KTA Super Stores opens first stand-alone pharmacy in heart of Hilo

KTA Super Stores pharmacy patients in Hilo and the surrounding communities in East Hawaiʻi now have a new location they can fill prescriptions and speak with a pharmacist — or even grab a quick grab-and-go meal for lunch — with the Big Island locally owned family grocery chain opening its first stand-alone pharmacy.

KTA Pharmacy Ponahawai, located at 670 Ponahawai Street, Suite 211, combines a full-service pharmacy with a modern convenience store.

It offers a wide range of pharmacy services such as prescriptions, vaccines and wellness resources, enhancing the community’s health care access.

The 1,200-square-foot newly renovated location is housed in the Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Center at the corner of Ponahawai and Komohana streets.

“Our local community’s health has always been a cornerstone of KTA’s mission,” said KTA Super Stores Director of Pharmacy Operations Megan Arbles. “KTA Pharmacy Ponahawai expands on that legacy by offering not only essential pharmacy services but also a space to promote healthy living through education and local collaboration.”

The array of services provided include:

• Medication synchronization, prescription transfers and immunizations.
• Diabetes prevention and self-management classes.
• Pharmacy mobile app for prescription refills and direct messaging with pharmacy staff.
• Fresh grab-and-go meals and grocery items supplied daily by local food vendors such as Honda Foods, Oy’s Thai Food, Hanatako and Oshiro Tofu.
• Convenient access to health and beauty products, beverages, and snacks.

Strategically situated within the medical hub that is Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Center, the pharmacy is surrounded by primary care provider offices, laboratory services and a radiology clinic.

The location provides convenience for patients who can now address their health care and daily needs all in one trip.

“With the addition of a stand-alone pharmacy, we can further support the health and well-being of our Hilo community by making health care services more accessible,” added Arbles.

KTA Pharmacy Ponahawai is led by Necole Miyazaki, a seasoned pharmacist with more than a decade of experience at KTA, starting as a pharmacy intern in 2013.

Miyazaki quickly rose through the ranks to become manager at KTA’s Waikōloa Pharmacy, where she served for the past 4 years.

She has championed numerous vaccination outreach programs and successfully navigated operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership at KTA Pharmacy Ponahawai reflects a commitment to delivering innovative, community-focused care.

“I’m honored to lead KTA Pharmacy Ponahawai as we bring a unique combination of pharmacy and convenience services to our Hilo community,” said Miyazaki. “Our team is excited to provide a space where health and wellness meet convenience, backed by the trusted service KTA is known for.”

The pharmacy is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the convenience store open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Appointments for services such as flu shots and wellness consultations can be easily booked through the KTA Pharmacy app, which is availabe on Google Play and the Apple Store.

KTA Super Stores also operates four in-store pharmacies around the Big Island at its Pūʻainakō location in Hilo as well as at its Waimea, Keauhou and Waikōloa locations.