Community First, Service Always

We’re a team of neighbors rooted in Upper Puna who believe that small acts of kindness add up to big change. Our goal is to keep our families connected, nourished, and safe during Blue Sky days and during disaster response.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Because every community has unique needs, we listen first and act second. Whether it’s organizing local food distributions, hosting safety workshops, or coordinating emergency relief when severe weather hits, we roll up our sleeves so everyone in Upper Puna feels supported, prepared, and seen.

Puna Mākaukau operates on a simple promise: Reaching every neighbor on the last block and the last mile. From daily community building to active disaster response, we make support accessible, welcoming, and stress-free.

Our identity is anchored by the native 'Ōhi'a Lehua tree featured in our logo. Renowned for its incredible strength, it is the very first plant to take root in fresh lava, standing tall and offering shade, shelter, and life when it is needed most.

Like the 'Ōhi'a, Puna Mākaukau grew out of a necessity to stand firm in tough times. As an all-volunteer, community-led 501(c)(3) non-profit, we exist to protect our environment, nourish our families, and foster a strong canopy of support across our region.

Close-up of a red flowering plant with small green leaves and pink buds in the background, on a blurred outdoor landscape.

100% Volunteer. Dedicated Physical Presence.

Puna Mākaukau is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors composed of local residents who share a deep kuleana for Upper Puna.

Unlike virtual groups, we maintain a dedicated physical hub space in Fern Acres equipped to stage emergency supplies, host response teams, and bring neighbors together. We actively lead and support vital grassroots initiatives, including:

  • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) & Volunteer Firefighter support

  • Food & Nutrition Programs (Kaukau for Keiki, Feed the People & local food drives)

  • Neighborhood Watch & Local Safety Coalitions

  • Fiscal Sponsorships & Grant Support for community partners without non-profit status

People gathering under a large, open, black-tarpaulin canopy at a community event with tables and boxes of supplies.

GROUNDED IN COLLABORATIVE ACTION

True resilience is a team effort. We are proud to serve as a bridge connecting state, county, and regional resources directly to our local families.

Mahalo to our key partners and supporters:

Join the Puna Mākaukau Network

Whether you want to train with our CERT team, volunteer for food distribution, or support our hub infrastructure, there is a place for your kuleana here.