Hawaii Sustainability Foundation: Volunteer in Kauai

Volunteer in Kauai’s Eco-Building Project (Hawaii)

United States

The Hawaii Sustainability Foundation is developing a community-led housing initiative on the island of Kauai, where sustainable living is central to everyday life. The project focuses on designing and constructing environmentally friendly buildings using reclaimed materials and innovative methods tailored to tropical climates. By resisting mould, rust, and the challenges of island living, these eco-builds are designed to be both resilient and environmentally conscious. Volunteers are invited to join the Hawaii Sustainability Foundation, gaining first-hand experience in sustainable construction while enjoying the natural beauty of Hawaii.

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Hawaii Sustainability Foundation: Tasks & Roles

Those who volunteer with the Hawaii Sustainability Foundation play an active part in building the project. Daily responsibilities may include structural work such as framing and wall construction, along with skilled tasks like carpentry, plumbing, electrical installations, tiling, and flooring. Volunteers with little experience are also welcome, as on-site guidance is offered to help them learn new skills. From time to time, general tasks such as painting, landscaping, and maintenance ensure the site remains well cared for. Work is typically organised into five-hour days, five times a week, allowing for a balance between contribution and personal time. What matters most is a spirit of teamwork, integrity, and a willingness to help bring a larger vision to life.

Hawaii Sustainability Foundation: Living & Getting There

Life at the Hawaii Sustainability Foundation project site offers an immersive experience, with accommodation provided inside the developing eco-build itself. Each volunteer has a private sleeping space, divided for privacy, with shared bathrooms and showers. The kitchen is kept stocked with essentials, while participants are free to add their own favourites. Located opposite Kapa‘a Beach and close to Kealia Beach and the coastal cycle path, the project offers an enviable setting for island living. A shared vehicle and bicycles are available for use, making it easy to explore locally. The nearest airport is Lihue (LIH), just twenty minutes away, with pick-up arranged for arriving volunteers.

Hawaii Sustainability Foundation: What Else

Being part of the Hawaii Sustainability Foundation is about much more than construction. Volunteers join a welcoming, drug- and alcohol-free community where meals, stories, and cultural experiences are shared daily. Free time can be spent surfing, swimming, hiking to waterfalls, or discovering Kauai’s vibrant local culture. While a minimum commitment of three months is encouraged to fully benefit from the project, shorter stays may be possible for those with specific skills, and longer commitments can lead to opportunities with other international projects run by the Foundation. For those who bring an open mind and a willingness to learn, it is both a rewarding sustainability experience and an unforgettable way to live in Hawaii.

Accommodation for Before and After Your Stay

Your trip may not be all about a work exchange – you might want to spend some time exploring the country. You may need to book accommodation either before you arrive on site with your host, or after your stay with them ends. Whatever the reason, check out some independent accommodation options on the map below.

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