Our Community
Helping Our Communities Thrive
We believe that when our communities flourish, we all do. Through Bank of Hawaii Foundation and our Live Kokua programs, we invest in local nonprofits and community partners whose work creates lasting, positive change across the islands and the Pacific.
Bank of Hawaii Foundation
In 2025, Bank of Hawaii Foundation supported organizations that help strengthen Hawaii’s families, neighborhoods and future generations. From education and healthcare to financial empowerment and cultural connection, our giving reflects our deep commitment to building more resilient communities.
Nonprofit Partnerships at a Glance
Aloha United Way: ALICE Report
We continued our investment in understanding and uplifting the ALICE population in Hawaii—individuals and families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. Foundation funding supported a statewide ALICE Report to shed light on the evolving economic challenges facing working families. The Foundation has underwritten this report every year since it first became available in 2017.
Hawaii Mobile Museum of Tolerance
Support for this interactive museum, which promotes lessons of compassion, inclusion and human dignity to schools statewide, began in January 2026. Using technology and engaging exhibits, the museum encourages students to stand against racism, bullying and hate.
Holomua Collective
Our support for the collective’s Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Grant Program, along with matching funds, helps families at risk of foreclosure stay in their homes while protecting residential properties for long-term local use.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
The museum received support to revitalize its Hilo facilities, enhance public safety programs, and plan for sustainability through expanded outreach and operations.
Wilcox Health Foundation
A grant to Wilcox Health Foundation is helping fund innovative training technology, the first of its kind at any medical facility in Hawaii. The equipment provides hands-on learning opportunities for medical professionals across Kauai to refine essential skills and improve patient care.
YMCA of Honolulu
A multi-year pledge will help the YMCA construct a new facility at their flagship Honolulu headquarters featuring an early learning center, outdoor pool and expanded community spaces to support youth development and family wellness.
A rally outside our Main Branch supported Aloha United Way and kicked off our months-long fundraising effort for local nonprofits.
Chairman and CEO Peter Ho spoke on a panel discussing the ALICE Report.
Live Kokua Volunteer Program
Our Live Kokua program channels the generosity and spirit of our employees through volunteerism and giving. This year, our Bankoh Blue Crew dedicated their time to special causes across the islands—supporting education, sustainability, housing and humanitarian causes.
IHS Men's Shelter
Each month throughout the year, a dedicated group of five volunteers returned to the Institute for Human Services Men’s Shelter to help prepare and serve hot meals, offering nourishment and connection to those in need.
Goodwill Goes Glam!
Twenty-eight employees joined forces to support Goodwill Hawaii’s signature fundraiser, which raises awareness and funds to help individuals overcome employment barriers. Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation has been the presenting sponsor for 14 years in a row.
Inters in Action
Our summer interns contributed more than 400 volunteer hours during a one-day campus beautification at Ke‘elikōlani Middle School—painting, cleaning and revitalizing spaces at the school, which is just a short walk away from our Main Branch.
2025 Live Kokua Giving Campaign
Now More Than Ever
Under this year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” our employees and retirees came together for a five-week giving campaign benefiting more than 300 Aloha United Way nonprofits. Starting last year, our employee resource groups (ERGs) began hosting annual fundraising events that quickly became popular with employees. This year’s highlights included Na oiwi Aloha’s “Taste of Aloha,” which sold 250 Hawaiian food plate lunches, with proceeds supporting the campaign.
In addition to employees having the option to select their preferred beneficiaries when donating, seven organizations were chosen by our three campaign co-chairs and four ERGs as featured beneficiaries:
- Aha Punana Leo
- Child & Family Service
- Domestic Violence Action Center
- Girl Scouts of Hawaii
- Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center
- Junior Achievement of Hawaii
- U.S. VETS
RainBOH ERG members and allies refreshed an “Ocean Friendly Garden” by planting native, climate friendly species that help protect our island watersheds.
Summer interns spruced up a school campus as part of their community service project.
Aloha Pride
Bank of Hawaii returned as a visionary-level sponsor for the 6th consecutive year at the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival in October. More than 150 employees, family members and friends marched together in celebration of inclusion and belonging, spreading the message of “Aloha Pride,” our float theme for this year, throughout the community.
18th Annual Community Service Day
More than 150 Bankoh Blue Crew members volunteered at Kahauiki Village on Oahu, a community that provides long-term housing for families transitioning out of homelessness. Volunteers helped with landscaping, painting and refreshing common areas. They also completed two custom murals designed by local artist Kaelyn Okuhata depicting Hawaiian values that hold special meaning to the community: kuleana (responsibility) and lokahi (unity). To mark the occasion, Bank of Hawaii Foundation provided a grant to IHS, which operates the site.
More than 150 employees and their guests showed up for our 18th Annual Community Service Day.
Community Reinvestment Act
Bank of Hawaii continues to champion financial literacy and small-business growth throughout our communities, supporting equitable opportunities for all.
Saipan Small Business Administration Grants
Through our Foundation’s I Kinometi Para I Kumunidat I Isla-ta program, five small businesses in Saipan each received a $5,000 grant to expand and strengthen their operations, supporting local entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
Our 2025 recipients:
- Ancient Compost, a family-run company dedicated to sustainability and focused on building a zero-waste community.
- Magof Professional Services, a woman-owned business that provides legal support as well as notary and courier services.
- Marianas Churisos Company, producer of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ only locally made craft sausages. Their mission is to strengthen food security and support fellow local businesses.
- Niao’s Poké Deli, a local eatery known for its fresh, creative island flavors and hospitality that appeal to visitors as well as residents.
- Pacific Psychiatric Care, a clinic providing compassionate mental health services for patients of all ages.
Teaching Financial Confidence for Life
From grade school to adulthood, our financial literacy programs help residents in communities we serve make informed financial decisions.
Junior Achievement
In April, our Bankoh Blue Crew taught financial literacy lessons to 2nd graders at August Ahrens Elementary School. This was one of many schools that employees visited across Hawaii and the West Pacific, helping young students learn fundamental lessons in money management.
SmartMoney Lesson Day
Continuing a tradition that began in 2009, volunteers led financial literacy sessions for students at Keelikolani Middle School in April and October, inspiring financial confidence among future generations.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Six employees, who became certified IRS tax preparers, donated a combined 75 hours to help individuals and families file 86 tax returns, providing free, accurate tax support to those earning $66,000 or less. Their efforts resulted in about $78,000 given back to the community through tax refunds.
Waikiki Community Center
Through a cooperative partnership with the ALICE Collective Impact Fund matched savings program, Bank of Hawaii supported the establishment of savings accounts that help clients build emergency funds, develop saving habits, and gain access to essential financial services.
A Pathway to Independence
Through a partnership with EPIC Ohana, Inc., the Hawaii Community Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative helps youth who have experienced foster care save for meaningful goals.
In April, our employees volunteered with Junior Achievement, teaching young students essential financial skills, including the difference between needs and wants.
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