I like to think I’m a good friend, or a good ‘hoaloha’ (pronounced: ho-ah-low-ha) both to those who are close to me and to those who I don’t know. You have seen me say here many times that we have to take care of each other. 

Those who survived the Maui wildfires are still very much on my mind. Yesterday was 2 months since that horrible day where we saw those images of Lahaina brought to ashes. I’m continuing to give to various organizations but I also wanted to be a better hoaloha to those who are still very much in need to start rebuilding their lives. 

I discovered a Facebook group called “Adopt a Family Maui” where you could adopt a family and help them get back on their feet. I wasn’t sure I could financially commit to adopting a whole family but learned that I also had the opportunity to help the families by buying something of their Amazon wishlist or a direct donation to them. I was concerned I was getting scammed, but the woman who started the page wanted to make sure that wasn’t the case. She alone with a few other admins review and approve any post by those in need. They do the due diligence to make sure that those asking for help genuinely need it. It has been so fulfilling for me to be able to be a good hoaloha to many families in need by buying one or two things off their Amazon wishlists. Thank you to admin, Avau, for setting this up and giving those of us who wish to help a chance to do so.

Check out the Facebook page or see how KHON 2 in Hawaii did a story about Avau and the page.

How do you try to be a good hoaloha?

Our ohana on Maui still needs us. Please consider donating to help the relief efforts on Maui.

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