What Should You Bring?
Clothing
Many folks wear lightweight long sleeved shirts for protection from sun, mosquitoes and prickly grasses. Men’s or women’s dress shirts are great. They are often available at most thrift stores, but not usually here on the island. Many folks prefer long pants for the same reasons. These should be in addition to your regular clothes as these probably become stained or real dirty.
It is warm usually when we are working, 75-85 degrees with high humidity, but when weeding you do often need the protection that long shirts and pants afford (some of the weeds and plants here in Hawaii can be irritating). Oft times you can work in shorts and t-shirts, but you should come prepared for both.
Our evenings can be quite cold, with no indoor heating, and it can get into the low fifties, so it is good to bring some warm sweats or flannels. (We’re at 2,000 foot elevation.) Layering is the key to comfort in Hawaii. The daily temperature can range from the high fifties to the low nineties within a few hours.
Closed-toed shoes are essential, such as a pair of boots or tennis, for working on the farm.
You may want to bring a rain jacket for occasional downpours and frequent soft drizzles.
Sundries
We encourage using a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses (can also double as safety glasses) to protect you from the elements. Also bring a flashlight and a good water bottle (nalgene, etc.) Please bring mosquito repellant and bug bite itch relief medication if you need it. You may want to have earplugs on hand (sometimes the feral pigs can get quite noisy at night.)
Linen
We do provide basic bedding and towels, but you may bring your own bedding or sleeping bag if you prefer.
Phone & Internet
Some of our exchange workers bring their cell phones, Cingular and Verizon work here in our area. The phone number where you’ll be staying is (808)324-1740 for your family or friends to get in touch with you. Bring a phone card for long distance calls. In our home we have a computer for email that you may use on a limited basis.
Backpacking, Camping & Beaching
For trips off the farm, you may want to bring camping gear. It can be cool camping at the Volcano National Park. For camping you need a three season sleeping bag and a tent for rain. You may want to bring a poncho for backpack protection in the rain. The temperature in some places on our island can go down to the 30s in the winter. It is also a good idea to bring a mask and snorkel if you have one. The snorkeling here in Kona is some of the best anywhere.
For more information about our island Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed is a popular reference. Ancient Sites of Hawai'i: Archaeological Places of Interest on the Big Island, by Van James is another kind of “tour” book. There is also much info on the web, such as at http://www.gohawaii.com/.
