NORTH HAWAII HOSPICE, INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 65-1328 KAWAIHAE ROAD
KAMUELA, HI 96743 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 6, 1992
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
CMS scores as of May 2026. Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 10 |
19
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what NORTH HAWAII HOSPICE, INC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- Type of inpatient care
- General inpatient care (for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed elsewhere)
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how NORTH HAWAII HOSPICE, INC compares to hospices nationwide.
14.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 72nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
16
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
How this hospice compares nationally
Bars show national standing on measures from the CMS Hospice Care Index. A fuller bar means this hospice does better than more of the hospices CMS tracks.
- Nurse care minutes per home care day14.5 min
Ranks better than about 72% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The average minutes of nursing care per day for patients getting routine care at home, based on Medicare claims. More nurse time usually means more hands-on support.
- Skilled nursing on weekends5.6%
Ranks better than about 21% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of skilled nursing time delivered on Saturdays and Sundays. Symptoms do not wait for weekdays, so weekend coverage matters.
- Nurse visits in the last days of life85%
Ranks better than about 20% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who got nurse visits in their final days of life. This is when families tend to need the most support.
- Gaps in nursing visits48.6%
Ranks better than about 56% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
How often patients went more than a week without a nursing visit. Fewer gaps mean steadier attention.
- Patients discharged alive early in care7.7%
Ranks better than about 41% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice alive within the first week of care. A rate of 0% means it did not happen to any of their patients.
- Patients discharged alive after 6 months30.8%
Ranks better than about 66% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients discharged alive after six months or more in hospice care.
- Hospital transfers near the end of care3.8%
Ranks better than about 68% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, spent time in the hospital, then came back to hospice.
- Hospital stays that interrupt hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, went to the hospital, and died there soon after.
- Days at higher levels of care (CHC or GIP)52nd percentile
What this measures
The share of care days delivered at higher levels, such as continuous home care or inpatient care. Shown only as a national rank because small percentages round to zero.
- Medicare spending per patient$9,665 · 9th percentile
What this measures
What Medicare paid per patient for this hospice's care. Higher or lower spending is not a quality judgment by itself.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 50.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.1%
- Pain assessment90.2%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life50.7%
- All care steps completed93.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer32%
- Dementia17%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Kamuela
North Hawaii Hospice, Inc. serves the Kamuela, Hawaii community with dedicated end-of-life support. Located at 65-1328 Kawaihae Road, this provider focuses on comfort and dignity for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. They work to manage pain and provide emotional support for the entire family. It is a local resource for those needing specialized care in Hawaii County. Finding the right team makes a big difference during this sensitive time. Their presence in the community helps families stay close to home while getting the medical help they need. The staff understands the unique needs of people living on the Big Island. They aim to provide peace of mind through every step of the journey.
About North Hawaii Hospice, Inc.
North Hawaii Hospice, Inc. has been Medicare certified since August 6, 1992. This long history shows a commitment to serving their neighbors for over three decades. The agency operates as a for-profit provider. That said, the most important thing for families is the quality of care provided. Their longevity in the Medicare program reflects a steady history of meeting federal standards. Families should know that Medicare covers hospice services completely for those who qualify. This includes nursing care, medications, and medical equipment. Dealing with paperwork is the last thing you want to do right now. But knowing your provider is certified means they meet strict rules for safety and care. It gives you one less thing to worry about while you focus on your loved one.
Top-Tier Quality Rating
Understanding Hospice Care in Kamuela
Living in a place as beautiful as Kamuela, people often hope to spend their final days in the comfort of their own home. Hospice care is designed to make that possible. It brings the hospital bed, the nurses, and the supplies directly to your doorstep. The goal is to focus on quality of life rather than a cure for the illness. Most people do not realize that hospice care is not just for the final days. You can start these services months in advance. Getting help early allows the team to build a strong relationship with the family. They provide support for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. It is all about making each day as comfortable and meaningful as it can be. You are never alone when you have the right support system in place.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a care team is a big decision for any family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to find the right fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You want to know they are available 24/7. Second, ask how they help family caregivers manage stress and burnout. It is important that you have support too. Third, ask how they honor the cultural traditions that matter to your family. Finally, find out if they offer volunteer support for errands or companionship. The answers will tell you a lot about how they treat their patients. Don't be afraid to take your time. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns and answers with kindness.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
During this time, the memories and life lessons of your loved ones become even more precious. We can help you capture these stories to share with future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
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Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.