National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii

The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii (NKFH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hawaii that describes itself as the leading organization striving to eradicate chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the state. It operates as a community health charity rather than a commercial enterprise, delivering free educational programs, practical resources, and community support to individuals and families affected by CKD and related conditions. Its work is organized around prevention, early detection, and long-term disease management, with a particular emphasis on populations in Hawaii that face disproportionately high risk. The organization's program portfolio spans several categories. Under prevention, it offers classes on preventing diabetes and kidney disease, chronic illness prevention, and management of gout and arthritis, as well as Healthy Keiki, a family-based obesity prevention program. It also provides health planning guidance and a Diabetes Prevention Program designed to help participants lose weight and reduce Type 2 diabetes risk. Patient services include support groups that meet monthly at most dialysis centers and complimentary medical identification for dialysis patients. Programs are currently delivered online via Zoom video conferencing, and the organization can be reached at programs@kidneyhawaii.org or (808) 593-1515. NKFH frames its mission around the scale of kidney disease in Hawaii and the United States. According to its own materials, kidney disease affects Hawaii at rates 30% higher than the national average, and nearly one in two adults aged 30–64 is expected to develop CKD in their lifetime. Nationally, more than 1 in 7 adults may have CKD and 90% are unaware of it; over 360 people begin treatment for kidney failure each day, joining 783,000 individuals who rely on dialysis or a kidney transplant, while 90,000 people wait for a lifesaving kidney and 12 die each day waiting. In Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders face the highest risk, which the organization cites as the rationale for targeted outreach and equitable access to care. The foundation's activities include comprehensive community screenings, public health campaigns, patient and caregiver support, and partnerships with healthcare providers statewide. It also maintains a careers page and encourages community involvement through volunteering and support. Its stated goal is to strengthen kidney health across Hawaii by expanding access to culturally grounded education, nutrition and dietary guidance, and community awareness initiatives that empower people to take charge of their kidney health.

The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii is a Hawaii-focused nonprofit organization that operates as a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to kidney health. Public information about its founding date and early history is limited in the available sources; the organization presents itself primarily through its current mission and programs rather than a detailed historical narrative. It is distinct from the national National Kidney Foundation, functioning as a Hawaii-based entity addressing kidney disease within the state. Over time, the organization has built a portfolio of community health programs aimed at prevention, education, and patient support. Its offerings include classes on preventing diabetes and kidney disease, chronic illness prevention, and management of gout and arthritis, as well as Healthy Keiki, a family-based obesity prevention program. It also runs a Diabetes Prevention Program and provides health planning guidance. Patient services include support groups meeting monthly at most dialysis centers and complimentary medical identification for dialysis patients. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for broader access, the organization moved its group programs online using Zoom video conferencing, requiring participants to have a computer and internet access. This shift allowed it to continue delivering education and support across the islands. The foundation has increasingly emphasized the disproportionate burden of kidney disease in Hawaii, noting that rates are 30% higher than the national average and that Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders face the highest risk. It has expanded its focus on culturally grounded education, nutrition and dietary guidance, and community awareness, alongside comprehensive community screenings and partnerships with healthcare providers statewide. Its stated goal remains to eradicate chronic kidney disease in Hawaii and to support individuals and families affected by CKD and related conditions.

The leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization striving to eradicate chronic kidney disease in Hawaii, offering free, culturally grounded education and support.

• Diabetes Prevention Program

  A cohort-based program to help participants lose weight, prevent Type 2 diabetes, and take control of their health.

• Healthy Keiki

  A family-based obesity prevention program that elicits a positive, lifelong lifestyle transformation.

• Patient Services

  Support groups meeting monthly at most dialysis centers and complimentary medical identification for dialysis patients.

1. 1National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiikidneyhawaii.org
2. 2About - National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiikidneyhawaii.org
3. 3About Us - National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiikidneyhawaii.org
4. 4Patient Services - National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiikidneyhawaii.org
5. 5National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiiwikidata.org