About Waikiki Health:  In 1967, a handful of community members concerned about the growing problem of drug use among Waikiki’s young people decide to take action – They establish the Waikiki Drug Clinic. Their response to an unmet community need becomes the foundation for Waikiki Health (WH), which has been providing quality medical care and social services to vulnerable populations ever since – in Waikiki and across Oahu, with outreach services throughout the State of Hawaii. Today, Waikiki Health is a multi-service, multi-site non-profit agency, which still focuses on meeting community needs, providing more than 37,000 patient visits annually.

1970 – 1980: Our small clinic evolves into a multi-service health center and the name changed from the Waikiki Drug Clinic to Waikiki Health Center.

1981 – 1990: We move to 277 Ohua Avenue and introduce innovative outreach programs –Care-A-Van, Friendly Neighbors and Youth Outreach

• 277 Ohua Avenue is the former living quarters of the Sisters of Saint Augustine. Individual rooms have sinks — perfect for exam rooms!
• Under Dr. Elliot Kalauawa’s leadership, Waikiki Health Center begins offering the most comprehensive care in Hawaii for HIV patients. Two providers, including Dr. Kalauawa, are certified through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
• Waikiki Health Center operates the state’s only 330(h) “Healthcare for the Homeless” Program (Care-A-Van), sub-contracting to several other Hawaii health centers.
• Our network of programs and services continues to expand: In 1986, we begin our Friendly Neighbors Program to assist Waikiki’s older seniors; and in 1989 establish Youth Outreach (YO), providing services and support to homeless teenagers.

1991 – 2010: Marked by new services, Ohua Clinic’s expansion and our upgrade to Electronic Health Records

• Traditional Hawaiian Healing is incorporated into our primary care program.

2011 and Beyond: We begin operating PATH Clinic and Next Step Shelter, re-brand as Waikiki Health, and established our first Dental Clinic

• PATH Clinic provides obstetrics/gynecology, targeting pregnant and parenting women, many with a history of substance abuse; WH introduces primary medical care, pediatrics, a Family Literacy Program and other new services.
• Next Step Shelter, our emergency homeless shelter, helps empower individuals through job training and other support services.
• We begin a Re-branding Campaign – changing our name to “Waikiki Health” – to create greater awareness of all that the agency has to offer.
• To meet the growing demand for our services, we establish Makahiki Medical and Dental Clinic in McCully-Moiliili (opening in early 2014). The new site will house eight exam rooms and seven dental operatories – providing Primary Medical Care, integrated Behavioral Health and Oral Health Services.
• Waikiki Health acquires a Patient Transport Vehicle to shuttle patients among the agency’s growing number of clinics and program locations to increase access to care.
• Waikiki Health institutes a Preventive Health and Utilization Dept. – and a team-based approach to providing care – in line with our moving toward the status of a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). The PCMH model follows standardized, evidence-based guidelines for assuring quality care and improved health outcomes.