Kuakini Opens Breast Health Institute in Honolulu
The new institute at Kuakini Medical Plaza brings breast cancer screening, treatment and monitoring together in one location.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Cancer
Kuakini Health System opened the Kuakini Breast Health Institute at Kuakini Medical Plaza on November 2, 2026. The institute offers specialized screenings, diagnosis, surgery, treatment and monitoring for breast cancer patients.
Why it matters
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Hawaii, and Native Hawaiian women have the highest incidence rate among the groups studied. The institute aims to consolidate breast cancer services so patients can move through care more easily.
Native Hawaiian women's breast cancer incidence rate is 27% higher than that of white women, the largest gap among the groups studied. Survival rates for breast cancer are increasing, but the source does not specify the figures behind that trend.
The players
Kuakini Health System
Kuakini Health System is a Honolulu-based health provider that operates Kuakini Medical Plaza and now the new breast health institute.
Ashley Marumoto
Ashley Marumoto is a breast surgical oncologist who serves as medical director of the institute, having completed a fellowship at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
The details
The institute is overseen by breast surgical oncologist Dr. Ashley Marumoto as medical director, and a patient navigator guides patients through treatment. It also offers genetic testing, and breast cancer care is coordinated across surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist through a breast program model.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Kuakini Breast Health Institute opens at Kuakini Medical Plaza.
Cancer Care Trend
The institute's breast program model, which coordinates surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist, reflects the multidisciplinary approach used across Hawaii's cancer centers. It also aims to extend access to neighbor isles, where specialized breast care is limited.
Patients in Honolulu can now receive breast cancer screening, diagnosis, surgery, treatment and monitoring in one location at Kuakini Medical Plaza. A patient navigator and genetic testing are available to help guide care.
The takeaway
Women in Hawaii, especially Native Hawaiian women, should be aware that breast cancer rates are higher in this group and that consolidated screening and navigation services are now available in Honolulu. Discussing genetic testing and screening schedules with a provider can help inform individual care decisions.
Further reading
Explore more on Cancer coverage across Hawaii.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Honolulu Star Advertiser.
