How to Support Maui Fire Victims from Seattle
Hawai'i is nearly 3,000 miles away from Seattle in actual miles, but culturally that distance feels much closer. And it's not just because so many locals vacation there. Washington has the third largest population of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the United States, according to 2020 census data, after only Hawai'i itself and California.
As wildfires have devastated Maui this month, local residents have opened their wallets to donate funds for victims, and local businesses have raised dollars and awareness. Marination Ma Kai's Musubi for Maui fundraiser garnered $30,356.50 between sales and a donation match by the Arakawa family for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and Maui Rapid Response. Marination plans for more fundraisers in the near future.
In the meantime, here are some ways to help, and some other businesses raising money in the wake of the fires.
Where to Donate Directly
Maui Strong Community Fund
The Hawai'i Community Foundation created the Maui Strong fund to deploy donations rapidly on the ground for response and recovery. It says that 100 percent of funds will go to community needs.
Maui United Way Relief Fund
The Aloha United Way will deploy the relief fund in the form of direct aid to families impacted by the wildfires, and through grants to nonprofits leading relief efforts.
Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank can offer four meals for families in need with each $1 donated. Its website also offers the ability for local organizations outside of Maui to create "virtual food drives" to support disaster victims.
Maui Humane Society
The Maui Humane Society is seeking donations to help find and shelter pets lost in the wildfires—then help reunite them with owners. They estimate approximately 3,000 displaced animals on the island.
Local Fundraisers
Hula Hula
Hula Hula, the karaoke and tiki bar on Capitol Hill, will donate $5 to the Maui Food Bank and Maui Strong for each Maui Brewing Co. product it sells through August 24.
Tutta Bella
Tutta Bella has collaborated with chef Lisa Nakamura, a Hawai'i native, to create the Maui Ohana pizza, with extra virgin olive oil, roasted pineapple, prosciutto di parma, mozzarella, roasted red pepper, red onion, house-pickled peppers, and pecorino romano. One hundred percent of proceeds from sales of the Maui Ohana will go to the Maui Food Bank.
Kitchen and Market
Kitchen and Market, the Pike Place–born grocer and meal provider, will donate all proceeds from sales of its Sticky Chicken meal kit between August 21 and 27. Specific causes will be chosen by kitchen staff at the Pike Place, Mercer Island, and Medina locations.
Uwajimaya
The grocer announced that it's accepting donations in each of its stores for the American Red Cross to help with Maui relief, and will match up to $10,000 in donations.
Tractor Tavern Benefit for Maui
Maui-born singer-songwriter Drew Martin was already scheduled for a show at Ballard's Tractor Tavern on August 16, and he quickly decided to turn the event into a fundraiser for his home island. He'll play Hawaiian-inspired music using 12 string guitars, harmonica, and ukulele, with all proceeds going to Maui support funds.
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington Supply Drive
The waterfront hotel, which has sister properties on Maui, hosts a drive for household items, hygiene supplies, and non-perishable food, which it will send to Maui Rapid Response. Items can be dropped at the hotel in Renton through August 25.
1053 Lake Washington Boulevard N, Renton
Coffeeholic House Fundraiser
On Saturday, August 19, the Greenwood location of the Vietnamese coffee house chain will feature a piña colada donut from Sonrise Donuts, donating all proceeds to fire relief.
Seattle Restaurants for Maui
More than 35 fantastic bars and restaurants across town have teamed up support relief. They will donate a portion of sales on Thursday, August 17 to food relief organizations like World Central Kitchen and Chef Hui. Here's a partial list of all the places participating.
Aloha for Lahaina
Nectar Lounge hosts a benefit for West Maui on Tuesday, August 22, with Josh Rawlings headlining. The Macklemore and Allen Stone collaborator joins local musicians and special guests from Hawaii, with sliding scale tickets available and all proceeds going toward Kako’o Maui and Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
