About the Rotary Club of South Hilo
The Rotary Club of South Hilo is a community service organization dedicated to improving lives through volunteerism, leadership, fellowship, and charitable giving. Since its charter on November 2, 1956, the club has brought together individuals who share a commitment to making a positive difference in East Hawaiʻi and beyond.
As part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.4 million members, the Rotary Club of South Hilo embraces the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. Club members work together to identify community needs, develop meaningful projects, and support programs that promote education, health, leadership, and community well-being.
Our History
The Rotary Club of South Hilo was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hilo and established to expand opportunities for service and fellowship in the growing Hilo community. For nearly seventy years, the club has played an active role in supporting local organizations, youth programs, educational initiatives, and community events throughout Hawaiʻi Island.
Generations of Rotarians have contributed their time, talents, and resources to address community challenges while building lasting friendships and professional connections. The club's history reflects a continuing commitment to service, integrity, and leadership.
Our Projects
The Rotary Club of South Hilo is known for its hands-on approach to community service and its support of charitable initiatives throughout East Hawaiʻi.
Among its signature projects is the annual Hilo Huli fundraiser, which has become a longstanding community tradition. Proceeds from Hilo Huli help fund grants, scholarships, and support for local nonprofit organizations and community programs.
The club is also committed to literacy and education through projects that provide dictionaries and educational resources to local students. Members support youth leadership development through Rotary-sponsored programs such as Interact, Rotaract, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service.
In addition to these signature efforts, members participate in a wide variety of service activities, including environmental stewardship projects, community improvement initiatives, support for local nonprofits, and volunteer efforts at major community events. Through local and international Rotary programs, the club also contributes to broader humanitarian initiatives that promote health, education, peace, and economic development.
Our Membership
The Rotary Club of South Hilo is proud of its diverse and engaged membership. The club brings together individuals from a wide range of professions, businesses, organizations, and life experiences. Members include community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, nonprofit advocates, retirees, and others who share a desire to serve.
This diversity of backgrounds and perspectives strengthens the club and creates opportunities for collaboration, learning, and meaningful fellowship. Rotary provides a unique environment where members can build friendships, expand their professional networks, develop leadership skills, and work alongside others who are dedicated to improving their community.
More than a service organization, the Rotary Club of South Hilo is an ohana—a welcoming community united by friendship, service, and a shared commitment to making Hawaiʻi Island a better place for all.
Through fellowship, leadership, and service, the Rotary Club of South Hilo continues its proud tradition of creating positive and lasting change in our community and around the world.