Hedonisia Hawaii Creative Community

Cause Area

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community
  • Computers & Technology
  • Environment
  • Women

Location

12-545 Molokai StPahoa, HI 96778 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

Our community is based on the principle of 'pleasurable activism'. We try to do our bit to 'save the world' but also enjoy ourselves at the same time. It is why we call our community 'Hedonisia'. We have fun in paradise but are not blind to the world's problems. Though our physical community was destroyed in the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption we continue our work online. In the Hedonisia Lava to Lotus Web Portfolio, we work on a portfolio of activist, ecofeminist and social entrepreneur projects with the assistance of volunteers from across the globe.

Description

Hedonisia Hawaii EcoFeminist Community was started in 2004 in the Hawaiian rainforest. Our community was based on ecofeminism and ecotourism as our social and economic foundations.

Though our community was small, the projects we work on have a global reach. We are idealist and pragmatic seeking entrepreneurial and creative solutions to various challenges we face in the world.

In 2018, Hedonisia Hawaii was destroyed by lava flow from the Kilauea volcanic eruption. Undeterred, we continue work on the many creative projects that were born at our pre-volcano community.

There is a one-acre green zone on the property, that did not get covered by lava. This is known as a Kipuka in the Hawaiian language. We are preparing to return to our land by slowly planting and landscaping on our Kipuka.

In the meanwhile, our community is now virtual. Over five hundred volunteers from around the world have worked on the various projects in the Hedonisia Lava to Lotus Portfolio.

We welcome you to be a volunteer on our virtual team choosing a project that resonates with you.

Reviews

Would you recommend Hedonisia Hawaii Creative Community?
6 reviews Write a review
by Kayanne P. from Jacksonville, FL (2023-12-13 10:06:45.0)
Simple and allows you to volunteer whenever you want on a very important cause
by Karrie S. (2017-11-03 21:36:53.0)
I have been an intern at Hedonisia for eight months now. During my stay here I have learned more than I ever expected. I left one of the most conservative parts of the US right after Trump was elected hoping to find a place where openness and liberal ideals were celebrated. Arriving in Hawaii with the opportunity to live cheaply and learn about alternative living seemed like a dream, considering what I was trying to get away from. Coming to a new place full of strangers was undoubtedly overwhelming but the community welcomed me with enthusiasm and kindness. One of the primary focuses of the internship is ethical entrepreneurship. I have never really seen myself as an entrepreneur however, this place showed me how you can use your ideals, the goal of making the world a better place and making money a possibility. Witnessing this work successfully will stick with me forever and has changed how I view entrepreneurialism. This place is quirky, unique and alternative. It challenge
by Francesca F. (2017-06-20 01:18:37.0)
My internship at Hedonisia was transformative. I found exactly what I was hoping for after fleeing the winter of the east coast- a warm jungle paradise! I stayed on the Aloha Bus, which was cozy and fun! I loved getting the chance to learn new skills, like mixing concrete, designing stucco walls and weeding of all sorts! All while having the liberty to take time and explore the wonders of the Big Island on my days off! To be surrounded by so many kind and loving people while being empowered by the work I was doing is an experience that will be hard to rival. I felt truly at home here among my fellow interns and the countless volunteers and guests I got to share my time with. I am so grateful for this experience, and for this liberal-conscious, eco-feminist oasis in Trump's America. It's been hard to leave, but I am proud to be taking so many new strengths with me to my next adventure!
by Kiki D. (2016-03-12 17:45:33.0)
Living and working at Hedonisia is one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced. There is a great energy on the property and a feeling of family/community. People are always hanging out together and there is great conversation. The housing I was provided was clean and well maintained - great for when I wanted personal time. I felt safe and welcome throughout my entire stay and the few concerns I had were always addressed promptly. On the work side, I felt that my time was valued and the work we did was extremely satisfying. During the month I stayed here, we built a meditation temple completely from the land and recycled materials. I loved this type of work because I was able to see my ideas and work come to life and also benefit from it. There was always a lot of fruit and community food to supplement my diet, and we cooked a few community meals which was so much fun! I have created so many lasting friendships and skills here and am so grateful for the experience. Mahalo!
by Branden D. from Phoenix, AZ (2012-09-08 12:30:38.0)
Hedonisia is a fantastic and inspiring place. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the Big Island in a genuine way, close to Nature, among wonderful people. I arrived at Hedonisia several months ago as a Manager Apprentice. I had been living and working in the Northwest and just yearned for a serious change of pace. I was tired of the pretense and baseless striving that have become so ubiquitous in modern urban life. I wanted something real, and I found it here. Hedonisia allowed me to familiarize myself with the magic of Hawaii in a calm, secure, beautiful and cozy setting. I have nothing but positive things to say about this place and the proof is in the pudding- I'm still here and loving it. Aloha!
by Charlize H. (2012-09-08 12:13:33.0)
Love Love Love this place... It began to feel like my home away from home very quickly! I enrolled in the volunteer program with a friend of mine... and we were in constant awe of this little paradise... within a paradise! Everything is so colourful and expressive, and it really does bring out the individuality of each and every guest and volunteer. It is a great example of how people can co-exist in a community setting and has inspired me to be more open, and embrace my inner child/artist/farmer/explorer! I really loved the out door social spaces (Living room and kitchen) and especially the private outdoor rainforest shower! You can always have a roof over your head, but you never technically have to go "Inside" except to sleep! You can tell that the owner, Mojo, takes great care of both his Eco-Hostel, and his volunteers and guests. Truly an Eco- community experience, I highly recommend this Volunteer program...and I will be back again as soon as possible!

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