Connecting Community.
Cultivating Opportunity.
Inspiring Action.
Puna Rising Ohana is more than a nonprofit organization—it’s a movement dedicated to strengthening the heart of Puna through collaboration, connection, and community resilience. Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Puna Rising serves as a modern-day gathering place where residents, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofits, and local businesses come together to share ideas, support one another, and build a brighter future for East Hawaiʻi.
Building a Stronger Puna
At its core, Puna Rising believes that thriving communities are built through relationships.
The organization creates opportunities for neighbors to learn from one another, discover local businesses, celebrate artists and cultural practitioners, share community stories, and support initiatives that strengthen the local economy. Rather than focusing on a single program, Puna Rising serves as a connector, bringing people together around shared goals and meaningful action.
Whether highlighting local entrepreneurs, promoting community events, supporting nonprofits, or sharing inspiring stories through its Talk Story program, Puna Rising encourages collaboration that benefits the entire district.
Supporting Local Hawaiʻi
Supporting local is at the heart of Puna Rising’s mission.
Through its Entrepreneur Hub, the organization provides education, mentorship, business development resources, and networking opportunities for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. By helping small businesses succeed, Puna Rising contributes to a stronger local economy while creating new opportunities for residents throughout Puna.
The organization also encourages residents to buy local, discover community resources, and invest in businesses that keep dollars circulating within Hawaiʻi.
Celebrating Community
Puna Rising believes every community has stories worth telling.
Through community journalism, local event coverage, artist spotlights, and cultural storytelling, the organization helps preserve the voices, history, and creativity that make Puna unique. Its platforms celebrate the people who quietly make a difference every day while inspiring others to become active participants in their own communities.
By amplifying local voices, Puna Rising strengthens connections between generations while honoring the culture, diversity, and resilience that define East Hawaiʻi.
Why This Profile Exists
Support Local Hawaiʻi proudly recognizes Puna Rising Ohana for its unwavering commitment to building a stronger Hawaiʻi from the ground up.
Their work reminds us that resilient communities don’t happen by accident—they grow when neighbors support one another, local businesses thrive, stories are shared, and everyone has a place to contribute.
Puna Rising embodies the values of aloha, kuleana, and collaboration by creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, and take action together. Their efforts continue to strengthen Puna while serving as an inspiring example of what community-led leadership can accomplish throughout Hawaiʻi.
Every journey begins with a single connection. Explore the stories, people, gatherings, and stewardship opportunities that are helping Hawaiʻi thrive—and discover where your own gifts can make a difference.
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