Ways You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Lowell

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Kauai is beginning the recovery process after Hurricane Lowell left widespread power outages, damaged roads and homes, and disrupted daily life across the island.

A lot of people have asked how they can help, especially if they are not currently on Kauai.

The simplest place to start is with organizations already working in the community.

Download the full list here

Where to Donate After Hurricane Lowell

Hawaii Foodbank Kauai

Best for: Food and immediate needs

Hawaii Foodbank Kauai is working directly with Kauai County and local churches to distribute food to residents affected by Hurricane Lowell and the widespread power outages.

The organization also supports nearly 40 partner agencies across Kauai that help get food to families throughout the island.

Donate or learn more through Hawaii Foodbank Kauai

Malama Kauai

Best for: Families, farms and Kauai’s local food system

Malama Kauai works to get locally grown food to families while supporting Kauai farmers and food producers.

Hawaii Public Radio reported on September 9 that Malama Kauai said all donations received through Friday would be directed to people whose homes and farms were impacted by Hurricane Lowell.

Donate to Malama Kauai

Hawaii Community Foundation Stronger Hawaii Fund

Best for: Broader disaster response and recovery

The Stronger Hawaii Fund supports disaster preparedness, response and recovery across the state.

Hawaii Community Foundation has already provided Lowell-related funding to organizations serving Kauai, including Hawaii Foodbank Kauai and other community groups.

Give through the Stronger Hawaii Fund

American Red Cross

Best for: Shelter, food, water and emergency relief

The American Red Cross says teams are on the ground on Kauai working with local officials and community partners.

Its response includes emergency shelters, food, water, damage assessment and relief supplies for affected communities.

Donations made through the Red Cross support its broader Disaster Relief fund rather than a Kauai-only Hurricane Lowell fund.

Learn more or donate through the American Red Cross

Catholic Charities Hawaii

Best for: Assistance to families and vulnerable residents

Catholic Charities Hawaii is among the organizations providing assistance following the recent storms, including Hurricane Lowell.

The organization has also been working with community partners to provide meals and other support to vulnerable residents.

Donate through Catholic Charities Hawaii

Lahui Foundation

Best for: Grassroots community and disaster relief

Lahui Foundation is a Hawaii-based registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports disaster response, long-term recovery and other community needs across the islands.

Its public donation page currently offers general disaster-relief giving and several designated campaigns. As of September 9, I could not verify a separate Hurricane Lowell fund on that page, so check the organization’s latest information before designating a donation.

Learn more or donate through Lahui Foundation

Before You Donate, Take 30 Seconds to Check It

Disasters bring out a lot of generosity. Unfortunately, they can also bring fundraising scams.

If you see a Venmo handle, Zelle account, QR code, GoFundMe or other donation request circulating online, do a quick check first.

For this guide, I am linking to organizations and relief efforts I could verify rather than reposting payment handles simply because they are circulating on social media.

Check a nonprofit through the IRS

Read the FTC’s guidance on disaster charity scams

Food Distribution on Kauai

Kauai County’s Incident Management Team is working with Hawaii Foodbank Kauai and local churches to provide food to residents affected by Hurricane Lowell.

Times and locations can change. Check Kauai County or KEMA before heading to a distribution site.

See the official Kauai County food distribution update

If Your Home or Property Was Damaged

Kauai County is asking residents to document damage to their homes and property and report it to the Kauai Emergency Management Agency.

KEMA’s Hurricane Lowell page also includes current recovery information, refuge-area information and other County resources.

Visit the Kauai Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Lowell page

Have an Upcoming Kauai Trip?

If you are trying to decide whether to keep or change an upcoming Kauai trip, I am also updating current information on flights, power, roads, park closures and airline travel waivers.

Read: Kauai Travel After Hurricane Lowell: Current Conditions, Flights and Should You Rebook?

Sources

• Hawaii Public Radio: Here’s how you can help those affected by Hurricane Lowell
• Kauai County: Food Distribution Sites to Open Following Hurricane Lowell
• Kauai Emergency Management Agency
• Hawaii Foodbank Kauai
• Malama Kauai
• Hawaii Community Foundation: Stronger Hawaii Fund
• American Red Cross: Hurricane Lowell Response
• Catholic Charities Hawaii
• Lahui Foundation
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
• Federal Trade Commission: Charity Scams After a Disaster