Hawaii Leadership Residency
Opportunities
LEADERSHIP RESIDENCY
Our main program is a 2-3 month (10-12 weeks plus a missions or partnership trip) leadership residency for young adults ages 18-24. See our landing page to learn more and apply here.
This program costs $3,950 in tuition fees per session, which is all-inclusive: lodging on the North Shore, 3 meals a day and snacks, 80+ hours of teachings, cars and gas for scheduled events, surfboards and recreational activities, and more. We keep the cost significantly lower than its value through the generosity of partners and the sales of our farm-to-market products.
Within the residency, kuleanas (spaces of responsibility) are appointed to every resident and we designate a few resident-alaka’i (translates to “leader”). These leaders are often returners— those doing a second session. We train residents not only with teaching content, but through real-life responsibility and stewardship within a community.
Residents may choose to stay for up to 2-3 sessions (a school year or calendar year). Each session is different than the last in terms of teaching schedule / content.
2026 Sessions
***NEW***
ON MISSION: SRI LANKA MAY 2026
(for HLR residents and alum)
During the second half of May, we will take a team on mission out to Sri Lanka and possibly surrounding areas in the region.
The goal is to fulfill the great commission and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, supporting and encouraging the work of ministries that are already there. There will be opportunities to minister: through prayer, service, teaching and preaching, worship, and the prophetic. In Sri Lanka, Genesis Collective (our partner) sows into dozens of churches, a couple orphanages, and a recovery center. We will pray and strategize with them at a farm location where they’re considering starting a similar residency program.
The trip will end with the Genesis Collective gathering on May 26-29. This is a gathering of roughly 300 believers from all over the globe— we will worship, sit under teachings and trainings, and make new connections through fellowship. Check out more here!
We anticipate this trip will cost less than a session here, somewhere around ~2-3K in total (depending on your flight/ food choices). Everything is covered by the resident/intern attending.
If you’re interested, contact us ASAP. We need some cooperative and spiritually eager peeps to come with us and minister!
STAFF-ALAKA’I
The Staff-Alaka’i Residency is a volunteer program (a missionary role) intended for those who have progressed beyond the 3-month residency and are ready to lead with our staff.
Come spend one full year (3 sessions) with us as a leader activating younger leaders, pouring into the mission of HLR. You yourself will be trained— by Makanalani, Genesis Collective, our staff— for your own future adventures of ministry and calling.
This role is an incredible opportunity for those who want a taste of vocational ministry and thrive in a dynamic setting— one moment you’re leading residents in Bible study and worship, the next your hands are in the dirt farming, the next you’re baking sourdough bread, and the next you’re diving into the logistics of a nonprofit… Here, there’s never a dull moment and plenty of opportunity to grow in God’s calling over your life.
This program is free-of-cost with in-kind provisions mentioned below. We will have 2-6 Staff-Alaka’i in residence at any given time— thus, this is a very selective role compared to the regular residency.
What is an “Alaka’i?”
Alaka’i is a Hawaiian word meaning “leader” or “guide,” with an emphasis on service and living out taught principles. Staff-Alaka’i main functions are:
Mentor/Teacher: leading residents to Jesus (through small groups, teaching, 1-on-1)
Service Site Supervisor: overseeing functions of farm, production, markets, and kids house
House Shepherd: providing care and authority to our communal living
Assistance to Directors / Coordinators: programming and hospitality support
How does a Staff-Alaka’i live?
Schedule: We provide a less-than full-time schedule (30 hrs per week) based on residency programming.
Provisions: We make in-kind provisions, including:
Lodging: a large bedroom (single or shared), and a private bathroom
on a 5 acre property in North Shore Kaua’i, 7 minutes from the nearest beach and surf
Food: 3 meals per day and snacks, regular access to farm-fresh fruit and our leftover organic products
Outside employment: A Staff-Alaka’i gets connected with Makanalani Group local businesses for paid employment opportunities—at Jojo’s Shaved Ice or Chicken in a Barrel.
Support-raising: A Staff-Alaka’i has access to missionary-style support-raising resources. Their fundraising—plus the opportunity to pick up shifts— provides pocket-money for remaining expenses.
Travel & Missions: A Staff-Alaka’i may be invited to lead trips to California or inter-island—in this scenario, their travel (flights) and food would be covered by HLR. A Staff-Alaka’i may be invited to help us lead an international missions trip, in which their expenses would need to be support-raised.
Specific Tracks:
Each Staff-Alaka’i chooses an available track. All share common ministry responsibilities (e.g. leading small groups and prayer)— but these tracks drive their specific focus, especially on service sites. Below, the tracks are listed:
Farm & Land Track (1 Spot Available, male preferably)
Farm service, progressing land-related projects like an on-property garden
Production & Baking Track (1 Spot Available, female preferably)
Production of farm-to-table products
General Ministry Track
Culture of the program and spiritual development of residents
Administrative Track (1 Spot Available)
Growing communication, organization, programming, and scheduling of our nonprofit. Will work closely with coordinators.
Who are we looking for?
This is a leadership role for those who have graduated past the main residency in age and maturity. What are some markers of this?
Ideally, ex-residents/interns!
& can show up 2 weeks prior to their start session for training and prep
We are open to outsiders!***
*** but they must come the session prior to get trained on service sites
Leadership qualities
Loves God, His Spirit, and His Scriptures
Demonstrates humility and obedience before the Lord
Trustworthy, honest, great communication
A heart for Gen Z/ young adults
Strong work ethic, stewardship
Hospitable, organized
Bold to jump in: we are not perfect, but we are proactive
Ideally, 23-28 years old
Has experience/authority to deposit to residents (average resident age= 21).
***This role is not compensated employment***