Hawaii Ecovillage Tour
8 DAYS | Jan 4-11, 2025
Discover ecovillages that are regenerating the Big Island in Hawaii.
Is Hawaii your dream vacation? Discover a side of the island that is overlooked by the average tourist. Discover community projects that are regenerating depleted soils, creating food security, learning from indigenous Hawaians, healing alongside veterans, and building a sustainable future.
Join our guided journey through intentional communities that are restoring paradise.
Whether you want to move to Hawaii, get ideas for your community back home, or simply have a values-aligned vacation — this Ecovillage Tour is your gateway to both enjoying Hawaii and aiding its future.
Hawaii Ecovillage Tour
All-inclusive travel. Small group size.
January 4-11, 2025
Only 2 spots left on this tour. Last minute deals available. Contact us to inquire.
Tour Highlights
What you can expect to experience during your time in Hawaii.
Visit 8+ communities over 8 days: Hawaii is filled with inspiring ecovillage projects. We have chosen a diverse selection of them for you to experience.
Bask in the beauty of the Island of Hawaiʻi: Experience the diverse landscapes of the Big Island, known for it’s accessibility and stunning beaches.
Travel in a small guided group: Walk around like a local with trip leaders who will show you a side of Hawaii too few tourists get to experience.
Support projects that are making a difference: Unfortunately, Hawaii has been challenged by colonialism, military bases, fires, food insecurity, and unconscious tourism. Your participation in this tour will directly uplift communities that are implementing solutions to these challenges.
Featured Communities
Explore the inspirational ecovillages we’ll visit during this tour.
La’akea Ecovillage
Considered the most established ecovillage on the Big Island, La'akea Community is a family-style, egalitarian, intentional community.
“We are a committed group of people working together closely as a means to health, relationship vitality, economic stability, and personal and spiritual growth. We integrate the social aspects of sustainability into daily life. We practice how to live together with honesty, love and peace, and shared power and leadership. We meet together weekly to listen and share our personal processes, and to make business plans. We own our 23 acres of land in common, each paying an equal share to buy in, to insure authentic power balance.”
Website: https://permaculture-hawaii.com/
Starseed Ranch & HIP Agriculture
Starseed Ranch, is a secluded 26-acre off-grid estate on the Kohala coast, powered by hydro-electric and solar systems. The land is rich with fruit trees, gardens, and bamboo, and features Balinese-style architecture, group meeting spaces, and a diverse tropical orchard and farm. The ranch's heart includes modern amenities such as lodging, a kitchen, dining area, classroom/movement space, and bathhouse. Surrounded by rolling green hills and natural beauty, Starseed Ranch offers rejuvenation, healing, and learning while maintaining modern comforts.
The founders of Starseed Ranch, Dash and Erika Kuhr, also run their farm based nonprofit, the Hawai’i Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Agriculture). As educators they work with island youth around issues of food sovereignty, farmer training and resiliency. They facilitate educational programs for students (grades K-20) and host retreats for all ages. Their farm provides an abundant supply of fresh produce to the Hawi Farmers Market, Kohala Farm to School program, residential programs and beyond.
Websites: https://starseedranch.com/ & https://www.hipagriculture.org/
Pueo Ridge Farms
Pueo Ridge is a Hawaii-based orchard, farm, and community that brings together forward-thinking individuals dedicated to producing high-quality fruit, tropical flowers, and other farm goods while hosting a variety of retreats, certifications, and creative activities, including yoga, dance, aerial arts, music, and community discussions. Located on a 10-acre homestead in Hawi on the Big Island, Pueo Ridge has two main sections: PUEO RIDGE FARMS, which includes living quarters for the team and campers, a large stage for performances and aerial classes, and a space for drying kukui nuts, and PUEO'S NEST, a studio and certified kitchen planned for construction in 2025.
The community’s core mission is to operate in harmony with nature, focusing on organic practices in all activities, from honey production to raising egg-laying chickens, while respecting the ‘aina by avoiding single-use plastics, repurposing building materials, and reducing waste. Pueo Ridge aims to attract earth-conscious, drug-free individuals who recognize the importance of organic and local farming, and who value a lifestyle of connection, sharing, and growth within a close-knit community, as opposed to isolated single-family living with limited neighborly interaction.
Big Island Permaculture
Big Island Farms is a thriving agricultural enterprise whose long-term goal is to provide super mineralized, nutritionally superior organic products grown and processed on site to ensure the highest quality of nutritional value to the local and global market.
“Our mission is to become a world-class educational center and permaculture farm built on the core values of living sustainably on the land. Our goal is to provide engaging and impactful educational opportunities through our hands-on experiential programs. We hope to share our knowledge with future generations of environmental stewards who will respect and build upon the traditional agricultural practices of our ancestors and the local community to produce high-quality, organically grown, nutrient-rich agricultural products.”
Website: https://www.bigislandfarms.com/
Sundari
Sundari is a unique community situated on the wild southern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, where the Ohia forest meets the expansive Pacific Ocean, with the presence of the volcano and a pristine night sky above. It is an association of several adjoining properties, brought together by a shared vision of living in harmony with nature and fostering deep connections among residents. Sundari’s mission extends beyond its borders, as the community seeks to serve the greater good by contributing to the needs of the larger community, promoting sustainability, and nurturing a sense of unity with the land.
Website: https://sundarigardens.com/
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Our tour will begin at Starseed Ranch (about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kona International Airport). Please plan to arrive at the airport by 5pm at the latest. We will pick the group up from the airport and orientation will be at 7pm that evening after dinner. We will spend the first night of the tour at Starseed Ranch, an eco-friendly retreat center on Hawaii's Big Island, nestled in North Kohala, known for its organic permaculture farm, community-focused gatherings, and tranquil setting surrounded by lush nature.
Day 2: We’ll begin the day with an optional yoga class, followed by a visit to Pueo Farms, a Hawaii-based orchard, farm, and community focused on producing high-quality fruit, tropical flowers, and other farm goods. After lunch in town, we’ll head to Spencer Beach to spend the afternoon on its white sands, unwinding by the water. and taking in the Hawaiian sunset. Pack a swimsuit and towel.
Day 3: The day starts with a hands-on taro (kalo) restoration workshop, where we’ll learn about traditional Hawaiian agriculture and the cultural importance of this staple crop. Later, we’ll tour HIP Agriculture, a farm-based nonprofit dedicated to food sovereignty, farmer training, and community resilience. We’ll end the day with a farm-to-table dinner at Starseed Ranch, enjoying fresh, locally grown ingredients and connecting over a shared meal.
Day 4: We’ll set off in the morning for a scenic 1-1.5 hour drive to Big Island Farms, a permaculture-focused farm committed to regenerative agriculture and sustainability. Once there, we’ll explore their innovative practices on a guided tour, immersing ourselves in the farm’s systems and the diverse tropical landscape. By mid-afternoon, we’ll depart, stopping at a local farmer’s market to pick up fresh produce and crafts, and pausing at a lookout point for panoramic views before heading to our Airbnb in Pepeekeo for the evening.
Day 5: Today, we’ll head to Pahoa along the scenic coast, stopping to see the beautiful Akaka Falls. Arriving at Sundari, we’ll tour the serene retreat grounds, settle in, and join an uplifting optional ecstatic dance session from 6:30-8:30 PM. We’ll settle into our accommodations for the next three nights, Sundari.
Day 6: This morning, we’ll visit La’akea Ecovillage, the Big Island’s most established intentional community. Here, we’ll explore their 23-acre family-style, egalitarian community, learning about their commitments to shared power, holistic health, and social sustainability. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Kalani (still to be confirmed), a nonprofit retreat center and community nestled in the coastal forests of Puna. We’ll wrap up with a refreshing stop at a nearby beach, enjoying time to relax by the ocean.
Day 7: Begin your day with a relaxing morning at the spa, taking time to unwind and rejuvenate. After lunch, we’ll head to another community in Pahoa to enjoy a guided tour, where we’ll explore their innovative approaches to permaculture and community empowerment. In the evening, we’ll dine out in town, savoring local flavors and closing the day with a taste of Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage.
Day 8: After breakfast, we’ll gather our belongings and share final goodbyes before making our way back to the airport. We’ll arrive at the airport by noon, allowing time for smooth check-ins and a relaxed departure. Safe travels, and mahalo for being part of this unforgettable adventure!
Trip Details
Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.
Included
All tours and activities at intentional communities
All ground transportation from tour start and end point
All lodging in shared rooms (Single room upgrades available)
All meals, except when you choose to eat separately or purchase extra drinks
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
*Click “book now” to see current trip pricing.
Travel Logistics
We recommend flying in and out of Kona International Airport.
Our tour will begin near the Kona International Airport on the Island of Hawaii. Participants are asked to plan their arrival at the airport to be before 5pm local time on the tour start date. Pick up and drop off at the airport or another nearby location is available.
Our tour will conclude back at the Kona International Airport by noon on the last day of the tour. Lodging is not included on the evening of the last day of the tour. Kindly book your flights for that afternoon or stay on in Hawaii if you choose.
On the last day of the tour, we will be driving from the Puna side of the island in the morning. Participants wishing to stay on the Puna side and not return to Kona are welcome to do so.
Lodging
Lodging varies from shared dorm-style rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.
You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Upgrades to private rooms are not always guaranteed due to the nature of some locations.
Whenever possible we arrange for overnight accommodations at the ecovillages and communities we visit. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. When the community doesn't have enough accommodation space or a scheduling conflict, then we stay at nearby lodging. We strive to stay at accommodations that are values aligned, such as small family businesses or eco-lodges. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include composting toilets, limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, and communal facilities.
Meals
As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.
Weather
In January, Hawaii experiences mild and pleasant weather, making it an ideal winter escape. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C), while evenings can be cooler, dipping into the mid-60s (18-20°C). Although it's winter, Hawaii's rainy season occurs during this time, so brief showers are common, particularly in the lush, windward regions of the islands.
Packing
A full packing list will be provided after booking the tour. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations. Due to the limited space in our vehicles, each passenger will only be allowed one suitcase and one day bag.
Plan to pack light, breathable clothing for warm days, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Since rain is likely, a waterproof jacket or umbrella is also recommended. Don't forget swimwear and comfortable shoes for exploring the diverse landscapes.
Physical Requirements
This trip will include several day hikes and walks up hills and on uneven terrain. We will visit a few waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and no elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms, which will not always be paved surfaces.
Please consider your physical fitness before registering for the tour. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements, such as use of a wheelchair.
Traveling with Children
It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. For children 15 and under, please contact us to discuss suitability on your specific tour. We will supply you with a discount code to use to receive child discounts:
Ages 3 and under: Free
Ages 4-7: 50% off
Ages 8-15: 20% off
Families with children should note that tours generally include long periods of sitting for presentations, strenuous walking, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among multiple locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited. We want to encourage families to join, so long as they are prepared for these challenges.
Parents or guardians assume full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of their children throughout the tour. Children must be supervised at all times. Children under 1.5 meters tall need a booster seat. Please be sure to bring a car seat if your child needs one, or you may rent one at cost.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date. At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full or pay the deposit and remaining payments in auto-payment installments.
Click the “book now” button to see current pricing. Contact us about discounts for larger groups.
Cancellation and Refunds
Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days but may be creditable in the event of a medical or family emergency. Once your deposit refund date has passed, your deposit will not be refunded under any circumstance. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.
Reviews
Read authentic reviews from past tour participants.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
Meet Your Guides
Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guides.
Katrina Zavalney
Katrina Zavalney is a community organizer with 25 years of experience in community development, sustainability, event management, and nonprofits. She often leads strategic planning, facilitation and organization development consulting with a Masters in Organization Development. Katrina is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihood on a global scale.
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She has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement, including greening Disney, writing environmental policies that went company-wide, and developed into one of Disney’s most influential environmental policies. She is a systems thinker and network weaver, with an ability to authentically connect; building high impact collaborative programs and community-oriented solutions. Additionally, as a professional facilitator, she has an ability to work through seemingly impossible interpersonal challenges to achieve win/win lasting results. Katrina is a self-starter and founded a nonprofit, Aranya Solutions, to support communities to be self-sustaining developing programs, training, skill building, and resilience. She is one of the leads for the Kona Resilience HUB in Hawai'i, Big Island. She partnered with Rotary International multiplying funds to increase impact. Serving 40,000 people internationally directly + thousands more indirectly, with 3 villages in Nepal and 3 schools in Uganda. Katrina is ready to further collaborate with the world’s most impactful and inspiring leaders to develop transformational sustainability initiatives, climate resilience, and elevate world class culture.
She now lives in Hawai’i in Kona with the goal of developing a Sustainability Center that will host educational workshops on natural building, growing food year round, and retreats. She also trains youth on conflict resolution and mediation skills with the West Hawai’i Mediation Center as she is passionate about human development and emotional intelligence.
Her nonprofit, Aranya Solutions, website is https://aranyasolutions.com. Katrina is delighted to be here and has a passion for emotional intelligence and healthy communication.
Cynthia Tina
Cynthia founded Ecovillage Tours because she wanted more people to travel with her to ecovillages, experiencing ways of living that are both sustainable and fun! She has visited more than 150 intentional communities around the world, including the Vermont ecovillage where she lives in her self-built passive solar home.
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When not global-trotting to ecovillages with interesting groups of people, Cynthia works as the “community matchmaker” and director of CommunityFinders, offering programs to help people join and start intentional communities.
Formerly the co-director, Cynthia is now a spokesperson and educator with the Foundation for Intentional Community. She's a former trustee of the Global Ecovillage Network and former director of the youth ecovillage network, NextGEN North America. She holds a degree in Sustainability from Goddard College, as well as certificates in Permaculture and Ecovillage Design, and Yoga Teacher Training.
Is this tour right for me?
On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.
Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.
Still unsure?
Explore if this tour is right for you…
This tour ideal for those who want to:
Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.
Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.
Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.
Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.
Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.
Why choose this tour?
Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities.
Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.
All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.
Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.
What’s the alternative?
You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…
Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.
Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.
Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.
It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!
Still have questions?
We are happy to help! Sign up below to book a discovery call with one of our team members.
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you.
Let your adventure begin.