Business Operations Intern
Kauai County, Hawaii, United States
As an intern for Makanalani Farms, I had an incredible opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of personal and spiritual growth while residing in the picturesque North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii. Throughout each week, we participated in three service days dedicated to supporting the ministry at the Kid's House. These service days brought us face-to-face with the lively and dynamic guests of Makanalani, where we engaged in a wide range of activities, from organizing games, cleaning after our guests, and serving meals. My experience also extended in opportunities to contribute to Makanalani's various business ventures. The production team provided me with hands-on experience in crafting delectable products like whipped honeys and jams using the farm's own homegrown fruits. It was a rewarding experience to bring these artisanal creations to the local farmer's markets and businesses, engaging with both the local community and tourists. I worked on the farm by maintaining the beautiful landscape through weed whacking, invasive tree extermination, harvesting, and planting produce, creating a beautiful landscape for our guests to experience free of cost. I also worked with our local ice shop, JoJos Shaved Ice, tending to our ice machines, syrups, and more to make a delicious creation for the tourist community. This experience as a whole taught me how to manage my time well, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. I developed an appreciation and drive for hard work and consistency in all of my endeavors because so much of the success of this business relies upon how much the interns are involved, giving me a serious responsibility to maintain and cherish.
