Kaʻū Hospital expands to ensure more access to services for rural community

A $9 million expansion project will modernize and upgrade Kaʻū Hospital and its East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic by mid-2026.

Staff, hospital leadership, legislators and community members attended a groundbreaking celebration for the expansion project, which included a blessing by Kaʻū’s Kūpuna Ke, on Wednesday.

“This infrastructure upgrade is vital to maintaining and expanding our rural Kaʻū hospital,” said state Rep. Jeanné Kapela during the celebration. “I’ve heard from so many constituents about the need for dialysis treatment options here in Kaʻū. This upgrade is the first step in potentially being able to provide dialysis so we can provide the best possible care in our community.” 

Kaʻū Hospital was built in 1971 and replaced the last of this island’s sugar plantation hospitals.

The 21-bed hospital provides a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient medical and rehabilitation care, long-term care, X-ray and lab services, in addition to having a family practice rural health clinic.

In 2001, the Kaʻu Hospital was certified as a critical access hospital — a federal designation given to small hospitals that provide essential emergency and acute care services in remote areas.

The hospital and rural health clinic are also part of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp., a public entity established by the state of Hawai‘i to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown health care.

“During my visits to Kaʻū Hospital it became clear just how vital this capital improvement project is to ensuring quality access to medical services for the Kaʻū community,” said state Sen. Dru Kanuha. “I’m excited that these funds will enable Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. to expand and modernize the hospital, and look forward to working with the [Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.] to create opportunities for improved care for our local residents.”

The expansion project will add 5 exam rooms to the existing 4 in the primary care and behavioral health clinic, relocate and update the laboratory, relocate administration and business offices, upgrade wastewater infrastructure and update the clinic’s interior.

“As an advocate of the community, I think any services that can be expanded is an asset to our people,” said Aunty Jessie Marques, executive director of Kaʻū Rural Health Association. “It was nice to see all of the elected officials and the staff and representatives of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. come together to celebrate.

“It was a good day to fulfill our mission to continue networking and advocating for the people of Kaʻū.”