PROJECTS
FOR THE PEOPLE OF PUNA DISTRICT, HAWAI‘I
The Best House Projects
Nestled in the lava fields of Kalapana on Hawai‘i Island, E Komo Mai No Ka ‘Oi Hale—Welcome to The Best House—stands as a grassroots, community-driven nonprofit dedicated to forging generational opportunities for the people of Puna District.
As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we work to uplift the families of the region by designing and delivering projects across four foundational pillars: Community Infrastructure, Economic Development, Education Programs, and Heritage Preservation.
THE BEST HOUSE
BUILT TO LAST
Community Infrastructure forms the backbone of The Best House’s mission to create enduring spaces that serve Puna’s resilient families for generations.
We focus on strengthening and sustaining essential community facilities—through thoughtful renovations, resilient builds, and protective upgrades tailored to our volcanic environment—so gathering places, venues, and shared resources remain strong and accessible no matter what challenges arise.
From supporting the preservation of cherished hubs like Uncle Robert’s Awa Club with initiatives such as our current roofing effort, we ensure that the physical foundations of connection, culture, and daily life in Puna are built to last, fostering safety, pride, and longevity for our ‘ohana.
THE BEST HOUSE
THRIVING BUSINESS
Economic Development at The Best House is about planting seeds for self-sufficiency and prosperity that grow deep roots in Puna’s unique soil.
We empower local families and entrepreneurs by fostering opportunities for sustainable businesses, skill-building, resource access, and collaborative ventures that honor the land and its people.
Whether through supporting community markets, home-based enterprises, or initiatives that turn local talents and resources into thriving livelihoods, we work to reduce barriers, spark innovation, and create pathways to financial stability—helping Puna families not just survive, but flourish economically in harmony with our island home.
THE BEST HOUSE
FUTURE LEARNING
Education Programs embody our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Puna leaders through hands-on, culturally grounded learning that prepares keiki and families for a bright future.
We design and deliver accessible workshops, mentorship opportunities, skill-building sessions, and youth-focused initiatives that blend practical knowledge with Hawaiian values—covering everything from environmental stewardship and traditional practices to modern tools for success.
By investing in “Future Learning,” we empower our ‘ohana to dream big, adapt resiliently, and carry forward the wisdom of the past while building the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s world.
THE BEST HOUSE
LIVE ON FOREVER
Heritage Preservation is the living heartbeat of The Best House, dedicated to safeguarding and perpetuating the rich cultural legacy of Kalapana and Puna so it endures “Live On Forever” for generations to come.
Rooted in the spirit of Uncle Robert Keli‘iho‘omalu and spaces like Uncle Robert’s Awa Club—where music, stories, ‘awa, and connection have long gathered the community—we advance initiatives that protect sacred sites, revive traditions, document mo‘olelo, and create opportunities for cultural transmission through events, teachings, and collaborative efforts.
In doing so, we honor our ancestors, strengthen cultural identity, and ensure that the aloha, kuleana, and mana of Puna remain vibrant and unbroken.