Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are you forming this community?

  1. The world we live in is becoming increasingly (and frighteningly) unsustainable. Our desire to follow a simpler, more natural lifestyle led us to a point in life where we finally cried, “enough!”, and decided to pick up and unplug from what is, in our opinion, a flawed system. We wish to reclaim our connection with the Earth; to live in harmony rather than in competition.

  2. Many people embrace one aspect or another of natural living: some practice recycling, some follow plant-based diets, some breastfeed their children, some live off of “the grid.” We believe that “natural” should apply to all aspects of our lives. We want to live, parent, work, and eat sustainably and naturally.

  3. We know that we are not alone in those desires, and so we decided to create a small community of like-minded people for the purpose of mutual support and common efforts, for camaraderie and friendship. It is our sincere hope that, through this community, we will form loving, lifelong, mutually-enriching relationships.

  4. We hope to become a beacon for others, a shining example of natural permaculture and of a gentler, healthier way of life.


2. Where is the community located?

  1. We have chosen a beautiful property on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is located in a lush, volcanic, tropical rainforest.

  2. Hawaii offers a unique environment, one which is perfect for those seeking self-reliance. There is no better place to live if you want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Solar power and water catchment are practical here and offer sustainability. The climate is perfect, with little or no need to heat or cool our homes.

  3. Our chosen property possesses an excellent infrastructure of common buildings, huts, systems, and food. There are bearing fruit trees and established organic gardens. We are completely able to provide our own power (to common areas), water, sanitation, and food.


3. How large will the community be?

  1. We are limiting the size of our community to 12 Founding Members (or member families). We wish to ensure that there is constant abundance of food and other common resources. The current capabilities, systems, and plantings on the property will sustain a community of this size indefinitely and with only minimal impact on our natural environment. We expect the community to include singles and families.


4. What is the time frame for putting this all together?

  1. We have just 12 Founding Membership spots in our community. Since our initial offering in late 2009, we’ve received strong response. Over half of our spaces are filed already, with others pending. Currently there are just 4 remaining membership spaces.

  2. Our community is founded on natural living and natural dietary principles. Specifically we are focusing on a whole, fresh, ripe, raw, organic, fruit and vegetable diet as promoted in the 80/10/10 Diet. The author of that book, Dr. Doug Graham, is a co-founder and Founding Member of our community. Considering the interest in that path, the remarkable bounty of producing fruit and food we have, the infrastructure that is already in place, the perfect climate, and the limited slots available, we anticipate more demand than space.

  3. We expect to fill our remaining spaces quickly. New members are likely able to move to the site beginning in early 2010.

  4. There is no current plan to expand the community beyond the 12 Founding Members.


5. How do I join the community?

  1. Potential members will go through a screening and interview process (beginning with an online questionnaire) to help us and you determine if we fit well together. If we mutually choose to move forward, the next step is a formal application process which will include telephone interviews, disclosures, reference and background screenings. There is a $75 non-refundable application fee to begin the formal application process. Should the process result in a good match, you would pay a one-time Founding Membership fee to purchase your share in the community.


6. How much does it cost to become a Founding Member?

  1. The Founding Membership fee is $89,000 (US). This is a one-time fee and grants you a share of ownership in the property and community.


7. What exactly am I purchasing with my Founding Membership Fee?

  1. Your Founding Membership Fee entitles you to common ownership in our community. You are purchasing a share in the company which owns the land and other assets, a residence hut/dwelling, and an equal share in community governance. The fee is non-refundable.

  2. Our members share ownership and enjoyment of the property, and all the bounty which the land and community affords. Learn more about the benefits and structure on our membership page.


8. Is my membership share transferrable? Can I sell it or bequeath it?

  1. We are intentionally creating a very small community of people who share a common vision of life. We are very protective of the environment we are creating, and wish to ensure that our members continue to share that common purpose and commitment to our mission. Sale or transfer of a membership share to anyone outside of our community is expected to be unusual, and would only be acceptable with the unanimous consent of the other current members. It would be possible to sell or transfer your share to an existing member, subject to the approval of our community council.


  1. It is also possible that the community association could purchase your share back from you, though there is no obligation for the association to do so.




9. If my hut is not big enough, or if I wish to have a larger home, can I?

  1. All huts are private, sturdy, and suitable for 2 to 3 people. We do have some larger ones, and we will allocate them (first come, first served) to those with greater living space needs.

  2. Should a larger structure still be necessary (or desired), the community association would construct one (to maintain architectural consistency) to suit, at a pre-agreed upon cost to the member. The community council will have a say in the appropriateness of new residence structures.


10. Can I live here for part of the year? Is there a discount?

  1. Our community is small and we are dependent upon one another. We understand, however, that some potential members may be unable to live here at all times. Life happens.

  2. We require a certain number of people contributing to maintain the community. The majority of members will likely be here most of the time and that should be sufficient to meet needs. If for some reason we were temporarily “understaffed” we could employ interns, work traders, WWOOFers, etc.

  3. You are free to spend as much or as little of your time here as you desire when you are a Founding Member. We hope you will be present, enjoying the harvest with us.

  4. We do not offer any discount/timesharing memberships.


11. How will the community be governed?

  1. Our community will self-govern using a forum, or community council. Each Founding Member will have equal voice on the council and it is here that we will discuss our needs, responsibilities, challenges, or difficulties as they arise. We will work together, non-violently, to find solutions and to implement policies.

  2. The community property is owned by the Founding Members collectively. 


12. Are there any additional or recurring fees?

  1. Each Founding Member will pay an annual fee which will go into the Community Fund. The annual fee for 2010 will be $600. Changes to the fee would require agreement of the community council.


13. What is the Community Fund?

  1. This fund will be used for community maintenance and improvements. It will be managed by the community members.

  2. The fund will be established during the formation of the community, with a portion of Founding Membership fees set aside for this purpose.


14. Are there work or income opportunities?

  1. Employment is not specifically provided, though there are income opportunities that may stem from community-related businesses. The property currently houses a small retail/mail order shop which we intend to maintain and, possibly, expand. A portion of profits from the shop will be paid to the community association, and pass through to members in accordance with their fractional shares.

  2. Other opportunities are likely to arise on the site, and the general rule of thumb is that those participating in the efforts will receive the financial benefits. For example, if you are interested and willing to participate in our educational classes, workshops, and retreats, you can earn a share of their profits. We must note, however, that no income is guaranteed.

  3. There are employment opportunities available on the Big Island if you are so inclined. Housing, a share of the food grown on the land, and utilities are all included in the membership, so your income needs may be lowered.

  4. We recognize that some of our members will find no reason to pursue employment and we have no requirement that they do.

  5. Each of us will handle personal finances separately.


15. What about children?

  1. We cherish children and welcome them into our community. We are firm believers in attachment-style parenting and are excited by the possibilities the setting and community present for child-rearing. Every day here offers new and wonderful growth opportunities.

  2. We choose to home-school our children and expect to create a co-operative system with other member families. We hope to bring the various skills and experiences of our community to bear, providing a diverse environment for learning and discovery. While our community is primal, we do have computers, internet, and access to modern educational tools.

  3. If for any reason you would prefer to have your child (or children) attend a public or private school outside of our community, you may certainly do so. We each have ideas about how to raise our children and we are all free to do whatever we feel is best. While we agree that a village can help to raise a child, it is still the parents who are responsible and must make the decisions about direction and approach.

  4. And while we believe our community environment is an idyllic place for a child to grow up, you should be sensitive and realistic about how much of a change is involved, particularly for older children. Our chosen lifestyle is different than that of mainstream Westerners.

  5. We take safety very seriously and will be screening our applicants carefully.


16. What exactly is an 80/10/10 diet?

  1. The term 80/10/10 was coined by Dr. Doug Graham and refers to carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratios. To put it simply, the diet recommends a minimum of 80% of calories from carbohydrates, and a maximum of 10% of calories from protein and fat, respectively.

  2. The food sources are all raw, with fruits and vegetables predominating. Six key words describe the diet: fresh, ripe, raw, organic, whole, plants.

  3. Dr. Graham has nearly 30 years of experience promoting this path and counseling others. He provides an extensive FAQ on his website. We have been following the diet for a few years with outstanding results. Our desire to be “close to our food” is one of our primary motivations for leaving the mainland and establishing this community in Hawaii.


17. What food is available on the property now?

  1. There are over 500 bearing fruit and nut trees, which offer their bounty in all seasons! The list of varieties is eye-popping — a partial list can be seen on our what’s growing? page. Everything is, and has always been, completely organic. The soil here may be the richest on the planet.

  2. Each member resident will aid in tending the land and each will receive a share of the abundant produce.

  3. We also grow greens and vegetables and have a well-established, organic garden. We intend to construct a greenhouse to further increase the number of crops we can grow.


18. How much work is expected or required from members?

  1. We are forming a small community of people who share the same vision of life. We intend to co-operate towards our goals, to work together for common benefit. The greatest need is in tending the fruits (and garden) and keeping the jungle at bay. For us this is a labor of love.

  2. It is by no means a full-time job, however. Based on the size of community, we expect that each member would need to average about 20 to 25 hours per week in land dance and/or general community upkeep. That could mean a couple of hours in a work party during the morning and maybe a couple of hours mid or late day pruning or sweeping or making salad.

  3. There is not any rule or schedule requirement. There are simply things to be done and we plan to work together to do those things. As a community we will regularly come together to discuss needs and to decide how best to meet them. Each of us possesses unique talents, abilities, and interests, and will likely participate in ways which best suit us. Many may choose to spend more time with the land out of pure enjoyment!

  4. Service may be offered in the form of sharing skills, too. Some may teach art or yoga or use their backgrounds (math, science, etc.) to enrich our co-operative home school. Others with mechanical or architectural skills may help with maintenance and improvements.

  5. We give what we give freely in the spirit of mutual enrichment and exchange.


19. What sort of social opportunities are provided?

  1. There is much more to life than labor and survival. We intend to live with vigor and passion.

  2. We are all joined by primary interests and common purposes and that should tend to make us a fairly close-knit group. We will have regular outings open to all of our community. Magical spots in protected Pacific tide pools are within short walking distance. Glorious volcanically heated hot-ponds are a short bike ride or van trip away. We expect to make trips to various spots (the city, other nature spots) on a regular basis. This part of Hawaii offers a plethora of outdoor opportunities. There is a small town just a few miles away with recreational facilities.

  3. Maybe we’ll decide to doll up on occasion and head off to see the world-class symphony in Hilo. Life appeals to each of us in varied ways and we respect everyone’s needs and interests. Our desire is to pursue all experience with gusto.

  4. We expect to interact pretty regularly within our community. The primary structures and work spaces are common so we will have contact with one another frequently. We will likely share meals, at least occasionally. Nights are special, and will often come alive in our conversation area or at our game table.

  5. We have interesting neighbors, including another small community with which we have a friendly relationship. This general area of Hawaii enjoys a concentration of people who believe in natural health and natural lifestyle. There should be many chances for play and interaction, both inside and outside of our community.


20. Is there any common religious, philosophical, or spiritual path?

  1. No, we are not a commune. All of our members are free to think and believe however they choose. We do have certain values and principles which we believe are foundational to our community. They can be viewed on the mission & principles page.


21. What about drugs, alcohol, or tobacco use?

  1. Tobacco and drugs are forbidden on site. Alcohol use is discouraged and is not permitted in any common areas. We are all seekers of health so use of these toxic substances is counter-intuitive and counter-productive.

  2. There are also children in our community, and we do not want these influences present.




updated 1/23/2010