Update as of 8/20/2026
** THIS IS (PRIMARILY) A COMMUNITY-LED RELIEF EFFORT **
Community-Led Relief In Progress
Recovery in Kaʻū is primarily community-led. Police and the National Guard are conducting welfare checks and controlling access to the district, keeping out anyone who does not belong there while families are still digging out. (updated 8/20/2026)
We are already here
Our chairman is a 10th generation Ka'u native and has deep connections in the community.
Through our 8(a) subsidiaries and global disaster response partners, we are purchasing and donating what families need...NOW. While the community waits for State and Federal support.
Mahalo for standing with the people of Kaʻu. Imua.
What Kaʻū residents are asking for and what your donations are funding
- Gift Cards (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Bottled Water (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Gasoline (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Gas Cans (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Diesel (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Propane (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Batteries (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Ice (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Coolers (HIGH PRIORITY)
- Shelf-Stable Food
- Cleaning Supplies
- Toiletries / Hygeine Supplies
- Dog / Cat Food
Why cash donations. Cash lets us buy what the community needs….NOW…and get it delivered directly into the hands of the local people. If you have bulk goods or logistics capability to offer, please contact us. Mahalo.
Your donation is tax-deductible.
Mālama Kaʻū Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Native Hawaiian Organization. One-time, monthly and annual recurring donations are available through our donate portal. We publish our IRS tax returns, online, annually so the public can see where every dollar goes.
EIN 87-4142178Our IRS determination letter is linked above. Keep this number for your tax records.
Tell us what you need.
If you are in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour, Ocean View, Wood Valley, Punaluʻu, Green Sands or anywhere else in Kaʻu, tell us what your families need. We route requests to our supply runs. You do not need to be a donor, a member, or Native Hawaiian to ask. If you are asking on behalf of a neighbor who cannot get to a phone, say so — those go to the front of the list.
Send us your request
Use our contact form and start your message with KAʻU RELIEF so it is routed straight to the supply run. Tell us your town, how many people are in the house, and what you need.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense
Emergency information, road closures and shelter status for the island.
(808) 935-0031
Water Supply — Water Quality
Questions about the boil water notice and when it will be lifted for your system.
(808) 961-8670
Engineering Division (808) 961-8070 · Water emergencies (808) 961-8790
Vibrant Hawaiʻi — Request for Assistance
Island-wide storm recovery intake, coordinated across Hawaiʻi Island. Submit a request at bit.ly/vh-rfa.
(808) 936-2268
Shelters open in Kaʻū
Pāhala: Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala, HI 96777.
Nāʻālehu: Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu, HI 96772.
Water distribution and device charging in Kaʻū
Opened by Vibrant Hawaiʻi and partners. Bring your own containers where possible.
Pāhala Community Center — 96 Kamani St. #1149
Nāʻālehu Hongwanji — 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd.
Ocean View, Hope-Diamond Ministries — 92-8988 Ginger Blossom Ln.
Kaʻū takes care of Kaʻū. It should not have to do it alone.
This district has been overlooked for a long time. Right now it is cut off, dark, and boiling its drinking water. If you have ever wondered what it would take to make a difference in a place like this, it is this, today.