Volunteers prepare food for Hale Kau Kau, which is celebrating 30 years of providing meals for south Maui’s poor. (Photo courtesy of Hale Kau Kau)
By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.”
Hale Kau Kau, on the grounds of St. Theresa Church, Kihei, has been living the Gospel for 30 years, serving hot, nutritious food daily to the poor of south Maui.
That’s more than 1.5 million meals, served over 10,000 consecutive days, since 1991.
According to Shawn Michelle Wallen, Hale Kau Kau’s interim program director, the program “aims to serve our community’s hungry, homeless, frail, sick, disabled and elderly by improving their lives with a free daily nutritious meal.”
“No questions asked.”
Since it served its first meal 30 years ago last month, the kitchen’s mission has been to “alleviate hunger by providing nutritious meals to the hungry and homebound in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.”
Marie Osaka was its first program director and cook for 20 years before she retired.
Hale Kau Kau’s meals include a hot entree, salad, vegetable, fruit, dessert, bread and an additional starch. Each plate offers roughly 1,500 calories of balanced nutrition.
The site at W. Lipoa Street in Kihei, provides diners a sink to wash up and picnic tables for eating.
Volunteer drivers also deliver more than 50 free meals each afternoon to homebound residents of South Maui.
Hale Kau Kau (Hawaiian for House of Food) is supported by volunteers, fundraising, Maui County grants and donations from private individuals and businesses.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hale Kau Kau has been providing face masks and hand sanitizers, sinks with soap and hand towels, and portable toilets.
On the occasion of its three-decade milestone, the Maui County Council Aug. 24 honored the ministry with a ceremonial resolution.
“Hale Kau Kau’s exceptional public service and embodiment of the Spirit of Aloha have brought pride and honor to the people of the County of Maui,” the council members wrote.
Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono also presented it with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
Sen. Hirono wrote, “Mahalo for your diligent work to combat hunger and strengthen the community.”