The recent Kona Low storms have left a heavy mark on our islands. From the flooding in Oʻahu’s residential areas to the damage faced by our local farmers, many of our neighbors are in the thick of recovery.

As a local business, I believe in the power of our community. That’s why I’m committing a portion of all proceeds from my photoshoots, print shop, and digital downloads to flood relief efforts.

If you are looking for ways to support those impacted, I have compiled a list of vetted and highlighted organizations and funds from KHON2, Hawaii News Now and the City and County of Honolulu. Whether it’s a financial donation or a volunteer shift, every bit of aloha makes a difference.

I know this isn’t an exhaustive list of ways to donate and give back, but it’s a great place to start.

Major Relief & Community Funds

• Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund): HCF is currently activating this fund to deploy resources where the need is greatest across the state for disaster response and recovery.
• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA): Providing critical support and resources specifically tailored to help impacted families and community members.
• Aloha United Way: Working to coordinate social services and emergency financial assistance for those affected by the flooding.
• GoFundMe Hawaii Flooding Hub: A verified hub of individual and community fundraisers for families directly impacted by the storm.

Food, Health & Essential Services

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank: Actively providing emergency food assistance to residents in hard-hit areas.
• Blood Bank of Hawaii: While financial gifts are vital, donating blood is a crucial way to support the islands’ healthcare system during emergencies.
• American Red Cross (Pacific Islands Region): Providing emergency shelter, clean-up kits, and mental health support.
• The Salvation Army (Hawaiian & Pacific Islands): Deploying mobile units to provide meals and emotional care to survivors and first responders.

Supporting our Farmers & Local Ag

• Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation: They have established a specific campaign to provide immediate relief to local farmers and ranchers whose crops and livestock were affected.
• Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation: Support Hawai’i Farmers recovering from severe flooding. Your donation helps provide relief and rebuild local food systems.

Food & Essential Services

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank: Organizing emergency distributions, particularly for hard-hit areas in Central Oʻahu and the North Shore. Give Food.
• Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi: Providing financial assistance for housing and utilities for families in crisis. Get or Give Help.

Helping our Four-Legged Friends

• Hawaiʻi Island & Oʻahu Humane Societies: Often the first to help with displaced pets and emergency boarding during floods.

Thank you for supporting my small business, which in turn allows me to support these incredible organizations. We are a resilient community, and together, we’ll get through this.

For Those Travelling Here’s How You Can Navigate the Island Post-Flood

A Guide for Visitors

If you have a trip planned to O’ahu in the coming months, you likely have questions about how the recent flooding impacts your itinerary. The most important thing to know is that Hawai’i needs you right now, but we need you to travel Pono (with righteousness and respect).

Essential Update: North Shore Status

The North Shore is currently closed to thru-traffic and tourism. Until official announcements are made that roads have fully reopened to the public, please remove the North Shore from your itinerary. The community is currently in a high-intensity recovery phase. Residents are struggling with traffic as they try to get medical help, food, and building supplies.

• Why stay away? The best way to help the North Shore right now is to give them space. Essential personnel, heavy machinery, and local volunteer crews need the roads clear to rebuild.
• The Impact: Adding “vacation traffic” to these damaged corridors puts unnecessary pressure on a community in survival mode. We ask for your compassion in letting this region heal in private.

Should You Cancel Your Trip? (Short answer: No!)

We understand that a trip to Hawai’i is a massive investment, and you might be worried about the “experience” being dampened. Please do not cancel your trip.

While specific pockets of the island have taken a beating, most of O’ahu is fine, fully open, and as beautiful as ever. Waikiki, Ko Olina, the South Shore, and much of the Windward side are ready to welcome you.

Our economy depends on your visit. Now, more than ever, it is vital to keep our local businesses stimulated. If you love the “postcard” version of Hawai’i, we ask that you show that same love to the Hawai’i of today by showing up, being kind, and spending your dollars at local eateries and shops.

How to Travel with Aloha & Compassion

Traveling Pono means being mindful of the footprint you leave behind. Here is how to navigate your stay:

• Expect the Unexpected: Some hiking trails or beach parks may be closed for safety. Use this as an opportunity to discover a new local favorite in an area that isn’t impacted.
• Patience with Service: Many workers in the tourism industry live in the affected areas. If service is a little slower or someone seems tired, remember they might be spending their “off hours” shoveling mud or helping neighbors. A smile and a respectful tip go a long way.
• Stay Informed: Follow local news and official county social media for road updates. If a sign says a road is for “Local Access Only,” please respect it without question.

Reliable Resources & Real-Time Updates

Before you head out for the day, check these official sources to see which areas are cleared for access and where recovery efforts are concentrated:

• Official Storm Recovery Info: Honolulu.gov/dem/storm-recovery (The central hub for all recovery updates).
• Debris & Access Updates: City & County Official Announcements (Specific info on Haleʻiwa and Waialua status).
• Instagram for the “Pulse”:
  • @oahudem: Department of Emergency Management (Critical alerts).
  • @civilbeat: For local news and deep-dives on how the community is recovering.
  • @hawaiinewsnow & @khonnews: For local news on the islands.

A Note to Our Visitors

If you love Hawai’i, you know it is more than just a backdrop for photos—it is a living, breathing community. Loving Hawai’i means respecting the boundaries of the land when it’s hurting. By shifting your focus to the many parts of the island that are open, you are directly contributing to the recovery of the parts that are closed.