Over the past week, we’ve watched our communities do what they have always done in times of uncertainty and tragedy: show up for each other. This is what we do in Hawaiʻi, because when one community hurts, we show up to support one another.
Hurricane Lala brought strong winds, torrential rain and widespread flooding to the Islands before weakening to a tropical storm, leaving tens of thousands without power, closing roadways and damaging homes and businesses. Hawaiʻi Island’s Kaʻū District was among the hardest-hit areas, where flooding cut off communities, damaged roads and homes, and disrupted essential services.
Across Hawaiʻi, neighbors, local organizations, businesses and volunteers have stepped up to clear debris, distribute food and water, deliver supplies and check on those most severely impacted to make sure they are not alone. This is just what we do in Hawaiʻi: We take care of one another.
On Maui, beloved businesses in Makawao were among those damaged by the storm. Our hearts are with ʻOhana Island Grindz and Haku Maui, two locally owned businesses that have long been part of the Upcountry community.
ʻOhana Island Grindz, a family-run restaurant and ice cream shop, suffered extensive structural damage after a tree fell on the building. Haku Maui, the lei shop and community gathering place founded by Britney Alejo-Fishell, was also severely damaged. Both businesses are temporarily closed as they assess the damage and begin recovery and rebuilding.
Those who would like to support ʻOhana Island Grindz’s recovery can donate here. To support Haku Maui’s recovery, you can donate here.
Maui knows how challenging recovery can be. It suffered deadly wildfires that forever changed Lahaina, while earlier this year, the Kona Low storms caused severe flooding across Hawaiʻi. Homes, businesses and farms were damaged, and communities are still recovering.
Through all these disasters and challenges—on Maui and across Hawaiʻi—our communities continue to rally together. Time and time again, people show just how resilient they are.
Organizations such as Help Maui Rise (now Hawaiʻi Mutual Aid Network), which began as a grassroots mutual-aid effort following the 2023 Maui wildfires, have continued to support families affected by disasters, including those impacted by the Kona Low storms and Tropical Storm Lala. Lāhui Foundation has also mobilized volunteers, supplies and resources to support families and farmers recovering from the Kona Low flooding and the impacts of Tropical Storm Lala.
These efforts are reminders that recovery takes time—and that no one should face it alone.
Mahalo to all of the volunteers and organizations caring for our neighbors, preparing meals, distributing supplies, clearing roads, opening their homes and doing the work behind the scenes. Our support systems are what make us strong, and it’s these actions that carry our communities through difficult times.
For more information on how to help those impacted by Tropical Storm Lala, we have a list of organizations you can consider donating to here.
