Moanalua Medical Center celebrates 40 years of excellence in health care

HONOLULU - Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii marked the 40th anniversary of its Moanalua Medical Center on Monday, September 29. A special celebration and official proclamation from state Senator Donna Mercado Kim, House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, Honolulu City Councilmember Radiant Cordero, and Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, honored the hospital's decades of service, innovation, and leadership in patient-centered care.

Since opening in 1985, Moanalua Medical Center has grown into a nationally recognized acute care facility serving more than 270,000 members across the islands. With this anniversary, the hospital and its caregivers reflect on four decades of care delivery, health equity, and community impact across Hawaii.

The hospital has earned numerous accolades, including national recognition from the Women's Choice Award^®, accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and honors from the American Heart Association. In 2025, 296 Kaiser Permanente physicians in Hawaii were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors - ranking the organization No. 1 in Hawaii for Top Doctors, Primary Care, and Heart & Vascular Care.

"The hospital has truly modernized over the years, not just in technology, but in its depth and breadth of expertise," said Zamir Moen, MD, assistant area medical director, hospital specialties, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. "We've brought in more specialists, more subject matter experts, and that has elevated the level of care our patients receive across the board."

"We have a saying at Kaiser Permanente: We care for Hawaii's people like family," said Sam Balukoff, vice president and hospital administrator at Moanalua Medical Center. "That spirit of aloha is more than a motto. You feel it when you walk through our units, talk to our nurses and doctors, or speak with the cooks and environmental services teams. It's who we are."

Over the past four decades, Moanalua Medical Center has evolved to meet the needs of Hawaii's growing and diverse population. From increasing its clinical capacity to creating welcoming healing spaces, the hospital has continually redefined what it means to deliver whole-person care.

"The next decade is full of promise," said Andrew Giles, MBA, FACHE, chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii. "We're embarking on a large infrastructure master plan to modernize and upgrade critical systems across the campus, while also enhancing clinical spaces with the latest technology and equipment to better serve our members and equip our care teams."

"In 2026, Kaiser Permanente will break ground on a new, state-of-the-art center for oncology services at Moanalua Medical Center," shared Lynne Grieco, MD, assistant area medical director and professional chief of medical staff, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. "This center will bring together consultations, infusion treatments, and support services in one convenient location - streamlining the care experience for our members."

Looking ahead, Kaiser Permanente continues to invest in the future of health care in Hawaii. In 2024, the organization invested $38 million in community health to expand access to care, improve affordable housing, develop the local health care workforce, and increase food security. It has also contributed more than $8.7 million toward Maui's recovery and partnered with local nonprofits addressing social determinants of health.

Moanalua Medical Center's legacy is rooted in a commitment to integrated, team-based, culturally respectful care that puts patients at the center. As it celebrates 40 years of healing, Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii remains focused on building a healthier future for all - through innovation, compassion, and service to our communities.