Over 125 Years of Caring.
One Future to Protect.
CELEBRATING 125+ YEARS OF CARING
Since 1900, Kuakini has cared for those most in need. Today, more than 80% of our patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid. With your support, we can preserve independent, patient-focused healthcare for generations to come.
WHY KUAKINI MATTERS
More Than a Hospital —
A Community Lifeline
Our Legacy
Founded in 1900 to care for Japanese immigrants, Kuakini now serves all communities across Hawai‘i as the state’s last independently-run hospital.
Our Commitment
85% of our patients are on Medicare or Medicaid. We exist to provide compassionate, culturally grounded care to those who need it most.
Our Future
We’re transforming to ensure sustainability — investing in longevity research, brain health programs, and modern facilities while preserving our independence.
“Caring is Our Tradition. Integrity in Action.
Excellence with Heart & Humility.”
A Mission of Excellence and Quality
Kuakini today continues this broad mission, as well as our affiliation with our Japanese heritage and culture. Over 80% of our patients are on Medicare or Medicaid, and we are widely recognized for the quality of our geriatric, pulmonary, cardiovascular and orthopedic care. Our Biobank repository of more than 60 years of biological samples supported the groundbreaking discovery of the FOX03 gene and the association between caffeine intake and lower Parkinson’s disease risk. In 2026, Kuakini was named one of the top ten hospitals in the United States for cost-efficiency by the Lown Institute.
A Commitment to Independence
Kuakini values the increased choice and wider access it can provide as Hawai‘i’s last independent hospital. We are committed to supporting and growing a network of independent physicians who partner with patients to manage their care effectively and efficiently. And we are actively creating revenue-generating partnerships that focus on specialized, innovative health care that sustains Kuakini and enriches all of Hawai‘i.
OUR TRANSFORMATION
A Destination for Exceptional Care
2026-2028
Strengthen
Rebuild and partner
2028-2030
Transform
Grow and lead in key services
$100M
Endowment Goal by 2030
4-Star
CMS Quality Rating
Top 3
Quality Hospital in Hawai‘i (Forbes)
WAYS TO GIVE
Choose How You Make a Difference
Make a Donation Today to Support Patient Care and Hospital Operations
Every dollar strengthens our mission
Support Kuakini’s mission with a one-time or recurring gift by credit card, check, or phone at 808-547-9296. Your donation directly helps provide compassionate patient care and sustain vital hospital operations for our community. To give by mail or email, download and complete the donation form and send it to kuakinifoundation@kuakini.org or mail it to:
Kuakini Foundation
347 N. Kuakini Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Give Securities
A smart way to maximize your impact
Donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Avoid capital gains taxes while making a significant impact on healthcare in Hawai‘i. Contact us to learn about the tax advantages.
IRA Charitable Rollover
Support Kuakini while managing your retirement smartly
For donors 70½ and older, you can donate up to $100,000 per year from your IRA, tax-free. This qualified charitable distribution counts toward your required minimum distribution.
Planned/Legacy Giving
Your values, preserved for generations
Create a lasting impact by including Kuakini Foundation in your will or trust. Your legacy gift helps preserve compassionate healthcare in Hawai‘i and strengthens Kuakini’s mission for future generations.
Attend Our Events
Celebrate giving with our community
Join us for Kuakini Holiday Trees & Treasures in November at Waikiki. Enjoy a dinner, auction, and entertainment while supporting patient care. A festive way to give back!
Shop at Odds & Ends: A Kuakini Thrift Shop
Every purchase supports patient care
Visit our thrift store at 1703 Liliha Street, Honolulu. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10am-1pm. Find treasures while supporting Kuakini’s mission.
Give Aloha (September)
Foodland matches your donation
During Foodland’s annual Give Aloha program in September, use code 77441 at checkout. Foodland will match a portion of your donation, amplifying your impact.
Ready to Make Your Gift?
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps preserve independent, compassionate healthcare for Hawai‘i.
RECENT IMPACT
Your Generosity at Work
$20M
Operating Room Modernization
A Japanese health system
partnership will renovate our operating rooms with
state-of-the-art technology.
$10M
Imaging Investment
A charitable trust grant is funding new MRI and PET/CT equipment, bringing cutting-edge diagnostics to our community.
$5M+
Philanthropic Support
Generous donors like you have helped us strengthen our financial foundation.
ABOUT US
About Kuakini Foundation
Kuakini Foundation builds community financial support to help Kuakini Health System deliver high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Hawai‘i.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every gift directly supports patient and resident care, medical equipment purchases, facility improvements and community health programs.
Kuakini Medical Center, originally the Japanese Charity Hospital, was established by the Japanese Benevolent Society (JBS) in 1900 and provided care for sick, injured and indigent Japanese immigrants, most of whom were plantation laborers. Plans to build a hospital were expedited as a result of the many Japanese immigrants who were left homeless after the Great Chinatown Fire of 1900. In 1918, aided by a special donation from Emperor Taisho and the Empress of Japan, JBS built a 16-building hospital on its present campus on Kuakini Street. Ties with Japan remained strong, and the Imperial family of Japan supported further expansions.
Through the years, the hospital expanded its services to provide health and medical care for the entire community. After several name changes, the hospital is now known as Kuakini Medical Center.
In 1984, Kuakini Health System was established as the parent company of four nonprofit subsidiaries — Kuakini Medical Center; Kuakini Geriatric Care, Inc.; Kuakini Foundation and Kuakini Support Services.
Foundation Details
Tax ID
99-0225067
501(c)(3) Status
Verified Nonprofit
Address
347 N. Kuakini Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone
808-547-9296
“To be a destination for exceptional care, where innovation, choice and compassion unite to transform healthcare in Hawai‘i.”
— Kuakini Vision
Join Us in Shaping the Next 125 Years
Every act of care, every innovation, every gift strengthens Kuakini’s independence. This is our moment to carry 125 years of caring into the next generation. Will you stand with us?