Our History

Pastor Kekuna, Steve, David, and Craig at Hale Kū‘ike’s blessing in Nu‘uanu, 2005
Pastor Kekuna, Steve, David, and Craig at Hale Kū‘ike’s blessing in Nu‘uanu, 2005

At Hale Kū‘ike, we offer more than care — we provide a compassionate home where dignity, respect, and personalized support guide everything we do. Specializing in memory care, our team is committed to enriching the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Founded in 2005 by David Fitzgerald, Craig Waltz (Cove Development), and Steve Marlette (MC Architects), Hale Kū‘ike was born from David’s deep connection with his grandparents. Their strength, wisdom, and values inspired his dedication to elder care. Drawing on his decade of experience as the Administrator at Pohai Nani’s skilled nursing facility, David embarked on a journey through Scandinavia, visiting 20 facilities to bring innovative practices back to O‘ahu. His vision shaped Hale Kū‘ike into a memory care community that combines progressive care and innovative design with the warmth of aloha.

From day one, our mission has been to create an inclusive, vibrant community where every resident feels genuinely cared for. Our skilled nursing team delivers attentive, personalized care, while our dedicated activities staff ensures residents stay engaged every day of the week. Our chefs prepare nutritious, homemade meals that nurture both body and spirit, while our live-in service dogs provide emotional comfort and companionship that enrich daily life. We also embrace the Positive Approach to Care® methodology, equipping our team with specialized dementia care expertise to better serve our residents.

As the need for quality memory care grew, we expanded with Hale Kū‘ike Bayside in 2012, introducing features like Country Kitchens. In 2014, Dorothy Colby, our Director of Community Engagement, became Hawai‘i’s first Positive Approach to Care® Certified Trainer, offering hands-on training for staff and family members. By 2015, we began sharing our expertise with others through free public dementia workshops.

In 2019, we opened Hale Kū‘ike Pali, incorporating innovations from our earlier locations. In 2023, we were honored as the highest-ranking Positive Approach to Care® Organization. In 2024, we increased our roster of Positive Approach to Care® Certified Trainers and Coaches across all locations to further elevate our staff skills and level of care.

At Hale Kū‘ike, we are dedicated to building a community where compassion, respect, and understanding come together to celebrate Hawai‘i’s elders. By integrating innovative care practices with the cultural values of aloha, we ensure each resident feels cherished, respected, and supported in every facet of their life. This approach creates a lasting foundation of care that honors not only our residents but also the broader community we proudly serve.