Mission and History

‘Ahahui o nā Kauka, the Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians, is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1998.

Long a dream for a handful of Hawaiian physicians, the commitment to create ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka was made at Ka ‘Uhane Lōkahi, the Native Hawaiian Health and Wellness Summit held in Honolulu in March 1998. Twenty-two Hawaiian doctors attended a continuing medical education session where presentations were heard, thoughts and ideas were exchanged, and bonds were formed. There was consensus among the attendees that Hawaiian physicians need to organize and actively participate in efforts to improve the health and wellness of Native Hawaiian people.

Recognizing the movements of other minority physician groups that have been able to address the health and wellness needs of their people, ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka was formed to provide an avenue for Hawaiian physicians to improve the health and wellness of Kānaka Maoli. Allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) physicians of Native Hawaiian ancestry are eligible for Active membership, and indeed, constitute the core of ‘Ahahui. Non-Hawaiian physicians who share interest in the mission and activities of the ‘Ahahui are eligible for Affiliate membership.

The mission of ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka is twofold:
1. To help reverse the alarmingly poor health and wellness status of Native Hawaiians, and then
2. To sustain a healthy, thriving Native Hawaiian population.

Our Goal is to engage in a wide range of educational, scientific and charitable activities geared toward promoting superior health care services for all Native Hawaiians.

‘Ahahui will not duplicate the efforts of other agencies and organizations that are already working on Native Hawaiian Health Care issues. The intentions are to increase physician involvement in current efforts, collaborate with existing groups to achieve mutual goals, and initiate new projects, as necessary.