We are quite willing to answer any questions whatsoever about WWOOFing in Hawaii, so feel free to ask whatever may come up for you. However, before you email us with your questions, why not see if somebody else has asked your question before you.

Volunteer Questions

Do I need experience to be able to be at a farm?
No, yet you do need to bring a willingness to learn, laugh and try your best. The hosts will guide you with the activities going on at the farm and will let you know what needs to be done.

How do I contact the host?
Use either the email or telephone number listed in their Profile. If contacting by email, put "WWOOF" in the subject line and then start by writing your name and ID /membership number. Ask the host if they can use your help and indicate when you would like to come.

How do I apply?
Click here to become a WWOOFer.

How much do I have to pay?
The cost to become a WWOOFer is $25.00

What does it cost for a couple? ( a real couple !!)
If you are travelling as a couple together, it is $40.00

Do you still provide booklets of the farms profile?
No we don't. Due to the small number of books that were being ordered, we discontinued this service. The books also became outdated soon after they were received. And since most people have no problem getting on the internet, we figured it was time to save some trees.

How long is my membership valid for?
Membership is valid for one year. So if you joined on the 1st May, 2010, your membership would expire on the 1st May,2011.

Are travel expenses paid for?
No! You are responsible for all of your traveling expenses to and from the farm. Very often a Host will be willing to pick you up from the airport. Please discuss your travel arrangement with your Host prior to arriving.

Do I get paid for what I do?
No! and YES! You are volunteering and in return for your help, you will receive food and accommodation and a wonderful interesting experience! (That’s the YES part!)

Do you have to be of a certain age?
The only requirement is that you are at least 18 years old. WWOOFers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must be at least 16 years old. There is no age limit, so you could do it if you were 100! The average age is 20-30. Many are in the 40’s! And 65% of the participants are women.

Can I bring my children or pets along with me?
Yes it is possible, although not easy. Every host is different and has a different situation and accommodation. Finding a host to accommodate to unique needs and situations will definitely be harder than most single woofers traveling alone. The more you make them feel that you will be a help and not a burden, the better your chances. So, be honest and if it is the right situation, it will work out.

Is it safe to send cash in the post?
It depends how confident you are in your postal service. A lot of members sign up by sending cash in the post. Generally it is safe! (or from Canada & USA – cheques) However, you may wish to send us your payment by registered post if you send cash, to be extra safe.

Is it important for me to speak English?
YES! It may be a good idea to have a few basic lessons in conversational English before you arrive. A basic simple understanding of English is important and vital.

How long may I stay on each farm?
The length of time that you may stay on each farm varies, some invite you to stay a minimum of 2 weeks, whereas others do not specify a time period at all. Discuss it with your Host if your not sure. Most require their WWOOFers to stay at least a month as it takes some time to learn about the farm. Very often if a WWOOFer is happy where they are at and their Hosts is happy with them, they will extend their stay.

Can I use my membership to WWOOF in other countries?
Sorry to say but your WWOOF membership is not transferable and each WWOOF organization is separate and independent from one another.

If I decide not to WWOOF in Hawaii, can I receive a refund?
Currently with the system in place, refunds will not be given once the account has been given access to view Host information. If you pay by check and decide to cancel your account before the check has been cleared, you will be charged a $5 cancellation fee.

What if my plans change?
That’s no problem and we understand that when you are travelling, your plans do change. All we ask is that if you make arrangements with a farm host and if they change for any reason, please be courteous and let them know. This is one of the most frequent complaints we receive from hosts – that WWOOFers do not tell them if they change their plans. PLEASE let them know !!

What about health insurance?
WWOOF Hawaii is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage to yourself or that you cause. You are responsible for your own Travel and Health insurance. Some farms may ask you to sign an additional waiver when you arrive. If you would like a good suggestion for travel insurance, we recommend checking out www.worldnomads.com

I have not received responses from the Hosts that I emailed?
If you have sent out emails and are not getting responses from the Hosts, feel free to call them and follow up. Due to the number of emails that they get, it can take up to 2 weeks for them to respond. If you never hear back from them, please email us and let us know so we can make sure their email address is up to date.

Host Questions

How do I become a host?
Click here to become a Host.

What are my responsibilities as a host?
To provide good wholesome (organic) meals, clean accommodations and an enjoyable atmosphere for the volunteers to help you with the tasks that need doing. To teach the volunteers skills in organic farming and living sustainably. Be open to growing and adapting to the needs of the volunteers so everyone can be productive, happy, and efficient.

How do I check if somebody is a member?
You login to your online account on this site and do a search for your WWOOFer.