Farm Manager – Hale Akua Garden Farm

There are places where farming becomes more than work. It becomes a way to restore land, nourish people, and model a sustainable future for an entire community. Hale Akua Garden Farm, located on the breathtaking north shore of Maui, is one of those places. This Farm Manager position offers a unique opportunity to lead an organic, regenerative farm that feeds retreat guests, supports local residents, teaches sustainable practices, and demonstrates how agriculture can protect the island’s ecosystem. If you are passionate about organic farming, hands-on animal care, and inspiring people to live sustainably, this role offers both purpose and impact.

Job Summary

Position: Farm Manager
Company: Hale Akua Garden Farm
Location: Haiku, Maui, Hawaii
Employment Type: Part-Time
Salary Range: $28 – $30 per hour
Industry: Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Eco-Retreat

About the Company

Hale Akua Garden Farm is an organic farm and eco-retreat dedicated to growing fresh, healthy food and educating people about sustainable agriculture. The farm supports retreat guests, staff, volunteers, and the broader Maui community through hands-on farming practices that respect the land and emphasize ecological responsibility. The mission extends beyond food production to include training, mentorship, and the demonstration of regenerative systems that strengthen local food security. Hale Akua integrates organic farming, compassionate animal care, permaculture principles, and community education into its everyday operations, making it an inspiring place for both learning and living.

About the Role

The Farm Manager is a central leader in fulfilling the farm’s mission. This role oversees the care of animals, the cultivation of organic crops, the development of regenerative systems, and the coordination of volunteers and apprentices. It also plays a key part in advancing Lori Grace’s vision of a farm that heals the land, raises food sustainably, and inspires community members with practices that can be modeled across the island. The ideal candidate brings practical farming skills, confidence in teaching others, and a strong commitment to sustainability. The work blends hands-on labor, education, leadership, and collaboration with Hale Akua’s retreat team to ensure the farm remains productive, educational, and environmentally responsible.

Responsibilities

Manage and care for ducks, chickens, goats, fish, and soldier fly larvae using humane and healthy practices.
Plan, plant, cultivate, and harvest organic produce, eggs, and fish to support residents, retreat guests, and the local community.
Develop and maintain regenerative farming systems such as composting, soil improvement, water conservation, and closed-loop nutrient systems.
Teach, mentor, and supervise volunteers, apprentices, neighbors, and community members in organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming.
Manage the transformation of human food waste into soldier fly larvae that become protein-rich feed for fish, chickens, and ducks, reducing methane-producing waste streams on the island.
Educate participants about the importance of closed-loop farming and how growing animal feed on-site reduces costs, supports sustainability, and strengthens island food security.
Inspire young people and adult learners by demonstrating how high-protein vegetables, fish, chickens, and ducks can be produced locally without dependence on imported feed.
Teach the connection between high-protein vegetables and reduced risk of diet-related diseases such as diabetes, which is aggravated by reliance on high-sugar fruits.
Provide education on the impacts of overfishing in Maui’s oceans and demonstrate the value of land-based fish production through sustainable aquaponics systems.
Collaborate with Hale Akua’s retreat team to ensure farm operations support broader community and program goals.
Maintain records, organize schedules, coordinate farm workers, and ensure safety and cleanliness across the property.

Qualifications

Practical and hands-on experience in organic farming, animal husbandry, and regenerative agriculture.
Strong communication skills with the ability to teach, guide, mentor, and inspire individuals and groups.
Demonstrated leadership and organizational ability in coordinating volunteers, apprentices, and staff.
Passion for sustainability, food self-reliance, regenerative systems, and community-based farming.
Knowledge of closed-loop farming principles, soil health, organic crop production, and sustainable animal care.
Commitment to living and working in a community-oriented environment.

Requirements

Ability to perform physical farm work in varying outdoor conditions.
Capability to teach topics related to closed-loop farming, aquaponics, sustainability, and high-protein crop cultivation.
Willingness to participate in community learning programs and work alongside retreat staff.
Strong interest in promoting food independence, ecological protection, and local agriculture.

Benefits

Hourly pay of $28–$30 based on experience and performance.
On-site housing option available after a three-month trial period.
Access to pool, sauna, and hot tub after hours.
Training in Nonviolent Communication to support leadership and teamwork.
Opportunity to live and work on Maui while leading a regenerative plant and animal farm that feeds the community and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Buying eggs or poultry grown on Maui is rare due to high food costs, making this role vital in strengthening local food production and education.