How to Help After Record-Breaking Kona Low on Maui, Hawaii March 2026

3/15/2026 #kihei #volunteering #environment

Record-breaking wind and rain hit Maui over the weekend, bringing as much as four inches per hour in South Maui. Many homes and businesses makai of Pi’ilani Hwy were flooded, and the extent of the damage is still being uncovered.

South Kihei Rd was flooded in various places, especially from the North Kihei Rd intersection all the way to Kalama Park and beyond. Kenolio Park was inundated with flood waters, as was the ABC Store parking lot. A sinkhole opened up by the Kihei Canoe Club, taking a bus stop shelter and a huge chunk of the road with it. Further down the road by Kamaole III, several other sinkholes opened up, destroying boardwalks and causing road closures into Sunday. Below are some photos that show some of the damage.

For more video footage, click here.

How Can You Help?

There are many ways that you can help with recovery efforts, whether you are here on the island or far away on the mainland. Here is a brief list of some organizations that could really use the time, money, or goods.

Maui Food Bank – Supplies food to dozens of partner agencies across Maui County. After disasters, they often see increased demand and need volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food.

Maui Rapid Response – Maui Rapid Response (MRR) is an ahupaʻa-inspired frontline mutual aid network mobilizing resources, people, and action to meet the emergent needs of Maui’s most vulnerable communities. We link ‘ohana to essential resources, support networks, and collective action as stewards of the first written human rights act, Kānāwai Māmalahoe. Established in 2019 and a founding organization of Maui Grassroots Collective 501(c)3.

Maui Humane Society – Provides shelter and medical care for animals displaced during emergencies. Volunteers can foster animals, help at the shelter, or support programs that give pets a break from crowded conditions.

Hawaii Wildlife Fund – Coordinates volunteers to remove marine debris and protect coastal wildlife after storms and flooding events.

Maui Bird Rescue – Helping birds who have been affected by the floods. Urgently seeking fosters to take care of birds in their home and help nurse the birds back to health.

Surfrider Foundation Maui – Organizes beach and coastal cleanups—especially important after storms that wash debris into the ocean and onto beaches.

This is by no means an exhaustive list – ask around in your local community and see who needs help! Even a small act of aloha, such as helping a neighbor clear off their driveway can make a huge difference!

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