Company description

Puʻu O Hoku Ranch is a 14,000-acre working ranch located on the remote eastern end of Molokaʻi, one of Hawaiʻi’s most untouched and naturally beautiful islands. For generations, the ranch has been a steward of the land, committed to sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and the preservation of cultural values. Our operations span cattle ranching, diversified organic and biodynamic agriculture, forestry, and a boutique hospitality program that welcomes guests from around the world to experience the authentic spirit of aloha and connection to the ʻaina (land).

At Puʻu O Hoku, we believe deeply in the relationship between healthy land, nourishing food, and vibrant community. Our organic gardens and orchards supply fresh produce to our kitchen, where farm-to-table dining is not just a concept but a daily practice. We are looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to sustainability, land stewardship, and the power of good food to bring people together.

Internship description

The Farm-to-Table Intern serves as a vital link between Puʻu O Hoku Ranch’s garden and kitchen operations. This hands-on role is designed for someone passionate about sustainable food systems who wants to gain real-world experience in both organic agriculture and culinary arts. Working closely with our Head Chef and Head Gardener, the intern will help bridge the gap between what we grow and what we serve, ensuring that the freshest seasonal ingredients make it from soil to plate.

The majority of the intern’s time will be spent in the kitchen, supporting the culinary team as a line cook and assisting with front-of-house hospitality duties. A meaningful portion of the role will also involve working alongside our gardener in the organic gardens, learning about the diverse produce we cultivate and coordinating harvests to meet the kitchen’s needs.

Key Responsibilities
Kitchen & Culinary (Primary Focus)
· Assist the Head Chef as a line cook during meal preparation and service

· Support front-of-house duties including guest dining setup, service, and hospitality

· Help with menu planning by communicating what produce is available, in season, or ready for harvest

· Participate in food preservation techniques such as pickling, fermenting, and drying of ranch-grown produce

· Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards

· Assist with meal prep, plating, and presentation for guest meals and special events

Garden & Agriculture
· Work alongside the Head Gardener to learn about the ranch’s organic growing practices and diverse crop varieties

· Coordinate and carry out regular harvesting of vegetables, fruits, and herbs for kitchen use

· Assist with planting, weeding, composting, irrigation, and general garden maintenance

· Help track and communicate crop availability and anticipated harvest schedules to the kitchen team

· Gain hands-on understanding of organic and sustainable farming methods in a tropical environment

Farm-to-Table Coordination
· Serve as the day-to-day liaison between the garden and kitchen, ensuring fresh produce is harvested and delivered efficiently

· Collaborate with the chef and gardener to align planting schedules with culinary needs

· Help develop systems for tracking what is being grown, what is ready, and what the kitchen needs

· Contribute ideas for incorporating seasonal produce into menus and guest experiences

Minimum Qualifications
· Some cooking experience (professional, educational, or substantial home cooking)

· Basic gardening or agricultural experience

· Genuine passion for food systems, farm-to-table practices, and sustainable organic agriculture

· Strong willingness to learn, adapt, and take on a variety of tasks across different roles

· Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team

· Comfortable working outdoors in a remote tropical climate and in a professional kitchen environment

· Positive attitude and a collaborative, team-player mindset

Preferred Qualifications
· Coursework or training in culinary arts, agriculture, sustainability, or a related field

· Experience working in a restaurant, farm, or hospitality setting

· Interest in Hawaiian culture, land stewardship, and rural community life

· Food safety certification (e.g., food safety certifications) or willingness to obtain

· Familiarity with organic farming practices or tropical agriculture

What You’ll Gain
· Hands-on experience in both professional kitchen operations and organic agriculture

· Mentorship from an experienced chef and gardener in a unique ranch setting

· A deep understanding of true farm-to-table food systems from seed to plate

· Experience in hospitality and guest services in a boutique, rural environment

· The opportunity to live and work on one of Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful and remote ranches

· A meaningful connection to the land, community, and the spirit of aloha

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
This position involves a combination of indoor kitchen work and outdoor agricultural tasks. The intern should be prepared to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, work in varying weather conditions, and perform repetitive tasks in both environments. The ranch is located in a remote area and interns should be comfortable with rural island living.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

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Deadline

May 15, 2026