Building a better future
Supporting people and communities throughout Hawaii
Leading with Generosity
Freemasons in Hawaii lead by example, giving of their time, talent, resources, and means to make a lasting difference. Through charitable action, we honor our values and strengthen the bonds that unite our island communities.
Testimonial: A Brother's Story
My name is R. Gonzales, and my life today is a direct result of the compassion, guidance, and unwavering support of the Masons of Masonic Charities of Hawaii.
When I arrived in Hawaii, I had nothing. I did not speak English, I had no money, and I had left everything behind. I came only because my daughter, Nicole, needed medical care in order to live a normal life at Shriners Children’s Hospital. At the same time, I was fleeing persecution in my home country, where violent groups were threatening my life and the safety of my family. I arrived frightened, uncertain, and unsure whether we would survive — emotionally, financially, or physically.
It was at the lowest point of my life that I met the Men of Masonic Charities of Hawaii, and everything changed.
These men did far more than offer assistance, They restored my hope. They welcomed me when I was a stranger. They listened when I could barely communicate. They stood beside me when I felt completely alone. Through their actions, not just words, they showed me what true brotherhood means.
The support I received from Masonic Charities of Hawaii changed my life. They helped guide me through a new country, encouraged me to learn English, and showed me a clear and achievable path toward becoming self-supportive. Members of Masonic Charities helped me secure my first job in the United States, giving me dignity, confidence, and the ability to provide for my family. Because of them, I moved from survival to stability, and from fear to purpose.
At the same time, my daughter Nicole received extraordinary care at Shriners Children’s - Hawai`i, where she underwent multiple surgeries that gave her health, strength, and a future. The relief I felt knowing my child was safe was indescribable, but equally powerful was knowing that Masonic Charities of Hawaii was supporting me as a father during the most difficult chapter of my life.
What the Masons of Masonic Charities of Hawaii gave me cannot be measured only in money or services. They gave me direction. They gave me belonging. They gave me the belief that I could rebuild my life with honor and integrity.
Inspired by their example, I chose to follow the same path. In 2025, I became a Master Mason, committed to living the values that once lifted me up: brotherly love, relief, and truth. Everything I have achieved since then is rooted in the foundation that Masonic Charities of Hawaii helped me build.
Today, I am proud to say that I am self-supportive, employed, English-speaking, and deeply committed to giving back to the community. Just as I have goals and purposes, such as paying for my daughter’s university education and buying my own home, I know that I must work hard to achieve them. But I also know that I am not alone; I have the moral support of my Masonic brothers. My success is a success created by the Masons who refused to let me fail when I had nothing.
From my heart, I thank Masonic Charities of Hawaii and the Masons who changed the course of my life. You helped me in a moment of need and helped me transform my future. Today, I stand as living proof of the power, purpose, and lasting impact of Masonic charity.
Brother Gonzales
Maui Wildfire Relief – Our Story
When the wildfires devastated Maui in August 2023, the destruction was overwhelming—thousands of homes lost, families displaced, and entire communities uprooted. In the face of this tragedy, Masonic Charities of Hawaii stepped forward to provide meaningful relief, standing with our Brothers and their families during their darkest hours.
Our role was twofold. Financially, we mobilized quickly to direct funds where they were most needed. These resources helped provide temporary housing, cover urgent expenses, and support recovery efforts for Masons and their families impacted by the disaster.
On the ground, the Brethren of Lodge Maui became the hands and feet of this effort. For months, they organized and distributed food, supplies, and essentials—not just to Masons, but to families across the community. With the support of Masonic Charities of Hawaii, Lodge Maui served as a hub of relief and brotherly care, ensuring that no one stood alone in the aftermath.
An Amazon wish list was also launched, which brought in thousands of dollars’ worth of household items, clothing, and necessities. These were shipped directly to Maui and distributed by members of the Honolulu Masonic Lodge, extending the reach of relief beyond financial aid.
Together, this partnership of resources and service embodied the true spirit of Freemasonry in Hawaii: practical charity, steadfast fellowship, and compassion in action. While much work remains in rebuilding Maui, the response of Masonic Charities of Hawaii and the Masons of Lodge Maui stands as proof of what a relief organization and a fraternity can achieve when it lives up to its obligations.
Lahaina town after the August 2023 wildfires.
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Your contributions help us make a difference in Hawaii’s communities. Your generous donations help fund educational programs, provide relief, and support charitable acts that uplift those in need. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
