Rural Hawai‘i Homestead House Sit With Dogs and Chickens

About this assignment

Hello, I’m Elizabeth, a writer and artist, and my partner Owen is a sculptor. We live on a working homestead in the Kau district of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, surrounded by native ohia forest.

Our property is beautiful but remote, and this sit is best suited to people who genuinely enjoy rural life and are comfortable being self-reliant.

This is not a resort environment. The nearest town is small and quiet. The big towns of Kona and Hilo are an hour and a half away. Nights are dark, and daily life here involves the normal realities of country living—mud, wind, occasional heavy rain, insects, rodents, and keeping an eye on gates and animals.

We are looking for a responsible couple who is attentive, practical, and comfortable with farm routines. People who thrive here tend to be observant, independent, and able to handle small problems calmly if they arise.

Because this is a rural homestead, sitters should be comfortable with:
• Quiet and isolation
• Being attentive to animals and property details
• Basic problem-solving and common sense
• A slower pace of life without nearby entertainment

The reward is living in a peaceful rural tropical landscape with big skies, fresh air, and the companionship of animals.

We are looking for a non-smoking couple who enjoys nature, quiet evenings, and the rhythms of country life.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Our two dogs are the heart of the household.

Chunk, age 9, is an affectionate and energetic cattle dog mix who enjoys short walks and interaction.

Nini, age 14, is a gentle Rhodesian mix who loves food and cuddles but prefers a calm routine and cannot interact with other dogs, except for Chunk.

We also have 19 free-ranging chickens that need to be fed twice daily. They roam during the day and put themselves to bed at night.

The daily rhythm is simple but requires reliability and attention:
• Feeding the dogs and chickens morning and evening
• Short daily walks on the 9 acre property with Chunk and Nini (about 20 minutes)
•. Checking for eggs
• Watering garden, harvesting produce
• Noticing small things around the property (water, feed, etc.) and addressing them

What are the good features of the property and location

Our ranch is located on 9 acres in south Hawaii and your living space will be the House-Barn, with three bedrooms, washer and dryer, bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, full kitchen with stovetop (no oven) and upstairs lounge and office area. You'll love the comfortable medium-firm queen-sized beds.

House stay includes use of our LR3 Ranch Vehicle, perfect for car-camping and exploring the island with the dogs. We have plenty of camping and beach gear for you to borrow.

We're 15 minutes from two grocery stores, three minutes from two different coffee shops (which are located on Ka'u Coffee farms!), 20 minutes from numerous beaches that are dog-friendly and 5 minutes from world-class hiking trails. Local food trucks provide high-quality meals in the area, along with 3-4 restaurants.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

Potential sitters should be comfortable with farm life. We have high speed internet, full phone reception, county water, on-the-grid electricity, along with a television screen and DVD collection for movie nights. Sitters should be able to change individual propane tanks for stove.

We live in a rural environment that is rich in natural beauty but not near a city with Costco, Target or Home Depot-instead, we watch the chickens, look at the beautiful skyscape and enjoy our trips to the local beaches.

Garden is pretty self-sufficient but may need occasional watering and checking on. Trash must be taken to the transfer station.

Nini cannot get around other dogs except Chunk. Do not let dogs out together at night as they may wander.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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