HomeAid Hawai‘i is thrilled to announce a new housing initiative in Central Maui, made possible by a generous 125-acre land donation from Mahi Pono. Set in Kahului, this development will bring affordable, dignified housing to underserved residents marking a huge stride forward in addressing Maui’s pressing housing needs.
The site, located just three miles from the OGG airport and adjacent to the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, will repurpose unused agricultural-zoned land to create a community with a range of housing options, including a kauhale village, wildfire recovery housing, and workforce housing.
“At HomeAid Hawai‘i, our goal is to build homes for those who need them most, turning land into spaces that make a lasting impact,” said Kimo Carvalho, Executive Director of HomeAid Hawai‘i. “This project, made possible by Mahi Pono’s generosity, shows what we can accomplish by joining forces with local industries and community leaders to bring a vision to life. By reducing construction costs through philanthropy, donations, and key partnerships, we’re able to build truly affordable housing.”
Founded in 2015, HomeAid Hawai‘i has grown from small-scale renovations to developing entire communities. Through a model that reduces construction costs by up to 80%, HomeAid Hawai‘i can reach more communities in need, providing stability to Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable residents.
The project’s master plan took shape through a collaborative charrette with community organizations and leaders to establish a shared vision for the future. This inclusive process created a plan that reflects Maui’s unique values and identity, designed to meet the diverse needs of its people.
The development will unfold in two phases, with Phase 1 focused on establishing a kauhale community and dedicated wildfire housing. The kauhale, a traditional Hawaiian concept, combines personal living spaces with shared facilities and services, fostering pilina (connections) and kuleana (shared responsibility). Guided by trauma-informed principles, these villages integrate social, health, and emotional support, empowering residents through self-governance and fostering resilience.
Wildfire housing will serve those displaced by the August 2023 wildfires, providing a pathway to growth and upward mobility. Many residents currently housed at Ka La‘i Ola, the State’s largest interim housing project on Maui, will have the option to transition here as they advance toward greater opportunities.
In addition to diverse housing options, the community will feature primary and urgent care centers, parks, and a farmer’s market, aligning with Mahi Pono’s mission to use natural resources to support community growth. This holistic approach fosters social and economic well-being, creating a vibrant environment where Maui’s residents can thrive.
