Hawaiʻi Maternity Hospitals Honored for Commitment to Family-Centered Care

On May 6, 2026, healthcare leaders, maternity care professionals, and community partners from across the state gathered at the Koʻolau Ballrooms for a Hawaiʻi Maternity Hospital Recognition Celebration, hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, and Mothers Milk. The event recognized the dedication of Hawaii’s maternity hospitals participating in a Hawaiʻi Maternity Hospital Recognition Program – Maternity Care Pilot.

The gathering celebrated the collective efforts of hospitals to strengthen breastfeeding support, bonding practices, and family-centered maternity care, guided by the UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The CDC notes that hospitals prioritizing breastfeeding improve maternal and infant health by promoting optimal nutrition, reducing infection and chronic disease risks, and strengthening early bonding. A breastfeeding recognition program reinforces these evidence‑based practices, such as skin‑to‑skin care, rooming‑in, and skilled lactation support, leading to higher exclusive breastfeeding rates. This work strengthens public health by lowering healthcare costs, reducing disparities, and supporting long‑term maternal and child well‑being.

Representatives from 11 of Hawaiʻi’s 12 maternity hospitals attended the celebration, traveling from Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokai, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Nine hospitals participated in the Maternity Care Pilot, and seven shared presentations showcasing their innovative work. The program opened with a moving oli by Tyra Fonseca‑Smith, facilitated by longtime maternal‑care advocate Kehau Kealoha, followed by presentations from Department of Health staff and hospital teams outlining the vision for co‑creating a Hawaiʻi‑specific hospital recognition program. Discussions highlighted how hospital recognition can strengthen morale, improve retention, encourage collaboration, and support positive patient outcomes across maternity care systems statewide.

Attendees participated in interactive table-top activities designed to encourage connection, collaboration, and shared problem-solving among hospitals and community organizations. Organizers noted that one of the event’s greatest successes was breaking down silos between facilities and creating space for hospitals to share strategies, challenges, and encouragement with one another.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing interest in continuing statewide collaboration. Organizers shared that planning for future meetings and next steps is already underway, with follow-up planning sessions already in the works.

The Hawaiʻi Maternity Hospital Recognition Celebration highlighted the power of connection and shared purpose in strengthening maternal and infant health across the islands, reinforcing a collective commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi’s families through compassionate, evidence-based maternity care. For any questions regarding the event, please contact Roella Foronda at roella@hiphi.org.