Traditional healing meets modern healthcare: expanding access for Hawaii's Waianae Coast

The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) needed to transform an aging facility into a modern medical center serving a community where over 60 percent of residents live below the poverty level. The project required thoughtful integration of traditional Hawaiian healing practices with contemporary healthcare delivery while addressing significant space constraints and operational limitations. The existing facility struggled to accommodate growing patient volumes and couldn't effectively support the center's unique approach of combining native healing methods with modern medical care.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the challenge involved creating a healthcare environment that would honor and incorporate the community's cultural heritage. The design needed to improve accessibility, foster a welcoming atmosphere and reflect local healing traditions while meeting modern healthcare standards. Additionally, the project had to be completed in phases to maintain continuous operations, requiring careful planning and coordination to minimize disruption to essential medical services.

Our team developed a phased implementation approach, delivering three interconnected buildings between 2010 and 2016 while maintaining continuous operations. Working closely with the Kupuna Council and WCCHC leadership, we created a design that physically embodies Hawaiian healing traditions through thoughtful architectural elements. 

The development began with a 20,000-square-foot Family Medical Clinic housing pediatric services, women's health facilities and clinical training rooms. This was followed by a 22,494-square-foot Adult Medical Services building promoting native Hawaiian healing methods. The final phase delivered a 22,000-square-foot Emergency Department with state-of-the-art radiology facilities and dental clinic. 

Our design incorporates meaningful cultural elements throughout. Wave-patterned glass represents water's integration with land, while purple accents draw inspiration from the medicinal Popolo berry. Sloping roofs reduce visual mass from the highway while respecting the pu'u (peak) setting. Large glass walls and strategic orientation connect mountain and ocean views, reflecting the community's holistic approach to healing through nature.

The expanded WCCHC has transformed healthcare delivery on Oahu's west coast, providing comprehensive medical services regardless of patients' ability to pay. The center handles one of Hawaii's highest emergency patient volumes while offering integrated adult medical services, family practice, pediatric care, women's health services and dental care under one roof. 

The culturally sensitive design has fostered strong community engagement and pride in the facility. By thoughtfully blending traditional healing practices with modern medicine, the center has created an environment where native Hawaiian healing traditions thrive alongside contemporary healthcare delivery. The project's success was recognized with a 2014 National Association of Industrial and Office Properties Grand Award.