Where Naalehu residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Naalehu, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for Naalehu. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Naalehu
Dental care lags in Naalehu
55.9% of adults saw a dentist this year, vs 68.3% across Hawaii. Among those 65 and older, 11.1% have lost all their teeth (Hawaii 8.5%). Checkups ↓
Making ends meet is harder in Naalehu
1 in 4 adults worry about having enough food (23.7%), vs 17.3% across Hawaii. No reliable transportation (10.4% vs 7.5%) and utility shut-off threats (7.8% vs 5.8%) are higher too. 18.9% of adults receive SNAP, vs 12.2% statewide. Everyday needs ↓
COPD, stroke and heart disease run high in Naalehu
1 in 15 adults have COPD (6.8%), vs 5.3% across Hawaii. 1 in 22 adults have had a stroke (4.5%), vs 3.7% across Hawaii. Heart disease is also above the state: 7.4%, vs 6.2% across Hawaii. In all, Naalehu runs above Hawaii on four of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Hawaii figure falls outside Naalehu’s likely range.
Keeping up with care
Share of Naalehu adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Hawaii.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
18.9% of Naalehu adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 12.2% across Hawaii.
Out of every 100 Naalehu adults…
Naalehu runs above HI on 5 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Care in and near Naalehu
1 community health center in Naalehu, plus the nearest just outside it.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of Naalehu; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Everyday habits, side by side with Hawaii
Share of adults, with the Hawaii figure marked.
1.1 miles of trails across 1 park or preserve
How Naalehu adults are doing
About the same as Hawaii on each measure.
1 in 3 Naalehu adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Naalehu and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiohinu | — | — | — | — |
Waiohinu: fewer than 1,000 residents. Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Naalehu adults live with a disability (Hawaii 28.7%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in Naalehu
Why doesn’t Naalehu have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Naalehu.
What hospital is closest to Naalehu?
Kau Hospital in Pahala, 11.2 miles in a straight line from Naalehu’s center point, is the nearest general hospital with an emergency room. It has no Medicare star rating.
Where can I get low-cost care near Naalehu?
1 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Ka'u Family Health and Dental Center in Naalehu, 0.8 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Naalehu.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Hawaii figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.