What to Bring

We recommend minimalist packing for your time here on the Big Island. No one wants to lug around a

ton of luggage. A carry-on backpack and a large check-in duffel would be most efficient.

For your Hawaii Farm experience, we recommend you bring:

Clothes

Plenty of work clothes. Both the soil and the bananas stain fabric a light brown color. We recommend long-sleeve lightweight, breathable clothes. Expect to change shirts regularly.
T-shirts and tank tops
Underwear, socks, and sports bras for women.
Pants. (Yes, it’s hot here, but you’ll want to wear pants as protection from spiky grasses and biting insects.)
Sweatshirt, sweatpants, beanie, etc. (For chilly evenings/mornings or excursions to the cooler mountain microclimates.
Workout / yoga wear.
Swimwear.

Gear

Sunhat.
Shades.
Sturdy shoes and or rain boots. Water-proof is nice on dewy mornings.
Sturdy sandals or Crocs. Lava rock is hard on footwear.
Daypack.
Sarong/beach towel.
Bath towels.
Headlamp.
Laptop and chargers.

Toiletries

Biodegradable toothpaste, deodorant, soaps and
shampoo / conditioner.
Non-toxic insect repellent.
Non-toxic mosquito coils or citronella candles.
Water bottle.
Tampons, pads or diva cup for women

Non-Essentials

Hammock
Art supplies, journal
Camera
Headphones
Kindle/books

Hawaii Farm Tools

We recommend the following tools (Optional):

Machete with Scabbard

We like the Tramontina 12 -16 inch version. My personal preference is 14″ with a wooden handle. We advise a scabbard as well. Other brands will also serve you well. But we recommend one with a sharp tip as opposed to other shapes. Remember that the bolo styles will be hard to fit in a scabbard. Here in Hawaii, Lowes sells an 14inch version with a nylon scabbard for $20. It can also be found on Amazon. Click Here for the link.

Pruners with carrying case.

You can pay as much as $50 for a Felco version but our friend Antonio said he’s had his Felcos for 17 years and has never sharpened them once. I like these Japanese pruners for the price:

They are a great deal at around $30 and come in three sizes. Click Here for link.

I have had a pair of these Japanese ARS for the past two years and they have also served me well. They are very comfortable to use. About $50 – $60. Click Here for link.

Don’t forget to get a carrying case with a clip for your belt or you will be losing them in the grass!