ACTIVE EMERGENCY — Kaʻū remains under a precautionary boil water notice and widespread power outage. Give now · Get help
individual donations received
$11,894.53
as of 8/23/2026
MAHALO FOR YOUR DONATIONS IN BUILDING OUR NHO RELIEF CARE PACKAGES. Our 501(c)(3) Native Hawaiian Organization is on the ground providing IMMEDIATE relief until  State & Federal Govt support  arrive.
 ** THIS IS PRIMARILY A COMMUNITY-LED RELIEF EFFORT **


Crews work to clear uprooted trees and downed lines blocking Highway 11 in Kaʻū, the only road connecting the district to the rest of island.
Power
Down Until 9/8/2026
No change since 8/22/2026. Power remains a serious problem for all of Ka'u. Utility crews rapidly rebuilding storm-damaged portions of the Big Island grid. Damages include downed poles and transmission infrastructure.(updated as of 8/24/2026)
Water
Boil-Water Notice 
No change since 8/22/2026. The boil-water notice remains in effect for Na'alehu and Wai'ohinu. Pahala's boil-water notice has been cancelled. Mobile shower trailers for residents to use available in Na'alehu and Wai'ohinu. Limited laundry capabilities available for Ka'u residents due to power outage. (updated 8/24/2026)
Highway 11
Emergency & Essential Travel Only
CHANGE. Good news. Highway 11 through Ka'u is OPEN, including the Pahala to Discovery Harbour corridor. No limited to residents and disaster-response personnel only. 8/24/2026)
Communications
Intermittent Cellular Service Only
No change since 8/22/2026. Residents still forced to walk or drive to high-ground for cell connection (AT&T, Spectrum and T-Mobile carriers). No landline internet. Cellphone charge stations and starlink terminals remain priorities. (updated 8/24/2026)
MEDICAL
Constrained
No change since 8/22/2026. Operating on backup generator power only. Limited to emergencies only. No dialysis  or similar specialized treatment available. Volunteers transporting elderly to Hilo Hospital for urgent treatment (updated 8/24/2026)
Where things stand

Community-Led Relief In Progress

No Change. The community has regained a lifeline through Highway 11 and Pāhala’s drinking-water situation has improved, but power and infrastructure restoration remain incomplete, Nāʻālehu/Waiʻōhinu still have a boil-water notice.

Change. Tropical Depression Moke is south of the Hawaiian islands and moving westward AWAY from the state. However, the concern for Ka’u is the expected rainstorms and flash-floods. Because Kaʻū’s soil, streams, slopes and damaged roadways are already saturated from Hurricane Lala, considerably less rain could trigger new flash flooding, mudslides and road closures.

Change. Hawaii is in peak El Nino season (August/September). NOAA forecasts 5-13 tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific this season. (Note: a normal season is 4-5 storms per year)

(updated 8/24/2026)

Why us

We are already here

Mālama Kaʻū Foundation is a Native Hawaiian Organization rooted in this district. We are self-funded and carrying the first 30 days, until County, State and Federal support arrives.
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.
County crews walk past uprooted trees and mud washed across Highway 11 in Kaʻū after Hurricane Lala.Downed trees block a lane of Highway 11 in Kaʻū as road crews and a water tanker stage nearby.Road crews and heavy equipment clear fallen trees from the highway in Kaʻū after Hurricane Lala.
 nho care package

What Kaʻū residents are asking for and what your donations are funding

Requested directly from the Kaʻū community. Updated August 21, 2026.
  • Gift Cards (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Gasoline (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Gas Cans (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Diesel (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Propane (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Batteries (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Ice (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Coolers (HIGH PRIORITY)
  • Canned / Shelf-Stable Food
  • Baby Items
  • Paper Goods
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries / Hygiene Supplies
  • Raid / Insect Spray
  • Dog / Cat Food
Fund these supplies

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.

NHO Care package Relief Fund

Your donation is tax-deductible.

Mālama Kaʻū Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Native Hawaiian Organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and you will receive a receipt for your records. One hundred percent of gifts to this fund go to Hurricane Lala relief in Kaʻū.
$25-$100 Gift Cards
$25Case of water + ice
$50Propane + lighters
$100Cooler + supplies for a family
AnyAmount you choose

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.

Mahalo to our supporters

Thank you for standing with Kaʻū

Every care package delivered in Kaʻū was paid for by the businesses and people listed below. Mahalo nui loa for standing with this district.

Corporate Sponsors

Akamai Intelligence LLC logo
Blake Kolona Painting and General Construction LLC logo
Royal Kona Resort logo
JVM Construction Inc
Syn Ack Fin Network & Computer

Individual Donors

Listed alphabetically by first name and last initial.

Alan M.

Amy H.

Becki W.

Brenda H.

Cariann A.

Carla R.

Christian E.

Daron N.

David G.

Donna H.

Edieann S.

Elizabeth B.

Gary M.

Iliana A.

Jason C.

Jason E.

Jason G.

Jeanne W.

Jeffrey S.

JoAnn F.

John F.

Joseph B.

Judy S.

Justina M.

Kaitlin B.

Karl N.

Kathleen B.

Kathleen J.

Kathryn T.

Kauwilakalaokalani L.

Kay M.

Lance F.

Leroy S.

LeVanda K.

Linda N.

Linda S.

Marleen M.

Mary D.

Megan J.

Melvin Y.

Michael A.

Michael D.

Michael M.

Michele E.

Patrick D.

Ms. Patti C.

Paula P.

Sharon Z.

Stephanie D.

Stephen R.

Valerie M.

Wendy H.

Wesley F.

Wesley S.

Donations received through 8/23/2026. Every gift, large or small, went straight into care packages for Kaʻū families.

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. No shower. No laundry. If you have ever wondered what it would take to make a difference in a place like this, it is this, today.