In the early hours of August 8, a downed powerline ignited a fire along a roadside on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Wind from Hurricane Dora and dry brush grass fueled the flames that spread through 2,170 acres of Maui’s wooded hills and neighborhoods, leveling the historic coastal town of Lahaina.
More than 8,000 people were displaced from their homes, and 100 people died from the wildfire. The morning after it was extinguished, the Family Life Center, a nonprofit social service provider, was already devising plans to build temporary housing for the thousands of people displaced by the wildfire.
Solar has been installed on the prototype home at Ohana Hope Village. RevoluSun
“We know a lot of people from Lahaina that lost their homes, including some of our clients,” said Ashley Kelly, COO of the Family Life Center. “We tried envisioning a community where they would live, and so we thought of certain clients of ours and reflected on their lifestyles and what they would need.”
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With the help of Hawaii Off Grid, a carbon-neutral architecture firm based in Maui, the Family Life Center is spearheading a temporary housing community project called Ohana Hope Village. Hawaii Off Grid provides pro bono architecture services for the Family Life Center and designed an 88-unit off-grid housing project powered by solar + storage technologies.
The housing units are pop-up containers that erect into 20-ft living spaces and will be outfitted with plumbing, bathrooms and a kitchen; a wooden veranda — or a lanai, as it’s locally called — will be built off the side of the building and solar panels will provide shading and additional living space. The goal is to give people a place to live with all the basic amenities expected from a home while the city rebuilds. Construction on the off-grid village is happening right now and should be completed in the next few months.
“If we were to follow what the utility wants us to do and have a 100- or 200-amp service and a meter on every single dwelling unit, or a massive master meter and conductor and transformer and the distribution, we’ll be looking at three- to four-times the cost,” said David Sellers, principal architect for Hawaii Off Grid. “Even though it’s not cheap, obviously, with batteries and PV … but it’s actually cheaper than us installing all of that heavy-duty infrastructure.”
A global and local effort
As the Ohana Hope Village project started to take shape, Kelly identified viable housing units from emergency shelter manufacturer Continest. The Family Life Center purchased the shelters, but none were available in the United States at the time. Continest’s other plant in Hungary had stock, so the company contacted the Hungarian minister of defense to coordinate with NATO to have a C-17 military aircraft transport the shelters to Lahaina.
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“When that NATO C-17 landed and the multinational crew came out, I know we were all just crying,” Kelly said. “It was clearly from the other side of the world — help was coming, and our architects really needed the homes on site to really get our plans going.”
The site where the Hope Village is being built is 10 acres of land leased to the Life Center from King’s Cathedral Church for $1 a year. There is no electrical infrastructure on the property, so off-grid solar and energy storage will power the entire community. The project is engaging regional contractors with a focus of including locals displaced by the wildfire in the workforce.
“We also felt it was very important that the local community got to be part of the build,” Kelly said. “We weren’t bringing anyone in from the mainland or anything to build this. We really felt that was part of the healing process.”
Support has been extended from other laborers and material suppliers including RevoluSun, a solar contractor based in Oahu. Along with the nonprofit Footprint Project, RevoluSun has been sourcing and donating solar technologies and construction time to the Hope Village project.
Hans Harder, director of electrical at RevoluSun, is overseeing solar array design and construction, and helped build the system on the first housing unit at the Hope Village. The 7-kW array built on this single-dwelling unit is composed of JinkoSolar 410-W modules, IronRidge racking and Tesla Powerwall 2 battery backup. The remaining houses will have a similar solar wattage.
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Ohana Hope Village will be composed of 88 units sourced from emergency housing manufacturer Continest. RevoluSun
The roof surface of the Continest shelter requires a few different mounting methods to secure the modules. Since these units are modular and expected at some point to fold back into the flat position in which they arrived, the solar installers cannot penetrate the roof.
The attachment on the roof surface itself is a stainless-steel welded tab that is adhered to a silicon roof membrane. All four top corners of the shelter have attachment points, like those found on shipping containers, so Harder ran a U-bolt through those gaps and secured them to the array’s mounting rail. Then to prevent wind uplift, steel wire comes down from the corners of the array and mounts to the bottom of the container.
These shelters will be outfitted with all electric appliances, so solar + storage will cover those energy needs. Every six housing units will be built around one community center composed of two 20-ft Continest shelters that will act as a gathering space with laundry facilities. Those will have a 17-kW solar array and energy storage for additional backup for the houses.
“I can’t wait to see it when it’s done,” Harder said. “Right now, it’s still hard to imagine that it’s going to be somewhere that people would want to live. But every time I go there, it does look a little bit closer to what the fancy architectural drawings look like.”
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Making it work with what they have
There’s still plenty of work ahead for everyone involved in the Ohana Hope Village project. Sellers said Lahaina was already experiencing a housing crisis prior to the wildfire, and at last count, there are still more than 4,000 displaced Lahaina residents living in hotels.
Ohana will house, at most, 88 families and has already received 500 applications for residence. But it is poised to provide viable relief for Lahaina before the city can repair some of its destroyed infrastructure.
“We want to think about how we’re building in the temporary for emergency housing to show people how we should actually rebuild,” Sellers said.
That quickened construction timeline is possible partially through using renewable energy sources like solar. RevoluSun’s Harder said he witnessed Lahaina residents gathering at homes spared by the fires that were powered by solar, because nothing else around them had electricity. Solar contractors were among the first people to respond after the wildfire, and they powered portable Starlink internet routers with PV so people could contact their families.
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The Ohana Hope Village is the next example of solar keeping the power flowing where other infrastructure had failed in Lahaina.
“Usually there’s this anxiety about having solar being completely off-grid, but that was one of the first decisions that was made,” Kelly said. “We had a lot of roundabouts with water and sewer, and the solar was solutioned pretty quickly. Once that decision was made, it was set.”
The Family Life Center hopes to have the housing project completed in the next few months. Kelly said monetary donations are the best way to support the Ohana Hope Village to help subsidize the cost of materials and labor. Donations can be made at ohanahopevillage.com.
Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with murder in the killings of three people in a remote community known for its eclectic, communal lifestyle.
Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree murder Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release.
Baker remained jailed without bond Sunday and police said his first court appearance was scheduled for Monday. It was not immediately known if Baker had an attorney who could speak for him.
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Charges in the killings came two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the three victims were found in the rural Puna community known for its tropical landscape and free-spirited residents.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, according to police. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was discovered Tuesday a few hundred feet away. Friends identified him as Chitta Morse.
Police found the third victim, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles from where the other two bodies were located.
Police have not given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has said investigators found no connections among the victims other than that two of them lived near each other.
In addition to the murder charges, Baker also faces counts of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property.
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The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a community set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields where people seeking to live off-grid commonly trade work for lodging.
Puna resident Stephen Shaffer said that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees on land where she grows fruit, in exchange for a place to live. After several months, Shaffer said, his ex-wife sought a restraining order against Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker left the cabin where he had been living months ago. Hyatt said that Baker recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.
Just days before the killings, two women had requested temporary restraining orders against Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, according to court records. A judge denied both applications, saying there was not enough proof of harassment.
Court records showed Baker named in 20 other cases in the past two decades, many of them traffic infractions. In most of those cases, Baker had no attorney and represented himself.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Overlooking Hilo, Hawaii.
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
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People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Rolling green pastureland with white fences near Waimea, Hawaii’s Big Island.
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
A couple walks along Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Kaua’i, Hawai’i.
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Shops in downtown Kapa’a in Hawaii. Image credit bluestork via Shutterstock.com
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Overlooking Kailua, Oahu.
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
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Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Aerial view of Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Waikele Premium Outlets in Honolulu County, near Wahiawa, Hawaii. Image credit ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock.com
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
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Makawao
The town of Makawao sits on the slope of the Haleakala volcano in Maui.
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Downtown Pahoa, Hawaii. Image credit Chris Allan via Shutterstock
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Overlooking Honoka’a, Hawaii.
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
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Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
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“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
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