Oʻahu Residents
Get Rain Ready!
Get rain barrels, a rain garden, or a tree installed for FREE!
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke aluʻia.
No task is too big when done together.
—Mary Kawena Pukui
Welcome to the Rainwater Capture incentive program, led by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance and Mālama Maunalua! Our goal is to help Oʻahu’s communities reduce flooding and pollution in our waters. We recognize that every small effort adds up to significant change.
We bring rainwater capture solutions to Oʻahu residents with our FREE Direct-Install Program that covers the cost of the installation of a rain barrel, a rain garden, or a native tree.
Applications Open Now until July 15, 2026 — APPLY NOW!
Rainwater Capture Projects Are a Cost-Effective Way for Residents To:
Protect Oʻahu’s precious groundwater
Reduce flooding in our communities
Mitigate stormwater pollution in streams and the ocean
Potentially soak up savings on water bills!
Need Assistance?
Partner organizations are conducting FREE rainwater assessments (using Follow the Drop App) for residences in the Ala Wai watershed. This includes Waikīkī , Makiki, Kapahulu, Pālolo, Mānoa, and Papakōlea. If you live in these areas and would like assistance in identifying and submitting projects please click this link to schedule an appointment:
Apply for the Direct-Install Program using the Follow the Drop app, available through the Apple Store, Google Play, or a web-based site for desktop users.
Requirements for Rain Barrel Only: You must have an existing rain gutter and downspout to qualify.
Application Instructions
Step 1. Register in Follow the Drop
Click on Apply Now or download Follow the Drop app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Create a user account with your email address in Follow the Drop.
Important: When registering, please use the Account ID: oahu. This must be all lower case.
Step 2. Enable App Permissions
Allow Follow the Drop to access your photos and location while using the app so you can upload project information.
Step 3. Submit a Photo
Desktop Users: If you are using the desktop version, please have a photo ready on your computer showing the area and downspout where you plan to collect rainwater. You will upload this image during the project entry process.
App Users: On your mobile device, allow the app to access your camera and photos to either take a new photo or upload an existing photo to document the area and downspout where you plan to collect rainwater.
Step 4. Enter Your Project Details
Follow the prompts in Follow the Drop to enter your project information. Each page includes instructions to guide you through the process.
Step 5. Submit Your Project
Give your project a name and select “Submit” to complete your entry. Optional: fill out the survey at the end. This will help us better shape the program in the future.
If you only want to apply for a rain barrel, please select the “Rain Barrel Only” button. You must have an existing rain gutter and downspout to qualify.
For rain gardens or other rainwater capture solutions, Follow the Drop can help you to customize your project. Please select the “Add a Project” button.
Once you “Submit” your project application, it will be reviewed by Mālama Maunalua's application committee. Funding is limited so if you did not receive a project this round, you will be automatically waitlisted for priority consideration next round.
A tutorial on how to use Follow the Drop can be found in the video below.
If you are not able to use Follow the Drop to apply, please email us and we would be happy to assist you: runoff@malamamaunalua.org
About Our Rain Barrels
The barrels currently qualified for the free installation program are EarthMinded RainStation 50-gallon barrels only
Built of food-grade HDPE recycled resin for durability, from 85% recycled material
Reversible lid can act as a planter
This sealed system resists pests and algae growth
Diverter and installation parts included
Spigot and drain are threaded for garden hose attachment
Dimensions: 23.5 inch diameter, 39 inches tall
Installation Requirements
Level area sufficient fit 23.5'' diameter and 39'' tall barrel
2x3” aluminum downspout affixed to a structure
<31'' Distance from downspout to barrel
Area clear for easy installation
Want to Learn More About Rainwater Capture Solutions?
Other Materials
Let’s reduce flooding and pollution in our waters together!
Partners
