Puna Rainwater Catchment Systems
Puna Area Water Catchment Systems
Catchment for ʻOhana & ʻĀina
Living in Puna means embracing the mana of our land on its terms. From long dry spells in Kaʻū to the heavy rains of Hilo side, from the ʻaʻa lava fields to green canopy jungles, and the ever-present possibility of Pele’s activity, your water system must be more than just functional – it must be resilient. At Pacific Blue Catchment, we install Pioneer Water Tanks engineered for life in Hawai‘i nei. These aren’t mainland cookie-cutter solutions. They are custom-designed, professionally installed, and locally supported systems serving the unique needs of ʻohana, farms, and small businesses across Puna.
NSF Certified Catchment Systems for Safe Drinking Water
Every Pioneer Water Tank we install includes an NSF-61 certified liner, ensuring your stored wai (water) is safe for household use. These liners are specifically designed to keep your catchment water clean and potable, free from contaminants and leaching materials. For families relying on rainwater as their primary source – as most of us in Puna do – safety is non-negotiable.
Zincalume® steel construction means these tanks stand up to Hawai‘i’s harshest conditions – relentless mauka sun exposure, torrential showers, high humidity, vog, and salt air from the nearby kai. Unlike plastic tanks or soft covers, which quickly degrade in our intense conditions, Pioneer tanks provide long-lasting peace of mind.
BUILT FOR PUNA CONDITIONS
Our tanks have performed through past hurricanes, heavy rain seasons, and hot sun where lesser materials would have failed.
We install:
- Tanks ranging from 5,000 to over 100,000 gallons
- Custom configurations for residential, agricultural, and kamaʻāina business use
- Systems designed to support both water abundance during heavy rains and scarcity during dry spells
You’ll also get professional guidance on addressing Puna’s unique water conditions, including:
- Acid rain filtration strategies
- VOG-resistant design considerations
- First-flush diverters for ash or heavy debris periods
- Optional solar-integrated pump systems for off-grid properties
Hawai‘i Rainwater Systems That Work With Your ʻĀina
Puna is as diverse as it is beautiful. From the dense ʻōhiʻa forests in Volcano to the sunny coastal lots along the Red Road, no two installations are alike. That’s why we don’t believe in “off-the-shelf” setups. Every system we install is based on a thorough site visit, terrain assessment, rainfall analysis for your specific microclimate, and personal water usage goals.
Our systems integrate seamlessly with your land:
- Concrete ring foundations built for long-term tank stability on varied terrain
- Downspout integration and catchment optimization for maximum collection
- Solutions that account for property slope, lava rock challenges, and natural water flow
Whether your home is tucked away in Leilani Estates, sprawling across Hawaiian Acres, nestled in Fern Forest, or perched above the ocean in Kalapana, we create systems that adapt to your lifestyle and landscape, not the other way around.
Supporting Local Farms, Vacation Rentals, and Small Businesses
Water isn’t just a household concern in Puna. It’s essential for self-sufficiency and business success.
If you run a farm growing tropical fruits, manage hale for visitors, or operate a home business like a nursery or coffee farm, dependable water access is critical. Our commercial-scale Pioneer tanks support agricultural irrigation, animal care, guest accommodations, and more.
Services for agricultural clients include:
- High-volume storage for irrigation and livestock during drought periods
- Optional filtration for produce-wash stations
- Integration with gravity-fed or pump-powered delivery systems
Services for visitor-focused properties:
- Installations scheduled around guest activity for minimal disruption
- Aesthetic tank placement to preserve property views and ambiance
Our systems are built for function and discretion. We use color-matched panels that blend with the natural environment, low-profile designs where possible, and intentional site placement to keep your land beautiful.
Grounded in Hawai‘i. Committed to Puna.
We don’t just work on the Big Island – we live here, raise our families here, and understand what it takes to keep a catchment system running through all of Hawai‘i’s seasons. Our team is based on the Kona Coast, but our work stretches from Kohala to Kaʻū. Wherever you are in Puna, we come prepared with knowledge of the land and respect for the people who live on it.
Our customers know us by name. When you call, you’re talking to someone who understands your road, your microclimate, your challenges – not a call center halfway across the ocean.
With Pacific Blue Catchment, you get:
- Clear communication and no-pressure consultations
- Local technicians familiar with rural terrain and island life
- Ongoing system support for existing clients
Our standard service includes:
- pH checks and balancing for Puna’s naturally acidic rain
- UV light inspections and replacements
- Sediment filter changes suited for local ash and debris
- Chlorination guidance based on Department of Health best practices
We’re close by when you need us – and we always show up when we say we will.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are your tanks different from plastic catchment systems often seen around Puna?
Pioneer Water Tanks are made from Zincalume® steel and designed to last 20+ years in Hawai‘i conditions. Plastic tanks, especially in Puna’s intense sunlight, high humidity, and acidic rain, degrade faster, can leach chemicals, and offer less structural integrity during frequent storms and seismic activity.
Do you install in Lava Zones 1 and 2?
Yes. We serve all Puna Lava Zones and are familiar with DLNR and Hawai‘i County permitting requirements. If you’re rebuilding or upgrading in a lava zone, we guide you through the process with local understanding.
What makes installation in lava zones different?
Lava zones often come with unique permitting requirements, challenging terrain, and added scrutiny on water system compliance. Our team is experienced in navigating these factors. We take time to assess soil stability, slope, and access while ensuring your Pioneer tank installation meets both your needs and the county’s safety standards.
Can I add filtration or UV later as my budget allows?
Absolutely. Our systems are modular. You can start with a basic setup and add multi-stage filtration, UV treatment, or solar-powered pumps later.
What maintenance is recommended for Puna’s unique conditions?
Due to our volcanic environment, we recommend quarterly sediment filter changes, annual liner inspections, and pH checks. Our team can assist you with maintaining your system through ongoing support visits.
The Pacific Blue Catchment Difference
When you choose Pacific Blue Catchment, you’re partnering with a local team that understands Hawai‘i’s land, weather, and community values. We specialize in building durable, dependable systems designed for real life on the Big Island — not off-the-shelf solutions from somewhere else.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We install only genuine Pioneer Water Tanks, engineered for strength and certified for safety.
- Our service is grounded in the island — we’re here before, during, and after installation.
- Every system is tailored to Big Island microclimates, from hot and dry makai to misty mauka lots.
You can trust that what we say, we do. Every tank we install reflects thoughtful planning, proven materials, and a commitment to care that comes from living where we work.
