Jason Momoa, Jack Johnson to Headline Benefit Concert for Kona Low Storm Victims
Local celebrities Jason Momoa and Jack Johnson are joining forces to help North Shore communities recover from the devastating Kona low storm that battered Oahu’s coastline earlier this month. The two Hawaii-born stars will headline a benefit concert featuring an all-local lineup at the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday, April 26.
Momoa’s band Öof Tatatá will take the stage alongside Johnson, reggae favorites Kolohe Kai, and The Green in what organizers are calling “Malama ‘Aina: A Concert for Recovery.” The event aims to raise funds for families and businesses still reeling from the storm’s impact on communities from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach.
“When your ohana is hurting, you show up,” said concert organizer Maria Santos, executive director of the North Shore Community Foundation. “Having Jason and Jack step up like this shows the true spirit of Hawaii — we take care of each other, no matter what.”
The April 12-14 Kona low brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding to the North Shore, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches of rain in 48 hours. Historic Haleiwa town saw several businesses inundated with muddy floodwater, while residential areas in Waialua and Kawailoa dealt with power outages that lasted nearly a week.
Momoa, who grew up in Norwalk, Iowa, but considers Hawaii home, has been vocal about his commitment to environmental causes and supporting Pacific Island communities. His band Öof Tatatá, which blends traditional Hawaiian music with rock elements, last performed locally at a private event in Waikiki.
Johnson, a North Shore native who learned to surf at Pipeline, has long been an advocate for ocean conservation and community resilience. The Grammy-winning musician has organized benefit concerts before, including a 2018 event that raised funds for Kilauea volcano relief efforts on the Big Island.
Ticket Information and Beneficiaries
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through the Blaisdell Center box office and online platforms. General admission starts at $75, with VIP packages available for $200 that include preferred seating and access to a pre-show meet-and-greet with local food vendors.
Proceeds will be distributed among three local organizations: the North Shore Community Foundation, Surfrider Foundation Oahu Chapter, and the Hawaii Foodbank’s disaster relief program. Each group played crucial roles in immediate storm response and continues to support affected families.
The North Shore Community Foundation has already distributed emergency grants to 47 families whose homes sustained flood damage. Meanwhile, Surfrider’s Oahu Chapter has organized beach cleanups to remove storm debris from popular surf breaks like Waimea Bay and Laniakea.
“We’ve seen incredible community support, but the need is still huge,” Santos explained. “Some families lost everything — cars, furniture, appliances. Others are dealing with mold remediation that insurance won’t cover.”
Local food trucks will set up outside the arena starting at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show. Organizers encourage attendees to use public transportation or ride-sharing services, as parking around the Blaisdell Center is expected to be limited.
Community Response and Recovery
The concert represents just one piece of ongoing recovery efforts across the North Shore. Several Haleiwa businesses have reopened after extensive cleanup, while others remain closed pending insurance assessments and repairs.
Matsumoto Shave Ice, a beloved local institution, reopened its doors last week after volunteers helped remove sand and debris from its historic building. Owner Stanley Matsumoto said the community response has been overwhelming.
The storm’s impact extended beyond property damage, disrupting the North Shore’s tourism-dependent economy during what should have been peak season. Many vacation rentals and surf schools canceled bookings, creating ripple effects for local workers who depend on visitor industry jobs.
For many residents, Saturday’s concert offers both entertainment and hope as communities work to rebuild. The all-local lineup reinforces the message that Hawaii’s extended family looks out for one another, whether facing natural disasters or everyday challenges.
Concert organizers plan to announce the total funds raised at a community meeting scheduled for May 3 at Haleiwa Elementary School. Additional benefit events may follow depending on ongoing recovery needs and community response to Saturday’s show.
