Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

How is La’akea Community different from La’akea Permaculture Gardens?

The Community at La’akea formed in 2005 to create a community where people could live simply, focusing on ecological and personal health, interpersonal communication and emotional growth, spiritual awareness, and cooperative economics. While we have an educational mission to teach permaculture, we are focused on creating a stable, self-sufficient community.

What is permaculture? Permaculture is a term coined by Bill Mollison to describe integrated systems of buildings, energy, water, and agriculture that are sustainable. More info on permaculture can be found on the "all about permaculture" page.

Can I visit La’akea? Yes, we offer tours (and ask for a donation to cover the time of the tour guide) and often have work parties and other events at which visitors are welcome. Email is the best way to contact us, and please contact before you visit. Our email is laakea@permaculture-hawaii.com. Our phone number is 808-443-4076.

How is life different at La’akea than on the mainland? We live off the grid which means that we conserve energy and water usage. We have hot showers but encourage people to shower in the afternoon when we have solar heated water. We have limited cell phone reception in some areas of the land and no land line, so phone calls are expensive during peak times. We have internet service through a satellite connection which goes out about 20% of the time and have limited internet time available for non-business uses. We are clothing-optional as the climate here is often comfortable enough to wear little or no clothing. We often stay on community land for days at a time, meeting our food, work, exercise, and social needs on the land and in the community. We spend most of our time outside and in community buildings such as our main house, and little time in our personal dwellings.

What about drugs and alcohol? We discourage the use of drugs and alcohol as they can interfere with personal growth, emotional development and connection, and community building.

What is the connection between La’akea Community and Network for New Culture (NFNC)? Many members of La’akea have attended NFNC summer camp and La’akea will host a NFNC winter camp. While there is no legal relationship, there are bonds of friendship and a shared commitment of similar values between NFNC and La’akea. You can check out NFNC at www.nfnc.org

How would I become a member of La’akea Community? People interested in becoming members of La’akea Community are encouraged to read our vision statement and then to communicate with us about themselves. We have a process where potential members live here for several months before a decision about membership is made. More information about our membership process can be emailed to interested people. Contact us at laakea@permaculture-hawaii.com or 808-443-4076.

Answers to many other questions may be found in our vision statement.