Hawai'i Habitat for Humanity will hold its third annual "Build-a-Thon" tomorrow, bringing together 700 volunteers statewide to raise money and build homes for people in need.

The event is Hawai'i Habitat for Humanity's major fundraiser of the year, with 18 build sites across the state.

Activities will take place in Honolulu, Leeward O'ahu and Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and on Maui, Kaua'i and Moloka'i.

"It's like the charity walk to raise money and build," said Howie Kihune of the Maui Habitat for Humanity, which expects more than 200 volunteers to help.

For the first time, Honolulu Habitat for Hawai'i will hold a 24-hour event, beginning at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow to complete the Kamaiopili house in Waimanalo. Also, a one-mile fundraising walk for Habitat supporters starting from Waimanalo Beach Park tomorrow morning will travel past six completed Habitat build sites and one in progress.

Volunteers will be able to talk with Habitat families along the way and "just see what we're doing in the community," said Melanie Kincaid, fund development director of Honolulu Habitat for Hawai'i. Registration for the Building Communities Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a suggested donation of $25.

"We just really want people to come out and support and learn about what we're doing," Kincaid said.

In Maui, the event will be from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will gather at four job sites in the Waiohuli subdivision and work alongside Habitat homeowners.

In 2005, the Build-a-Thon raised more than $120,000 and included 500 participants across the state. This year, Build-a-Thon organizers hope to generate nearly $250,000 through sponsorships and fundraising.

"We're still looking for volunteers," Kihune said from Maui.

Honolulu Habitat is looking for more builders as well.

"We're looking for our late-night building shifts, the 2:30-8:30 in the morning," Kincaid said. "We'll have lots of coffee and free T-shirts."

Habitat for Humanity builds homes through partnerships with homeowners, who are required to complete 500 hours of volunteer time. Since coming to Hawai'i in 1988, Habitat for Humanity has built approximately 200 homes in the state and currently has 30 building projects.