working on bigger projects and other times just tending to the landscape and fruit trees. The best part is Robin! She is so welcoming and helps you to feel supported and have fun through the process. She also shares the spirit of Aloha and her love and reverence for the Big Island. Whether you book a stay or come for worktrade you will be in great hands.

Work Trader at Kūaloli

2025

Temi

I found Kualoli on-line and decided to reach out as Hawaii had been calling me for some time. Robin and I met over the phone where she shared with me an overview of what my time might look like. I got a good feeling about it and decided to go for three weeks. I found it very peaceful. I loved working on the land and enjoyed the pace of everything. There was plenty of time to explore the island and have time for myself. 

Work Trader at Kūaloli

2023

Hannah Crowe

As a work-trader, I learned about off grid systems and sustainable living in the jungle. In addition, I learned to be care for different fruit trees, plants, initial stages of bigger projects and all the comes with care of the sacred land. The land is magical. There is a lot of wisdom to receive from the land itself, in addition to living and learning with Robin. Robin is a bad-ass spiritual teacher, mentor, Yoga teacher, heart follower, rebel-wild medicinie woman! She has held space and supported me in more ways than one. The wisdom she shares is priceless and has ultimately changed my life. I am so grateful for everything I've received.

Work Trader at Kūaloli

2023

Mae

I lived at kualoli retreat for 5 months and loved every moment of it! Robin is a very intelligent, strong woman and have learned a lot from her. Her wonderful improvements to the property has created a landscape for health and rejuvenation. She has done do much work on the property, its the most gorgeous place I have ever lived. I stayed there doing a work trade. My morning routine consisted of picking fresh fruit for smoothies, practicing yoga, then working on the land. It has been my favorite work trade experience. Kualoli will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Work Trader at Kūaloli

2025

Alexa Bell

I stayed here for a work trade and I couldn’t haven’t asked for a better experience. Robin is so kind and welcoming, making you feel at home from the moment you arrive. The work itself is both meaningful and appreciated. Whether working on projects together or independently, Robin’s trust and support make you feel truly valued. You have your own private room too which is really nice. Her land is magical and it felt special to work on it. Thankful for her and my time there.

Hear From Past Kūaloli Work Traders

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who’s found a moment of purpose and belonging here — your support has meant everything!

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