Community Services/Non-Profits in Honolulu, HI

“Heck yeah, I love salvage stores! I currently work at the owner's prior employer, met them briefly there, and I made certain to visit when I was in Honolulu. Super big location, lots of surprises, and some fantastic old Hawaiian-built goods. I would shop and/or work here if I lived in the city.”

“This location has a great selection of merchandise: glass ware, furniture, small appliances, cd’s and dvd’s, books, and, of course, clothing. I also like that part of its mission is to help individuals find sobriety.”

“One of our favorite local non-profit organizations is Helping Hands Hawaii. It began as the Honolulu Council of Social Agencies Volunteer Placement Bureau in 1941 and incorporated as Helping Hands Hawaii in 1974, it is a social service agency whose mission is to develop self-sufficiency and resilience by providing guidance, household goods, and opportunities for empowerment and connection.It includes the following programs:* Adopt-A-Family. It links individuals and families-in-need with generous donors in the community. Donors choose a family that they would like to assist during the holidays and purchase new items for their family wish list.* Bilingual Access Line. It provides interpretive services and language assistance via spoken interpretation or written translation for those with limited English proficiency.* Emergency Assistance. It provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to households who are at-risk of being homeless.* Ready-to-Learn. It provides free school supplies to children in grades K to 12.* Representative Payee Services. It provides financial management services to households, primarily those affected by mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders, that hinder them from making decisions themselves.* Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach. It helps families reduce food insecurity and helps them to buy nutritious food.* Disaster Relief. It helps survivors of disasters, such as the Maui wildfire, as donations support disaster operations and recovery efforts for those affected by immediate and future needs.* Community Clearinghouse. Provides families-in-need of basic necessities, such as food, clothing, furniture, and basic household items. Families are given free items donated by the community or purchased from grant funds.This review focuses on its Community Clearinghouse, as we have and continue to use the Community Clearinghouse to donate our household items and furniture instead of donating them to other organizations, such as Goodwill, Savers, or the Salvation Army. Why? We are grateful that Helping Hands Hawaii is able to accept our donations, sort them with other donated items, and give them FREE OF CHARGE to families in need. There is no administrative fee, and NO RESELLING of items to anyone. At-risk families are evaluated based on need and are allowed to choose the items they need accordingly. Over the years, we have donated all kinds of furniture, household items, clothing, toys, books, kitchen items, linen, and other miscellaneous items and know that our donations will be made to good use by families with the goal of being self-sufficient.During the three years of Covid, Helping Hands HI elected not to accept donations of household goods for health and safety precautions. They now accept donated items from Mon to Fri 11a to 2p and on the third Sat of each month 9a to 1p at their warehouse near Puuhale Road in Kalihi, so we just drive up and drop the items off, requesting a receipt for tax purposes. Larger items, such as furniture may be picked up at your home by their truck by appointment.Note that there are some restrictions for donated items. As the donated items are distributed to families in an "as-is" condition, items must be clean and in usable and working conditions. While items such as beds, small appliances, linen, furniture, clothing, accessories, and hygienic products are allowable, items such as car seats, strollers, cribs, sporting equipment, hospital/medical equipment, musical instruments, computers, and electronic equipment are not accepted due to liability concerns.The Community Clearinghouse is surely a worthy cause and provides a win-win situation for both the donor and the recipient. We have always supported Helping Hands Hawaii with their ongoing philanthropy and human generosity efforts in assisting those in-need and guiding them to overcome their challenges.”

“Great hike, clean bathrooms, and thank God for a shoe cleaning station with a brush. After the hike you will definitely want to clwano ff your shoes, it's muddy but has great views.”

“Halloween costumes, "I need painting T-shirt's" and I found a solid wood refinished Asian credenza for $600 appraised at $6000!!!! I got a great crystal candy dish for a new office and I get my dog blankets here n throw them away without guilt. I just like finding treasures. To get quality things u have to go often n b picky. The most interesting treasures! We have bought suitcases we intended to leave behind anyway when visiting family. My young son was into big trucks when he was little and I let him pick one for the sandbox every time, when they get broken or old I don't feel badly throwing them away and to him, it was "new"!! They always had to choose a new story book we would read until it died and they loved new Dinosaur books. All grown up he has gotten his own books and even dirtywork jeans or "one time wear" hiking or even mud sliding clothes to throw away!”

“It's a nice little tour! I got to see some plants and a heiau within the site. The tour guide and one of the participants were both very knowledgeable and I learned a lot. Also the hibiscus tea they served afterwards was very refreshing. I enjoyed the tour a lot. It's not busy and it's a nice quick tour if you want something different other than the mainstream tours. It's up in the valley so it rains more often than the south shore area so make sure you bring an umbrella or a rain jacket!”

“Need more details on a lot of subjects? Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a great resource. Have questions? Contact them, get their newsletters or emails. Support them, they are the best!The sad part is that those making final decisions are very rarely open to consider what might be a better way.”

“I just joined and have been attending aqua fit classes which I thoroughly enjoy! A small group of women and a marvelously entertaining leader, Derrick. He plays music from the 60's & 70's so we all know them. Keeps us limber and helps those of us who have arthritis or any physical ailment which only water therapy can help. You get true value, and then some, for being part of this wonderfully active community organization.”

“Awesome folks and I make sure to visit here every time I'm in town. Everyone is very friendly and I would say most of the people here are very skilled (I'd estimate USATT 1500-2000). It's a very clean facility and it's nice to see such a tight-knit group of people playing TT together on an island.There's also a very highly rated player named Carlos that trains there. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try but if you are visiting the island, you can perhaps look into it to see if they have any space available.After 4:30PM, there are a lot more parking available on-site because some shops close at that time. It's also the busiest time with more players so it's recommended that if you're a visitor, come around that time. I always grab a burger from Bob's bbq across from the street and have a cold beer to end my day.”

“The business title speaks for itself. There are a lot of healthcare workers who have a very, very tight schedule to even catch up with necessary certifications and training. It's a blessing to have them! It made everything simple, straight to the point, and fun.”

“Just left their pop-up at Ward today with 4 books! They'll be at Ward today and next weekend (Jan 21-22) . There's lots of selection, it's well organized, and with a smooth check out process. Prices are much more practical than Book-off! Found a couple gems of local cookbook finds that I doubt Pinterest would even have. Check them out and support your libraries (:”

“Emily Broderick and Aunty Lorna Pacheco from the Pu'uhonua Society sent out the kahea to come together at this beautiful place for a good cause. To open in prayer, we gathered under a majestic hala tree. This beautiful place was the perfect setting to gather. If you don't know about their good works, look up Pu'uhonua Society and learn about their contributions.”

“It is a very peaceful and a beautiful place even though it is small, the people there are so nice and kind to me.I went there today to perform as a band member but everyone watched us as we perform and clapped to us it was such an amazing moment I experienced. Thank you all so much for watching our performance today and Namu Ami Da Butsu. 南無阿弥陀ごちそうさまでした。”

“Hidden gem deep in the valley of Kalihi. Well manicured landscaping on the beautiful grounds on God's land. Retreat only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu.Facilities were clean with air conditioning two beds, and full bathrooms per unit. Dining hall and conference center were also well kept. Food was amazing too, thank you to the staff!.”

“Oh my god….words can’t describe how much I am feeling blessed by this organization right now. They were the only financial help I got throughout the whole pandemic. They helped me be able to save for school last year and then are helping me again while I’m in school. If it weren’t for them I would never have been able to get my career path going. Forever grateful for what they have done. If you do your part and put in the effort with the paperwork and stay patient they will work with you. I read some of the other reviews and seems like some people were denied. Be patient and have the right documents. I just got my confirmation email. Have faith and just stay strong Hawaii.”

“Absolutely amazing. My husband brought out autistic son and they had all the tricks to make everything as easy as possible. They even called us the next day to check on our son. I wish we actually lived here just so we could be by this hospital and staff.”

“Their original premise was keeping de-constructed home debris out of the landfill and they certainly do a great job of that. On a recent trip I was looking for replacement light switches and was pleasantly surprised to find a box of new switches for a bargain $0.20 each. They also get in reclaimed wood from trees as well. This time, they had silver button wood logs so I had to try a piece. It's a very dense wood. On a weekly basis their inventory changes to reflect their most recent saves, It's nice to see new and exotic wood items, as well as one-of-a-kind fixtures from older homes for sale. Overall, it's a great concept and a great place to come and browse and support a local small business. They also house the HNL Tool Library, incase you need to buy or rent a tool you don't have. HNL Tool Library also conducts classes as well so it's a great place to learn as well.”

“Waikiki Rooftop Party! I've always wanted to attend the Food and Wine Festival & finally did during the 2023 Hawai'i Food & Wine kickoff event: Far East - Street Ph'East. Alohilani Resort 's sunset rooftop overlooking waikiki, this was a celebration of asian night markets. With my First Hawaiian Bank personal Mastercard I was able to get preferred early access; an hour early before general access. With all inclusive food & drinks ranging from local to world-famous chefs & mixologists all while meeting people in the restaurant, news, & influencer industry, this was for sure foodie paradise! Highly recommend any of these well-known estsblishments! Offerings Chef Morimoto of Morimoto Asia Waikiki Kona Cold Lobster Balls Chef Robynne Maii of Fête Opah Croquetas Chef Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale Cold Ginger Chicken Chef Francis Ang of Abacá Lamb Adobo Empanada Chef Ray Hayashi of RYLA Pork Belly Ssam Chef Shota Nakajima of Blue Ocean Mariculture Hawaiian Kanpachi Chef Ria Dolly Barbosa of Peso Neighborhood Lechon Kawali Ginger Lugaw Leeward CC Culinary Arts serving Alohilani Resort 's Ginger Kauai Shrimp & Scallops Nem Rán Chef Chung Chow of Noreetuh Tako Tostada Helen Nguyen of Saigon Social Grilled Betel Leaf Hapa Cattle Co. Beef”

“Very friendly staff. They also have a food bank every Tues and Thursday but you gotta bring your own bag. I haven't gone myself cause if I don't need it I'm saving it for people who do.”

“For 25$ a year they keep my daughter busy with fun activities after school the staff like Ryan and Sherlyn are awesome they help all the families here and you have until 6 to pick them up great for working parents with limited options”

“Such an amazing organization, staffed by incredibly kind and wonderful people, supported by many volunteers and donations from the community. A bright light of help in our darkest hours of need. Ronald McDonald House is a true testament to the kindness and generosity of Hawaiians.”

“I visited Urasenke Tea House with my husband during one of their weekly demos and we were astonished by the level of richness of history behind "chado", the way of tea. The location is beautiful, peaceful and authentic. I felt as if I was visiting Japan again!Ritsu and Sensi were very kind and answered our questions as they guided us between areas of the chashitsu (tea house). We tried the delicious matcha tea and sweets.Make time for this place on your journey to Waikiki and remember to leave a donation (up to you). I'm 100% looking forward to visiting Urasenke locations all over the world!”

“Been coming here for years now, and the staff are always so friendly and helpful! I always look forward to stopping by. Household stuff can be hit or miss but is overall decent, it's definitely my go to thrift store to find clothes though. Shoutout to Natalie who was so wonderful, was very helpful with explaining the rewards card and helping me use my points card yesterday, you guys rock!”

“Been coming here for years now, and the staff are always so friendly and helpful! I always look forward to stopping by. Household stuff can be hit or miss but is overall decent, it's definitely my go to thrift store to find clothes though. Shoutout to Natalie who was so wonderful, was very helpful with explaining the rewards card and helping me use my points card yesterday, you guys rock!”

“I love the Ymca because it's a great place to workout. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The child watch is also helpful for mothers who want to workout but have no sitter. This is the perfect place to start getting active again.”

“I would just like to say a big THANK YOU,FA’AFETAI TELE LAVA and MAHALO to Hawaii Helping Hands for helping us this school year. The great customer service worker Mr.Ringo, you are so sweet,kind,helpful and friendly. I’m disabled and was looking for a way to help out my nieces and nephews with school supplies because there single mother is working and can’t afford to get them school supplies due to a lot of financial difficulties and everything just being so expensive and she’s trying her best to support her kids. But besides that, I just wanted to say we greatly appreciate your organization and your workers Hawaii Helping Hands. I know that the kids will love all the backpacks and school supplies donated by everyone and they will surely start of the school year with excited smiles☺️. Thank you, thank you, thank you?.”

“This just now called Sand Island it is a program and I believe 18 months to get clean and sober to live into society or if you had drug addiction or any kind of a addiction You can go there and if you're willing to work the program it will help you I give it five stars”

“Found some super cool stuff here but it takes time. There’s unwritten rules when you shop like everyone has to stand back when the staff is dropping new items. Parking can be a pain. But overall it can be fun to treasure hunt here.”