Hale ʻĀnuenue celebrates 30 years of rehab, long-term care for seniors in Hilo

At the Hale ʻĀnuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo on Tuesday, photographs from 1996 to 2026 decorated the front lobby.

A band of current and retired employees played Hawaiian music throughout the morning and Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang, danced before a lunch buffet.

It was all part of the 30th anniversary, attended by associates, residents, community partners and family members.

“A 30-year anniversary is the pearl anniversary, which I found to be perfect,” Executive Director Donna Okinaka said. “Pearl is cultivated over time and is strong and resilient.

“Hale ʻĀnuenue has weathered many storms — earthquakes, lava and of course in health care, the COVID-19 pandemic. It was important for me to host this celebration as a way to commemorate years of relationships with kūpuna and families we’ve been able to help.”

In Hawaiian culture, the ānuenue (rainbow) is revered as a celestial bridge and a positive omen, and in Hilo, Hale ʻĀnuenue has served as the final home for residents, as well as a place that offers short-term rehabilitation and post-operative care to seniors.

The nursing home, a Life Care Centers of America facility, is located across the street from the Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

Hale ʻĀnuenue is currently home for 91 residents, who are either in short-term recovery or long-term care. They all receive 24/7 care, including skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s and dementia care; rehabilitation options for physical, occupational and speech therapies; and amenities, such as a daily activity schedule, flexible visiting hours and education programs.

In 2023, Okinaka became the fourth executive director of Hale ʻĀnuenue. One reason she knew she wanted the job was due to the longevity of many of its employees.

They included five employees who have been working at Hale ʻĀnuenue since it opened in 1996 were recognized at the anniversary celebration for their loyalty and dedication.

They include Lovette Crowley, director of social services. For the former social worker, there was never any reason to leave.

“We always call it a home away from home for the families of our residents because we want them to know we mālama their kūpuna. Truly, it has become my home, too,” Crowley said. “I love, love, love it. I love the associates and the residents, and the best part of the job is giving that emotional support to them.”

Another 20 or so employees have been at Hale ʻĀnuenue around the 25-year mark.

“In health care, there is usually so much turnover,” Okinaka said. “This job is not an easy one, so that fact really shows you how strong the team is, but also how rewarding this job can be.”

As the director of social services, Crowley helps connect both short-term and long-term residents to support services in the community and make referrals to help keep residents healthy and safe.

“It never feels like I’m doing this job alone,” Crowley said. “We all help each other as a team and support each other when we need it.

“Donna has also made sure to recognize us in new ways and to make us all feel seen within the work that we do. It is a special place to work and I feel so lucky that this has been my job for 30 years.”

Okinaka said when she became executive director “there was a family culture already present, so I decided to have an employee recognition program with monthly and yearly awards for our associates. We are also looking at other continued opportunities for our employees in the future.”

Hale ʻĀnuenue offers educational opportunities to its certified nursing assistants, who can work while also completing a licensed practical nursing program. By 2028, Okinaka plans to offer a residential nursing program to its licensed practical nurses.

For residents, the care center’s new activities director, Stacyn Sakuma, is planning more fun and creative events and activities for their calendars.

“They love their regular activities like game and movie nights, but nothing beats live entertainment when we are able to bring in a band, hālau or children’s choir,” Sakuma said. “I plan on having more holiday and family events where residents can dress up and enjoy some live music, or something new.”

Recently, more active residents have been able to plant some flowers and herbs in the new courtyard garden and enjoy the koi that were added last Saturday to the koi pond.

During Tuesday’s event, Erin Samura, an executive assistant with the Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda, shared her own experiences with the care center before presenting a proclamation on behalf of the mayor.

“This is a place of hope, healing, brighter futures. Both of my grandmas had the best care here, even through COVID,” Samura said. “Aunty Shelly would be playing ʻukulele. We were able to visit regularly. Residents were making crafts, and the staff here had so much ʻalohaʻ for my grandparents, even when my grandma tried to check herself out.

“Being here brings back fond memories of spending time with them.”

Samura, on behalf of Alameda, proclaimed Tuesday, April 21, 2026, as Hale ʻĀnuenue Day in recognition of the 30th anniversary and for its devotion to the health and well-being of the community.

In November, U.S. News & World Report listed Hale ʻĀnuenue in its 2026 Best Nursing Homes list for its long-term care and short-term rehabilitation.

According to Okinaka, Hale ʻĀnuenue does have space and those interested are welcome to schedule a tour of the facility to learn more about its options for care. The care center also is hiring for various positions.

To learn more, visit the Hale ʻĀnuenue Restorative Care Center website.