Burning palm tress

How to help: Hawaii wildfires

On August 8, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly affecting the island of Maui, causing multiple fatalities and vast destruction in what is now deemed the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century.

Updated August 22, 2023

The fast-moving flames were fueled by Hurricane Dora, a category 4 storm moving across the Pacific causing gusts of wind up to 80 mph. The wildfires have resulted in an unprecedented number of deaths and people displaced, and has left the historic town of Lahaina in ruins. Immediate needs include shelter, food and water, emergency supplies, debris removal, and rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure. Full recovery will take years.

How to help

Fidelity Charitable worked in collaboration with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to share the following list of organizations that are providing relief services to those affected by the Hawaii wildfires. These organizations are highlighted because they can activate quickly, have the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and have an established record in disaster relief services.

One way to support smaller, local nonprofits that are working on recovery regionally is to recommend a grant to a United Way or community foundation located in the area you wish to help. These organizations have strong ties to the communities they serve and understand the unique needs and challenges facing those communities. There are several listed below.

If you would like to recommend a grant to any of these charities, log in to your Giving Account.

Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for Hawaii wildfire relief efforts. Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide these organizations to donors for reference purposes only, and Fidelity Charitable does not endorse these organizations. All grant recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Fidelity Charitable Trustees.