Story perspectives

Hawai‘i Faces 644 Doctor Shortage Amid Crisis

1/10/2026

44 6

Summary

Story summary

The Hawai‘i Physician Workforce Assessment Project reports Hawai‘i is short 644 doctors, with Hawai‘i County needing 224.
The shortage worsened after the death of a key emergency physician and the exodus of medical workers after 2023 wildfires.
Factors contributing to the shortage include high living costs and an aging population.
To address these issues, the state has received $189 million in federal funds to improve healthcare access and rural health.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Hawai‘i Physician Workforce Assessment Project reports Hawai‘i is short 644 doctors, with Hawai‘i County needing 224.
The shortage worsened after the death of a key emergency physician and the exodus of medical workers after 2023 wildfires.
Factors contributing to the shortage include high living costs and an aging population.
To address these issues, the state has received $189 million in federal funds to improve healthcare access and rural health.