On Aug. 16, Hurricane Lala devastated parts of South Hawai‘i Island, including Na‘alehu, where Punalu‘u Bake Shop and Visitor Center is located. The bake shop has been severely damaged, and we will be temporarily closed, including the online shop, until we can assess the damage and safely rebuild and reopen.
Punaluʻu Bake Shop’s ownership and leadership have always been, and remain, deeply committed to supporting our employees and the Naʻalehu community. We are determined to reopen the bake shop, though how long that will take is still unknown. The destruction to the property, buildings, and infrastructure is truly unimaginable. The photos tell the story.
Photo credit: Zachary Kennedy
Since sharing the news about the damage, there has been an outpouring of support asking how people can help our employees. Hurricane Lala has left many members of the Punaluʻu Bake Shop ohana facing devastating personal losses. While our beloved bake shop suffered damage, the greatest impact has been felt by our hardworking employees and their families who now find themselves struggling to recover from damaged homes, lost belongings, and financial uncertainty.
Punalu‘u Bake Shop employs more than fifty (50) Hawai‘i Island residents, many of whom have been with the bake shop for decades. Our employees make the Punaluʻu Bake Shop a special place for so many people in the community of Na‘alehu, as well as the visitors from around the world.
For many of our team members, the storm destroyed personal property, flooded homes, disrupted essential services, and created unexpected expenses that continue to grow each day. For those that feel compelled to help:
Ways to Support
Donate securely online through our GoFundMe.
Checks can be made payable to Punaluʻu Bake Shop and mailed to:
aio c/o Punaluʻu Bake Shop
1000 Bishop Street, Suite 202
Honolulu, HI 96813
Please write "Punaluʻu Bake Shop Ohana Fund" in the memo line.
This fundraiser has been established as requested by those hoping to provide direct assistance to employees and their families affected by Hurricane Lala. All funds raised will help support immediate and ongoing recovery needs, including:
- Food, clothing, and essential household items
- Home cleanup and repair expenses
- Replacement of damaged personal property
- Transportation and vehicle-related needs
- Utility payments and other urgent living expenses
- Recovery assistance for families facing financial hardship
Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for families working to rebuild after this disaster. If you are unable to contribute financially, we would be grateful if you would share this page with your friends, family, and communities.
We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of messages of support received. Together, we can help these families recover, rebuild, and move forward with hope.
We will keep you updated on any new developments.
Mahalo for your compassion, generosity, and support of the Punaluʻu Bake Shop ohana.