Relief organizations throughout Hawaii are mobilizing donation efforts as residents work to recover from the most severe flooding the islands have experienced in more than two decades. The catastrophic weather has prompted charitable groups, community aid networks, and foundations to launch fundraising campaigns supporting affected families, agricultural operations, and animal welfare organizations statewide.
The devastation resulted from two separate Kona low pressure systems that struck approximately one week apart, dumping massive amounts of rain onto already saturated ground unable to handle additional water. The flooding destroyed agricultural crops, damaged hundreds of residential properties, impacted multiple educational facilities, and affected one medical facility.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green estimates the combined storm damage may surpass $1 billion, leading him to request major disaster designation from President Donald Trump to secure federal recovery resources.
“These storms have impacted every county in our state and stretched our emergency response capabilities,” Green said in a statement. “This request is about getting our communities the support they need to recover quickly and safely.”
Community members and assistance organizations are working together to help displaced families find temporary shelter, replace lost food supplies, access healthcare services, and remove debris from damaged properties.
“So many families have been displaced, homes have been damaged, and communities are facing immediate needs,” said Hawaiian Council CEO Kuhio Lewis. “The path to recovery begins now — it cannot wait.”
Several organizations are currently accepting financial contributions to support recovery efforts.
The Lahui Foundation is gathering funds for its community assistance programs that distribute essential supplies and direct financial help to North Shore Oahu families. The organization is also coordinating volunteer teams to assist residents with home and neighborhood cleanup efforts. Musician Jack Johnson, who was born on the North Shore, promoted the Lahui Foundation’s efforts through his Instagram account.
Aloha United Way on Oahu has launched its Community Relief Fund to deliver emergency aid to individuals and families while supporting frontline nonprofit organizations. Maui United Way is providing assistance to communities on Maui and neighboring Molokai island. Hawaii Island United Way is gathering contributions for Big Island households, requesting donors specify their contributions are intended for flood recovery efforts.
The Hawaiian Council, an organization focused on Native Hawaiian development, created the Kako’o Oahu program to assist residents with housing stability programs, financial support, and additional future services. The organization is providing matching funds up to $200,000 for donations received.
The Hawaii Community Foundation has activated its Stronger Hawaii Fund to distribute resources throughout the state for emergency response, recovery operations, and future preparedness efforts.
Maui Rapid Response is utilizing collected funds to provide community aid to underserved populations on Maui and Molokai, including homeless individuals and regions temporarily isolated by floodwaters.
GoFundMe has established a centralized location featuring verified fundraising campaigns for Hawaii flood victims.
Help Maui Rise is maintaining a database of donation opportunities for directly affected individuals, with community member verification, according to the organization.
The Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu is conducting operations in flooded areas and supplying pet food and materials to displaced families. They are accepting monetary contributions and updating their Amazon wishlist based on current needs. Maui Humane Society is collecting donations to assist remote communities like Hana, which was temporarily isolated from aid due to damaged roads, and Molokai island.
Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation established the Hawaii Flood Response Fund to help agricultural producers throughout the state recover, rebuild, and restore Hawaii’s local food production system, according to the organization. Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii reports that estimated farm damages statewide have already exceeded $15 million.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii and Hawaii H.O.M.E Project have deployed mobile medical units on Oahu’s North Shore, collaborating with partners including Direct Relief, which is helping distribute water purification equipment, antibiotics, insect repellent, tetanus vaccinations, and other essential medical supplies.
