Moving to Maui? Here’s What You Need to Know About Healthcare
If you’re planning a move to Maui or have recently relocated, understanding the Maui healthcare system is a key step toward feeling at home. From emergency services at Maui Memorial Medical Center to local urgent care and concierge medicine, to the island’s primary insurance options, this guide covers everything you need to navigate care on the island with confidence.
Maui Memorial Medical Center: The Island’s Primary Hospital
Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC), located in Wailuku, is the island’s largest medical facility. It operates as a Level III Trauma Center and Primary Stroke Center, offering:
- 24/7 emergency and trauma care
- Orthopedic, neurosurgical, and cardiothoracic services
- Coordination with regional clinics for follow-up treatment
With over 50,000 ER visits annually, MMMC is the hospital most Maui residents rely on for serious emergencies and specialized care.
Urgent Care & Regional Hospitals on Maui
For non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, Maui offers several urgent care clinics and a smaller hospital:
- Kula Hospital (Upcountry Maui): Minor emergencies and shorter wait times
- Urgent Care Clinics:
- Minit Medical (Kahului, Kihei, Ka’anapali)
- Doctors on Call (Honokowai, Wailea)
- Modo (Wailea and in-person visits)
- Kaiser Maui Lani (Kaiser Members Only)
- Maui Medical Group (Wailuku)
- Hana Health (Hana on-call services)
These clinics provide same-day treatment for flu and other bugs, infections, minor injuries, and more. Many have extended hours, including weekends. It is worth verifying which clinics take which insurance providers.
Health Insurance Options on Maui
While it is good to know emergency and urgent care options on Maui, it is critical to know your options for general medical care. That will be mainly dictated by who you choose as your insurance provider.
- Kaiser Permanente is the largest insurer on Maui. It is an HMO as opposed to a PPO. Kaiser’s main facilities are in Wailuku, but they also have offices in Kihei and Ka’anapali. For some types of specialty care, Kaiser patients may need to fly to a Kaiser location on Oahu.
- HMSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii) is more of a PPO plan. A number of large medical offices on the island, such as Maui Medical Group, take HMSA.
- AlohaCare is a health plan solely dedicated to serving those eligible for Hawai`i’s QUEST (Medicaid) and Medicare program.
- HMAA is an employer-provided health insurance plan. If you are relocating for work, this is one of the options your employer may give you.
It is worth taking some time to research your healthcare options. A critical question would be whether you prefer an HMO or a PPO. If you need specialized care, it is worth looking into the availability of doctors in those specialties via Kaiser and HMSA.
Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care Options
For personalized medical care and shorter wait times, some Maui residents choose concierge or direct primary care. Some options include:
- Modo, short for mobile doctor, offers concierge medicine both in their Wailea facility and the privacy of your home. They offer individual and group plans for concierge medicine.
- Makena Health offers concierge medicine services, including longevity medicine, available out of their Wailea office or via house call.
- Ola Loa Family Practice is a mobile practice that mixes traditional medicine with herabilsm and other wellness practices.
These practices typically offer longer visits, 24/7 messaging, and preventive care services not covered by standard insurance. As mentioned above, house calls may also be an option for patients with these services.
Pacific Cancer Institute: Advanced Oncology on Maui
Located in Wailuku near MMMC, the Pacific Cancer Institute (PCI) provides cutting-edge cancer treatment with a personal touch. Services include:
- Precision radiation therapy (TrueBeam STx, IMRT, SBRT, SRS)
- Dedicated radiation oncology team
- Seamless coordination with local doctors and MMMC
- Support services through the Pacific Cancer Foundation (transport, wellness programs, financial aid)
For many residents, PCI means they can receive high-quality cancer care without needing to travel to Oʻahu or the mainland.
When You Might Need to Go Off-Island for Medical Care
While Maui’s facilities cover most medical needs, some highly specialized services still require travel:
- Pediatric intensive care (no dedicated PICU on Maui)
- Complex surgeries not performed locally
- Advanced chemotherapy or radiation therapies unavailable on-island
- Specialized mental health or addiction programs
If you have chronic or complex health conditions, review your insurance plan’s off-island coverage. Some plans include reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses associated with medically necessary care.
Healthcare Planning Tips for Maui Residents
Here are a few smart ways to stay prepared:
- Map out emergency care near your home
- Confirm insurance compatibility early—don’t wait until it’s urgent
- Explore concierge options if you value access and continuity
- Plan for off-island care if you or a family member may need specialty treatment
FAQs About Maui Healthcare
Does Maui Memorial accept my insurance?
Yes—MMMC accepts most major insurance providers and won’t turn away patients. Elective care may require prior authorization.
Is pediatric ICU care available on Maui?
No. For critical pediatric cases, patients are typically transported to Oʻahu.
Are urgent care clinics open on weekends?
Yes—many urgent care clinics on Maui have weekend and evening hours. Always call ahead or check online.
Improvements and Challenges with Maui Healthcare
There was once a saying for Maui residents: if you are feeling pain, get on a plane. It’s safe to say that Maui Healthcare has improved significantly since that time. Important enhancements include the Pacific Cancer Institute, improved cardiac care, and the recent designation of the hospital as a level III trauma center. There are also very talented specialists who live and work on Maui.
That said, we are a relatively small island, so we won’t have the full breadth of specialists found in a major urban area. It is under those circumstances where getting on a plane may be necessary for appropriate care.
We strive to provide our clients with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of island living. With that in mind, we would like to highlight a few challenges with the healthcare system. Wait times to see a specialist care can be longer. If you opt to use Kaiser for insurance, you also have the added layer of getting a referral from your primary care doctor.
It is also worth noting that more remote parts of the island are located further from healthcare resources. East Maui just has Hana Health. Many Hana residents make the trek on Hana Highway to Central Maui and a broader range of specialty care. If you are used to rural healthcare options, this may not come as a surprise. However, it may not be something that immediately comes to mind if you are considering making the move from a more urban or suburban environment, where healthcare options and resources are more abundant.
Healthcare Access and Home Buying on Maui
Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or lifestyle, healthcare is an essential part of choosing where to live. If access and convenience to Maui healthcare resources are an important facet to your home search, we are happy to help identify communities closer to the medical resources you need. Similarly, we regularly assist healthcare professionals with their search for a home on Maui. If you are accepting a position that requires you to be on call or within a certain range of the hospital, we can guide you through your options.
