• Kohala Hospital Blesses New Administration Building, Creating More Space for Patient Care

    November 09, 2026
    KAPAʻAU — West Hawaii Region (WHR) of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation held a blessing ceremony today for the recently completed administration building at Kohala Hospital (KOH). The new building provides a dedicated space for administrative operations, freeing up space in the main hospital for patient care and future expansion of services.

    “The new admin building is an example of the region’s plans for growth and commitment to providing much-needed specialty care for patients,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of WHR. “We are grateful for the support of our area legislatures and partners, who recognize the need patients, staff and our community face in accessing care in rural areas like Kohala.”

    Kohala Hospital received $3.9 million in state funds for the new administration building. The build includes a registration window for patients, conference rooms for regional meetings, and offices for the hospital’s administration. The space these rooms and offices previously occupied in the main hospital can now be reallocated to patient care. Since the hospital was built in 1962, the admin building is the first addition to the hospital’s campus.

    The main hospital’s former administration offices will be retrofitted to include a dedicated family admission area. Admission to KOH’s skilled nursing care can involve family meetings, which previously took place outdoors without privacy. The new area will give residents and their loved ones a private, comfortable space for those discussions.

    In addition to WHR leadership, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and Sen. Tim Richards attended today’s blessing ceremony at KOH Hospital. 

    “From their first to last breath, West Hawai‘i families have long relied on the care and healing they receive at Kohala Hospital,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “These patient centered improvements are critical investments that ensure our residents don't need to travel far from home to get the healthcare they need, and we must continue to support additional resources and increased reimbursements to keep our hospital doors open.”

    “Kohala Hospital has served this community for generations, and this building helps make sure it can continue to do so,” said Sen. Richards. “More space for patients and families means healthier families in North Kohala.”

    To learn more about WHR, its hospitals, clinics and services visit westhawaiiregion.org. 

    ABOUT WEST HAWAII REGION
    The West Hawaii Region comprises Kona Community Hospital, Kohala Hospital and Kona Health. The region is dedicated to providing a healing environment to all the people of Hawaiʻi and delivering quality, accessible care that leads to optimal health. Both hospitals offer 24-hour emergency services and are members of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawaiʻi to fulfill the promise of providing quality, hometown healthcare.