Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu Summer Internship

Position Description and Responsibilities: 

Waipā is a living learning center that teaches, shares, and inspires Hawaiian values and ahupua'a practices; builds passions, skills and competency in related areas of knowledge; and takes care of its people and communities.  

The primary role of an Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu intern is to support and actively participate in the management of the ahupuaʻa of Waipā, the programs and projects of the Waipā Foundation, and the work of itʻs staff and management to further those projects and programs. 

This internship is for, but not limited to, college students and recent graduates. Ultimately this program aims to develop skills and connections that will allow you to apply your learned experiences in meaningful ways for ʻāina.  One of the specific goals of this program is to create an avenue for young adults that have left Hawaiʻi for studies to return home and re-root in culture and community.

This work may include some or all of the following:

• Assisting in poi production:  From harvest to processing of Kalo into poi,  packaging and distribution, and support of volunteers
• ʻĀina and infrastructure maintenance of various sites 
  • Tasks may include but are not limited:  Weed whipping, hand-weeding, pruning, and fertilizing
  • Types of areas maintained may include:  Loʻi, agroforestry sites, fishpond, gardens, greenhouse, stream restoration sites, and auwai
• Stream and water quality monitoring
• Fish populations, specifically ʻoʻopu
• Invasive species control:  Mainly invasive plants but also specifically focusing on Yellow Crazy Ants
• Plant propagation and out-planting
• Supporting local food systems through farming, post harvest processing of fresh produce, as well as value added product development, production and marketing
• Participation and skill development in  cultural practices such as oli, mele, kuʻi kalo, hoʻokipa protocol, etc.
• Coastal erosion and coastal plant surveying
• Hosting and working with visiting groups
• Event planning and community organizing 
• Education and youth development programming 
• Media management and production (website design, photography, etc.) 
• Sailing waʻa with youth programming

At Waipā we strive to foster a space for ʻōiwi leaders to integrate their field of study or other valuable experiences with mālama ʻāina. Independent projects with mentor supervision are highly encouraged. Through hands-on, placed-based learning, we hope to cultivate and instill a strong sense of identity, servant leadership, and ʻāina within our interns and team.  

Waipāʻs core values are Aloha ʻĀina (love the land), Mālama ʻĀina (to take care the land and resources), Kūlia i ka Nuʻu (strive to the summit or to do your best), Hiki nō (to have a can do attitude).  Another very important skill at Waipā is the ability to Nalu (to go with the flow; willing to take direction while also having the ability to self-direct).  Successful members live and practice these values during their internship. 

Program Outcomes

By the end of the program, interns will be able to:

• Host and conduct Waipā Hoʻokipa Protocol
• Harvest, cook, clean, and grind Kalo for community distribution 
• Identify interests and connections for potential career paths
• Articulate what leadership means to you
• Prepare and conduct an interview
• Make lei
• Basic ʻāina stewardship training

Position Requirements

• Transportation to and from site (please let us know if this is an issue)
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods 
• Hiki nō attitude

Program Date: June 15th-July 20th (Orientation June 15th, 16th)

Mon. - Thurs. 8am - 3pm

Application Due: May 20th, 2023

Pay: $15/hr with additional stipend upon completion

CLICK HERE TO APPLY