To gain a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and mother earth.
Goals
To enhance understanding of the natural world through permaculture exploration.
To develop the mindset to live a more regenerative and sustainable lifestyle.
To inspire personal growth through building a deep connection with nature.
Next Session: 9th to 18th of March, 2024
Here at Big Island Farms, we’re offering an exciting and immersive workshop intensive program focused on the fields of permaculture and tropical agriculture. This program is a unique opportunity to develop our awareness of human impacts as a part of the global ecosystem and learn how to become stewards of the land and benefactors to earth through direct practice. We will use the basics of regenerative design to deepen our understanding of the processes needed to restore bio-diverse and resilient ecosystems that harmoniously integrate humanity’s needs with the natural world. Our ten-day workshop intensive program will give students hands-on experience in the fields of permaculture and tropical agriculture.
Upcoming Sessions
March 2024 ( 9th – 18th )
July 2024 ( 20th – 29th )
August 2024 ( 3rd – 12th )
December 2024 ( 1st – 10th )
Classes will be facilitated by local experts, as well as our on-site staff. We aim to provide a well-rounded curriculum that will provide the foundational knowledge to enter into the wonderful world of organic and sustainable agriculture. By working with the local farmers and educators in our community one of our our goals with this program is that participants learn the foundational components of how to begin and operate a sustainable agribusiness.
The following is a list of topics we will cover throughout the program. However, this list is subject to change depending on current farm projects and our community partners’ availability. As you may notice, the themes that we will discuss are relatively broad. This course is designed to introduce fundamental concepts with the hopes that you discover new areas of interest to explore as you continue with your studies.
Organic Agriculture and Tropical Horticulture
- Principles of permaculture design
- Organic agriculture
- Tropical agroforestry
- Ecological economics
- Edible ecosystems
- Apiculture
- Plant identification & medicinal uses
Biology
- Plant physiology
- Soil composition
- Composting
- Tropical ecology
- Ethnobotany
- Soil & Water conservation
Farm to Table
- Plant propagation
- Vegetarian creativity
- Fermentation
- Food sustainability
Workshops
Marine Biology
Deep Dive into the fascinating living ecosystems that make up coral reefs. We will learn, what they are, why they are important, and what we must do to protect them. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to make your very own reef-safe sunscreen that we will use while exploring some of the reefs around the island.
Farm To Table
In this workshop, we’ll harvest, propagate, and process ingredients grown on the farm to create a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal.
Native Forest Exploration
Journey through the enchanted beauty of Kalopa State Park, one of Hawaii’s Ancient Old Growth Forest. It is home to many rare and endangered plants such as the Loulu Palm and rare native hibiscus. As we wander through forest we will take the time to ground ourselves and show reverence as we walk among majestic flora that predate human settlement on the island.
Hawaiian Culture and Values
As a guest of the island, it is crucial we take the time to educate ourselves about the cultural norms and traditions of Hawaiians. In this workshop, we will discuss the true meaning of Aloha, learn how to interact respectfully with the land, talk story with native Hawaiians, and learn how to make lei.
Intro to Permaculture
This workshop is focused on building your knowledge of the principles of permaculture and regenerative agriculture design. We will explore methods of restoring resilient and diverse ecosystems. Our focus will be on using practical approaches that harmoniously integrate humanity’s needs with the natural world.
Mushroom Workshop
In this course, we will explore the magical world of mushrooms and mycelium. Learn from expert Adam Aharon, and we will cover everything about fungi from what it is, it’s life cycle, its importance, and how to cultivate our very own mushroom from spores.
Beekeeping Workshop
Students will have a better understanding of tropical beekeeping and the ecological importance of bees from a local expert. They will also get to sample different varieties of honey straight from the comb. Yum!
Lā'au Lapa'au (Medicinal Plant) Workshop
Learn about Hawaiia’s traditional and ancient practice of plant medicine Students will explore the vast medicinal properties of plants. We will also learn how to identify, propagate, and process some of the medical plants on-site to create a topical healing salve.
And many more!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 –
Airport pick up, arrival at your home in Paradise – Farm orientation – dinner.
Day 2-
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Group introduction
9:30 am – Introduction to Hawaiian culture, chant, legends, and lei workshop by Traven Apiki
12pm – Awesome lunch
1 pm – Introduction to marine biology and how to do your own coral reef sunscreen lotion
2 pm – departure to Pu’ukohola Heiau sacred site, prayers then– sunset at a white sand beach.
6:30 pm – Farm to Table dinner
7:30 pm – Movie night on our screen projector
Day 3-
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Medicinal plant workshop with uncle Ikaika and Annick Dauphinais (including La’au Lapa’au / Hawaiian healing plants)
12pm – Awesome lunch
1 pm – Continue medicinal plant workshop
3 pm – Beekeeping workshop with expert beekeeper Jerry Shumate
6:00 pm – Farm to Table dinner
7:30 pm – Fire circle with chants
Day 4-
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Full Day Island Adventure
(lunch to go)
6 pm – Farm to Table Dinner
Well deserved rest.
Day 5-
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Intro to permaculture design workshop – this workshop is focused on building your knowledge of permaculture and regenerative agriculture design. We will explore the principles used to restore resilient and diverse ecosystems.
12pm – Awesome lunch
1 pm – Composting workshop
Day 6 –
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9am – Farm to Table workshop (from harvesting, propagation, and processing into an amazing meal)
12pm – Awesome Lunch
1 pm – Mushroom growing workshop with Malama Mushrooms
6 pm – Pizza night Dinner
7:30 pm – Movie on the large screen
Day 7 –
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Volunteering with a local Hawaiian Organization focused on sustainable agriculture: Ulu Mau Puani (community service)
12:30 pm – Awesome lunch
1:30 pm – Beach Excursion
Day 8 –
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Coconut workshop and tropical fruit experience with Christopher Carter
11 am – Visit of our local farmer market
12pm – Awesome Lunch
1 pm – Afternoon learning mulching and propagation techniques while working in our tropical food forest.
6 pm – Dinner
Day 9 –
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Review our entire program with questions and answers related to sustainable agriculture, farm to table, and Hawaiian culture.
10 am – Goodbye ceremony with Lei’s offering and sharing
12pm – Awesome Lunch
1 pm – Afternoon excursion gift, we will visit waterfalls and more.
6:30 pm – Last O’hana Dinner
Day 10 –
8 am – Healthy breakfast
9 am – Farm clean up
Airport drop off
What students have said about us
Program Dates
9th to 18th of March, 2024
20th to 29th of July, 2024
3rd to 12th of August, 2024
1st to 10th of December, 2024