These Local Restaurants Are Raising Money for Maui Wildfire Relief

The deadliest wildfire in more than a century has devastated Lahaina, Maui, killing 96 people and damaging or destroying more than 2,000 structures. More than 1,400 people were displaced by the fires, and FEMA and other aid organizations are working to get them into temporary housing.

When a disaster like this happens, our natural instinct is to want to help and express our support for our fellow humans (and our animal friends, too) however we can. Local restaurants, bars, and influencers are banding together to raise funds for Maui wildfire relief.

On August 17, The Liberty, Shangri-La, The Treasury, and Low Down Lounge will donate 100% of sales of Mai Tais and 20% of all bar sales to the Maui Food Bank.

On August 19, nearly 40 restaurants around town will donate a portion (5 to 10%) of their proceeds to the Maui Food Bank. Organized by Amanda Wong of Austin Food Adventures, Dine With Maui gives Austinites the opportunity to put their dining dollars to work. Among the 38 participating restaurants is Hawaiian food truck ATX Shoyu Sugar, operated by husband and wife team Rudy and Malama Valentino. The Valentinos are from the big island of Hawaii, but have friends and family on Maui.

“Hawaii is a special place where culture, food and community is everything. Being in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii is vulnerable to all kinds of disasters like hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and tidal waves. So when something does happen like what’s going on in Lahaina it’s automatic that everyone from every island band together to Kokua (help) one another,” writes Rudy in an email to the Chronicle.

“It hurts so much not to be home during this time but I think God has us here for a reason to be here for those transplants in Austin. We’ve been able to talk story with people here and give people comfort with food and community. That’s why we are so humbled and appreciative of what Amanda is organizing. We know that her influence stretches way farther than ours here in Texas. And look forward to seeing what happens!”

Says Joanna Fried of Eldorado Cafe, “We are always eager to help where help is needed and grateful that Austin Food Adventures builds these fundraisers and gives us the opportunity to participate. Our hearts are heavy for those humans and wildlife who call Maui home.”

As of press time, the following businesses have pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds on Aug. 19: Merry Monarch Creamery, Eldorade Cafe, Shoyu Sugar, Komé, Jewboy Burgers, Seoulju, Ramen512, That Burger, Cuantos Tacos, Tacos La Catrina, Paprika, Kiin Di, Mum Foods, Yeni’s Fusion, Song La, Thai Kun, Teaspoon Austin, 1618 Asian Fusion, David Doughie’s at Lakeline Farmers Market, Fil n Viet, Sip Pho, Pedroso’s Pizza, SXSE Food Co, Ramen del Barrio, Choo Sando, T-Loc’s Sonoran Style Hot Dogs, Proud Mary, Din Ho Chinese BBQ, Whipped Bakery and Cafe, Fukumoto Sushi and Yakitoro, Un Mundo de Sabor, Konfusdesi, KG BBQ, Sa-Ten, and Uroko. Check out Austin Food Adventures’ Instagram post for links to participating businesses and additions to the lineup.

We will keep this post updated with additional information as we receive it.