Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026 – Hawai‘i Pacific Health
Local Health System Receives Prestigious Workplace Engagement Award
Health care isn’t a one-person job. From a routine checkup at the doctor’s office to an unexpected visit to the emergency room, it takes a team to provide the highest-quality care to a patient. And when you consider all the other aspects of health care that indirectly impact patients – information technology, human resources, maintenance, security and so much more – it becomes evident just how essential teamwork is.
Fostering a collaborative team environment has always been a priority at Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH). In 2026, HPH was named a recipient of the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, which recognizes organizations that take the initiative to create a culture where employees feel valued, heard and empowered to perform.
In 2026, there were 78 organizations worldwide that received the Exceptional Workplace Award. Of those, HPH was one of only 10 health systems, and the only one in Hawaiʻi, to be honored. This isn’t the first time the local health system has made the list. In fact, this is the ninth time HPH has earned this distinction.
These exceptional workplaces have employment engagement rates that are eight times higher than the national average and 12 times the global average, according to Gallup.
“When employees are engaged, patients and families feel the difference,” said Owen McDonough, HPH director of human resources strategies and organizational effectiveness. “Highly engaged team members bring energy, innovation and pride to their work. They elevate the experience for their colleagues and every patient we care for. Research continues to show that engaged teams contribute to better outcomes, stronger safety performance and a more positive care environment.”
HPH has more than 7,500 employees across its four medical centers – Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Benioff Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center – as well as its clinics throughout Hawaiʻi.
“This honor belongs to all of our employees,” said Ray Vara, HPH president & CEO. “Across our medical centers, clinics and offices, their professionalism, compassion and teamwork are what make Hawaiʻi Pacific Health a place where people can do meaningful work in service to our communities.”
