Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, based in Honolulu, has served the islands since 1959 by providing educational and career-development programs for people from many backgrounds. It runs more than 20 human-service programs funded by 12 retail stores and 30 donation centers across all islands, and channels more than 90 percent of its revenue into programs and services. Katy Chen serves as president and CEO. Website goodwillhawaii.org.
Goodwill runs a social enterprise: people donate used clothing and household goods, Goodwill sells them in its thrift stores, and the proceeds fund education and career programs. Donating and shopping are the main ways the public supports the mission.
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has served the islands since 1959, helping people with employment barriers reach their potential and become self-sufficient, and it channels more than 90 percent of its revenue into programs and services.
Goodwill Hawaii runs more than 20 human-service programs, funded by 12 retail stores and 30 donation centers. It provides services statewide across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai, and through outreach partnerships extends services to Molokai and Lanai.
In 2024, the organization served 7,789 Hawaii residents and placed more than 471 individuals into jobs statewide. Katy Chen serves as president and CEO.
Reaching every major island is a logistical challenge that shapes how Goodwill Hawaii operates, from how it moves donated goods to how it delivers career services in smaller communities. Its store and donation-center network spans the main islands.
As with all Goodwills, the organization is both a trainer and an employer, offering paid work and on-the-job experience to people building skills.
Goodwill accepts clean, gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares, books, and many household items; check the donation guidelines before a large drop-off. Donations go to its 30 donation centers across the islands.
Donations are tax-deductible, and donors should keep a receipt and an itemized list for their records. For a full breakdown, see our guide on what Goodwill accepts.
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) organization, and revenue from its stores funds its career and education programs, with more than 90 percent of revenue going to programs and services. Its EIN for tax-deductible cash gifts is 99-6001264.
The store-funded model means each donated item that sells helps pay for programs that served nearly 7,800 residents in 2024.
Both Goodwill and the Salvation Army run thrift stores funded by donated goods, but Goodwill focuses on education and career development while the Salvation Army funds recovery and broad social services. For donated clothing and housewares in Hawaii, either is a strong option.
If your priority is workforce development across the islands, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is the dedicated agency statewide; for goods better suited to direct distribution, a local shelter or reuse nonprofit may fit better.
Last updated June 2026. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii founding (1959), CEO Katy Chen, more than 20 human-service programs, 12 retail stores and 30 donation centers across all islands, more than 90 percent of revenue to programs, and 2024 outcomes (7,789 residents served, more than 471 placed into jobs) from Goodwill Hawaii (goodwillhawaii.org) and ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 99-6001264). We are not affiliated with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]