Airports
Ideally, we'd like you to utilize the Kona Airport (KOA) in your flight plan arrival/departure. However, we're also happy to pick you up from Hilo (ITO) if necessary.
Arrival/Departure
First If accepted, you’d need to fill out our airport form—a form sent with your acceptance package. On the day of your arrival, you can expect one of our Directors/Staff (holding a Big Island Farms clipboard) to greet you at the baggage claim. Along with a few other interns, you'd be driven to the farm in our company vehicle. For post-program departures, we'll get you to the airport 90 minutes before your flight leaves to ensure that you have plenty of time to get through security, etc.
What To Pack
Please click the button below to view our detailed packing list.
Packing List Bus System
The Big Island does have a bus system and it's extremely affordable. Each ride is only two dollars. Keep in mind that 'island time' is more than a simple motto. The buses can arrive at times different than specifically posted, so you'd need to be at the bus stop half an hour before your expected bus arrives, just in case. Here's a link to their web page:
Bus Schedule Hitching
This is arguably the best/most exciting way to get around the island. Yes, hitchhiking is legal in Hawaii and it's very normalized. However, as a rule of thumb, we recommend that you always hitch with at least one other intern.
Island to Island
Vacation week (week five) is an awesome opportunity to satisfy the travel bug by getting over to some of the other islands. You can find flights as cheap as fifty follars from Waimea airport. Many of our past interns have vacationed on Maui and Oahu. (Disclaimer: You will be responsible for transportation to and from the airport)