Shaine Kearney

Outdoor Recreation

“Going into this internship I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I chose the Outdoor Rec program because most of the activities listed on the website were things that already I loved doing. I thought that the four week internship would be enough and I would be ready to go home and start working by then. I don’t think I have ever been more wrong in my life. Because the farm was still being built and added to, we were able to do different projects that will remain on the farm long after our semester ends. I am writing this a day before I have to go home and I am dreading leaving more and more. Living on the farm opens your eyes to a world most people never get to see, let alone live in for a month. It sounds corny but living in an area that is remote and surrounded by nature; it creates a deep connection and a love for the land and the island that I wasn’t expecting. Its crazy how quickly you connect with people when you are in a communal living setting. I was only there for a month but I still consider everyone that was there during that semester to be family and this farm to be my second home. I could talk about how amazing my time at Big Island Farms was for hours but I’ll let you come experience it for yourself.”

Tamra Heath

Eco Design

“My time as an intern at Big Island Farms can be summed up by an abundance of compassion, inspiration, and thrill. No one greater than another, and no one absent in any moment throughout my whole experience.”

Rebecca O’Dowd

Organic Agriculture

“Mahalo to Big Island Farms for the opportunity to give back to and regenerate the Earth!“

Hannah Wilson

Outdoor Recreation

“My time here at Big Island Farms has been nothing but a blessing in my life. I have not only learned so much here but I have grown as a person in so many unexpected ways. I want to say a big thank you to the directors. They are amazing people and made my stay here even more amazing!! I will miss this farm and everyone in it!”

Kristin Miller

Organic Agriculture

“I’ve had the most life changing experience here at Big Island Farms! With a great staff and program I’ve already widend my horizons and built such amazing relationships with such beautiful, intelligent people. Thanks for this extraordinary experience!”

Coralee Bechteler

Organic Agriculture

“BIF provides the ultimate atmosphere of acceptance and support while incorporating a wide range of hands on learning. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone and try something new, this is the perfect opportunity for growth in all areas of mind, spirit, and body!”

Anthony Otters

Organic Agriculture

“BIF gave me the opportunity to get both conceptual knowledge and tangible experience with permaculture farming. Sharing living space and meal times is one of the best parts of BIF. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”- J.R. Tolkien”

Gabby Roberge

Outdoor Recreation

“My experience at BIF was truly indescribable; now that I’m back home people ask me how it was and I simply have no words to express the impact this internship has had on my life. I learned so much more than I expected to, not just about outdoor recreation, organic farming and community living, but also about myself. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to live and learn in Hawaii and I am so blessed to have met all the amazing people that I did at BIF.”