Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about what’s happening in beautiful Hawaii. The islands have been hit with some of the worst flooding in decades. Many communities are struggling under at least a foot of rain, and some neighborhoods were completely cut off as water levels rose. Large portions of Maui and Oʻahu ended up underwater after the biggest rainstorm in twenty years. Conditions became so severe that the National Guard was called in. Members waded through waist‑deep water to rescue stranded drivers and reach families trapped by the sudden, intense flooding.
This disaster has left families, local workers, and small businesses reeling. Homes have been damaged or destroyed, roads washed out, and essential services disrupted. The emotional toll is just as heavy as the physical one. Islanders are in need of help from everyone who can offer it.
In the middle of all this devastation, Hawaiians have shown extraordinary resilience. Neighbors have been digging homes out of mud, delivering food, and checking on elders. Local nonprofits opened emergency shelters within hours. Organizations like the American Red Cross have been providing meals, safe housing, and emotional support for displaced families. Grassroots groups on Maui and Oʻahu are coordinating donation drives, distributing essentials, and helping with cleanup. Some, like the Lāhui Foundation, are already planning for long‑term recovery, helping rebuild homes, farms, and small businesses that were wiped out.
We should all pitch in to help Hawaii because thousands of people are hurting, and they can’t recover on their own. A lot of people, on social media and off, are arguing about why tourist help is especially important. A lot of people, both online and in real life, argue that tourist help is especially important because tourism is one of Hawaii’s biggest sources of income. When disasters like this happen, the people who work in hotels, restaurants, tours, and shops are often the first to lose hours or jobs. That means families who were already hit by flooding also lose the money they depend on. Support from tourists — whether through donations, spreading awareness, or choosing to support local businesses when it’s safe and respectful — can help keep the economy stable while communities rebuild. The idea isn’t that tourists “fix” the problem, but that their support can take pressure off families who are already struggling and give local communities more breathing room to recover. Flooding has destroyed homes, damaged roads, and left families without basic things like food, clothes, and safe places to stay. Since Hawaii is made up of islands, getting supplies and support is harder and takes longer, which makes outside help even more important. We can help by donating money to trusted local groups, supporting national relief organizations, and sharing accurate information so more people know what’s happening. Every bit of support, big or small, helps families rebuild their lives and feel less alone in the disaster.
Websites include the Honolulu Civil Beat, the American Red Cross, the Lāhui Foundation, etc.
