There are quite a few different work trade options throughout the state... & many in Puna..
They cover the gambit from loosely structured agreements, to full on contracts, to more vacation-y programs like "WorkAway", to National Park "VIP" programs...
Know quite a few people that have done or hosted most...
I would tell anyone thinking about this to really think about moving here with no support system, make sure you advise these folks to have enough when they come here that they can get out of a bad situation (which is probably not practical in their situation...)... if the situation you choose does not work out, you are here... far from anything else... & the landlord tenant laws here are more vague on these type programs... owners have locked out folks if there were issues... & some turn out to have the work trade folks do some mighty interesting things (some of the panhandlers in Hilo are on work/stay programs that have the folks do a little "cash collecting" as a part of the stay!)
Some offer really nice rooms & great hosts, others are pretty horrible, others possibly life-threatening (one of the dengue outbreaks on island had a work stay place involved...)....
OH & for the hosts? some have had horror stories of do-nothing "workers" that will not leave & steal & destroy property - some have had liability claims due to worker injury, & there are workers that may have a bundle of issues (our last one ODʻed on us by drinking rubbing alcohol... nothing better than having that ambulance arrive in the middle of the night to make you re-access your hosting! we have decided not to....)
I would advise ANYONE looking at being on either end of this to do your research, make sure you have a plan, have insurance (either policy or plan of action) to cover anything that COULD happen, and make sure you really know who & what you are getting into BEFORE you jump... research the snot out of everyone & everything!
They cover the gambit from loosely structured agreements, to full on contracts, to more vacation-y programs like "WorkAway", to National Park "VIP" programs...
Know quite a few people that have done or hosted most...
I would tell anyone thinking about this to really think about moving here with no support system, make sure you advise these folks to have enough when they come here that they can get out of a bad situation (which is probably not practical in their situation...)... if the situation you choose does not work out, you are here... far from anything else... & the landlord tenant laws here are more vague on these type programs... owners have locked out folks if there were issues... & some turn out to have the work trade folks do some mighty interesting things (some of the panhandlers in Hilo are on work/stay programs that have the folks do a little "cash collecting" as a part of the stay!)
Some offer really nice rooms & great hosts, others are pretty horrible, others possibly life-threatening (one of the dengue outbreaks on island had a work stay place involved...)....
OH & for the hosts? some have had horror stories of do-nothing "workers" that will not leave & steal & destroy property - some have had liability claims due to worker injury, & there are workers that may have a bundle of issues (our last one ODʻed on us by drinking rubbing alcohol... nothing better than having that ambulance arrive in the middle of the night to make you re-access your hosting! we have decided not to....)
I would advise ANYONE looking at being on either end of this to do your research, make sure you have a plan, have insurance (either policy or plan of action) to cover anything that COULD happen, and make sure you really know who & what you are getting into BEFORE you jump... research the snot out of everyone & everything!