Healing the People

By Allison Young and David Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Hoʻōla Lāhui

Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi is one of five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems in the state, serving the people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Its roots go back to the 1980s, when the E Ola Mau – Native Hawaiian Health Needs Assessment was conducted through door-to-door visits across Hawaiʻi. One of the key outcomes of the assessment was the creation of Hoʻōla Lāhui, with a mission to strengthen preventative health care for Native Hawaiians and their families. 

Since opening in 1986 as an independent nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center, Hoʻōla Lāhui has grown to include a site in Līhuʻe, one at the Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital medical office building in Waimea and one at the Kapaʻa clinic at the Mahelona campus.  

The organization offers a wide range of services, including: 

• Primary medical care
• Dental care
• Behavioral health and substance abuse counseling
• Health promotion and education
• Chronic disease management
• Nutritional counseling
• Fitness classes
• Outreach and case management
• Pharmacy services 

To expand access to care, Hoʻōla Lāhui recently added two mobile clinics that travel to communities around the island. Residents can view the schedule, complete forms and make appointments online. These mobile units are not urgent care centers. They are designed to support long-term health and wellness through regular primary care. 

A unique aspect of Hoʻōla Lāhui is its commitment to integrating traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices with modern medicine. Alongside primary care, the organization offers traditional healing services, such as lāʻau lapaʻau (plant-based medicine), lomilomi (massage therapy), hoʻoponopono (family and spiritual healing), and nutritional guidance rooted in traditional Hawaiian foods and plant-based diets. Referrals can be made through Hoʻōla Lāhui. 

Cultural awareness and community connection are central to Hoʻōla Lāhui’s approach. The organization employs three full-time community health workers, who help individuals and families access both medical and social support—such as health insurance, housing, food and counseling. 

“We offer services to anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of race or ethnicity,” says CEO David Peters, who has led the organization for 28 years. “We focus especially on helping those with the greatest need—families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level.”  

Hoʻōla Lāhui accepts Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance, and provides discounted fees on a sliding scale for those without insurance. 

With nearly 30% of Kauaʻi residents on Medicaid, David says housing and food insecurity remain major challenges for many local families.  

“Many of the people we serve have multiple chronic health conditions and limited financial resources,” he says.  

Dental care—especially restorative work such as crowns, dentures, fillings and extractions—remains one of the most in-demand services. 

Thanks to federal grants and strong partnerships with local organizations, including the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hoʻōla Lāhui continues to fulfill its mission of healing the people through accessible, culturally grounded care. 

For the mobile clinic schedule and more information about Hoʻola Lāhui, visit hoolalahui.org or call 808.240.0100. Follow Hoʻōla Lāhui’s social media pages on Instagram @hoolalahui or Facebook @HoolaLahuiHI.

Staff gather at a retreat in October 2024. Bottom row, from left, Data/IT Coordinator Yvonne Hosaka, Human Resources Director Julie Ashby, Director of Administrative Services Kim Ross and Executive Assistant Sandra Remata. Top row, from left, Chief of Staff Ikaika Perreira, Social Media Specialist Bryden Kahawai and CEO David Peters. 

Certified Fitness Instructor Kureen Medeiros and CEO David Peters at the staff retreat.

Hoʻōla Lāhui recently added two mobile clinics that travel to communities around the island. 

Top: Līhu‘e staff honor longtime social worker Hank Granda during his retirement celebration in March 2025.