Community First: Fostering Collaboration for a Healthier Hawai'i Island

·3 min read

The Third Annual Hawai'i Island Healthcare Conference, held at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, brought together hundreds of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and partners to address critical health challenges and build a collaborative future for Hawai'i Island. The conference, founded on the principles of 'aloha' and mutual support, is vital to fostering a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

Diverse group of professionals in a business meeting wearing masks for safety.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Hawai'i Island recently hosted its Third Annual Healthcare Conference at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, a gathering that underscored the critical importance of collaboration and community in shaping the future of healthcare. More than 380 healthcare professionals, community partners, and leaders converged on October 2-3, 2025, demonstrating a shared commitment to building a healthier future for the island, guided by the spirit of 'aloha'.

The conference provided a platform for crucial discussions and the exchange of ideas among key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Such gatherings are vital, as Community First Hawaiʻi, a non-profit organization, aims to serve as a neutral forum to connect the community and spark solutions to enhance health and access to care. This mirrors the conference's goal of bringing people together to collectively address complex health issues within the unique context of Hawai'i Island.

Key themes likely centered around improving healthcare access and equity on Hawai'i Island. A report by Big Island health care reveals that long-term, cross-sector coordination is key to addressing these challenges, suggesting that the conference focused on how to improve communication and coordination. The Regional Health Partnership, another initiative, demonstrates the need to build bridges between island leaders.

Further, Community First, as an example of a driving force within the healthcare network, recognizes the importance of shifting from reactive to proactive healthcare models. The annual conference continues these efforts, providing the opportunity for collaboration across the health sectors. The event's success serves as an indicator of the community's dedication to improving the health and well-being of all island residents, and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

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