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Hilo Benioff Medical Center

1190 Waianuenue Avenue

3.4(202 ratings)· Hilo average: 4.3

Hilo Benioff Medical Center, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
52
Medicare rating
4 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Government, State
Certified beds
52
Regional role
Only hospital on the island's East Side

What Families Think

Most reviews of Hilo Benioff Medical Center focus on hospital-level care — surgery, ER visits, and acute treatment — with many families praising the compassion and skill of nurses and specific doctors. A few reviewers, however, describe frustrating experiences with unclear communication from attending physicians during serious diagnoses.

The Good

  • Nurses described as kind and attentive
  • Strong teamwork praised during surgeries
  • Quick emergency response for serious conditions
  • Specific surgeons and anesthesiologists singled out for excellent care

The Bad

  • One report of poor communication from attending doctors after a serious diagnosis
  • One reviewer felt rushed through discharge with little explanation

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is a senior living community in Hilo, Hawaii offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Emergency Call System, Private Bathroom and Wheelchair Accessible. Families rate it 3.4 out of 5 across 202 reviews.

About Hilo Benioff Medical Center

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is a 52-bed skilled nursing and long-term care facility located in Hilo, Hawaii, serving the Big Island community with surgical and emergency services.

Families consistently praise the nursing and surgical staff for professionalism, attentiveness, and compassionate care. Patients undergoing procedures highlight the coordination and skill of surgical teams and recovery staff. However, experiences with attending physicians vary significantly, some families report clear communication and thorough explanations, while others describe minimal interaction and limited clarity about diagnoses. One family noted that nursing and ambulance staff "moved quickly and steadily" during an acute emergency, though physician communication during that same visit fell short of expectations.

The facility maintains a 3.4-star rating across 202 Google reviews, reflecting mixed but generally positive sentiment. Strengths emerge in bedside nursing care and procedural environments; gaps appear in physician-patient communication and clarity of care explanations.

Types of Care at Hilo Benioff Medical Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

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Reviews of Hilo Benioff Medical Center

3.4overall · 202 ratings combined

3.4★ on Google (202)

Danielle McKim

Jul 2026

via Google

We are long time Kama'aina and live up north near Kamuela. We usually go to North Hawaii Community Hospital for that reason. We drove an hour to go to the ER at Hilo Benioff for a special admin to the hospital. We have been neglected and driven around this whole island for help with internal bleeding. No one helped us. Dr. Guzman is our Dr. at Hilo Benioff and is doing everything he can to help my partner's life. FINALLY. He is passionate and informative. Kind and is getting the job done!! All of the nurses and aides are very very kind (at NHCH they are not very kind to patients with memory problems). If I could give 10 stars I would!! Thank you!!

Tim

Jun 2026

via Google

My experience was great. Went in to eliminate worries about a calf muscle injury. Because of redness and swelling, I wanted to rule out a possible DVT. Everyone was professional and kind, and I received the best treatment. They made me feel valued and answered my questions. I don't remember all of their names,. but I think one was Arden ( spelling?) She made me feel better and made my day better. Amazing. Thank you to everyone who cared for me when I was there. She actually listened to me and really helped me. I can't thank you enough!

Dee

May 2026

via Google

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible anesthesiology team, my ENT surgeon and his staff, as well as the amazing hospital employees who cared for me throughout my recent surgeries and recovery at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. From start to finish, the level of professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and urgency I experienced was truly exceptional. Every single person I encountered — from the doctors and nurses to the support staff and hospital employees — treated me with kindness, dignity, reassurance, and genuine care during one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in my life. My anesthesiologist and her team did an outstanding job helping me feel safe and comfortable before surgery, easing so much fear and anxiety. My ENT surgeon and his team were absolutely phenomenal, not only successfully treating the original issue, but responding immediately and skillfully when I experienced severe uncontrollable bleeding several days later. Their quick actions, calm demeanor, and expertise truly made a terrifying situation manageable. What stood out most was how well everyone worked together. There was such a strong sense of teamwork and communication throughout my care. Because of that, not only was my stress greatly reduced, but it also brought tremendous comfort and reassurance to my family members during a very scary time. In today’s world, exceptional healthcare experiences deserve to be recognized, and this was absolutely one of them. The compassion, attentiveness, and dedication shown by the staff at Hilo Hospital did not go unnoticed and will never be forgotten. Thank you all for the phenomenal care you provided me and for helping lessen the fear and concern carried by the people who love me most. Hilo Hospital is truly blessed to have such an extraordinary team serving our community. Mahalo nui loa to each and every one of you. ❤️

Tom Hougen

May 2026

via Google

Had hernia repair surgery last week. The entire crew, from the nurse that placed my IV and her student nurse, Dr. Bochkarev, the surgery crew and recovery staff, including the one nurse that was retiring but stayed to help, were all top notch. My top praises to them all.

Susan Peters-Chesley

Mar 2026

via Google

Was admitted with possible stroke blood pressure 240/120. The nursing & Ambulance staff moved quickly and steadily to get my BP regulated. They get 5 stars. Attending Hospitalists 1 Star. 1 Star for Doctors because. 1. Poor to minimal communication. I spent 5 mins with admitting Doctor who stated bluntly I had a brain aneurysm with NO explanation where, how it could affect me, or anything. 2nd Doctor spent only 5 mins to explain discharge. THATS IT! 2. The 2nd Doctor looked disinterested, barely talked, just handed me discharge papers. If it weren't for the Nursing staff I wouldn't know what was happening to me during my 3 day stay. I'm so disgusted because never in my 66 years of life, even in militarily hospitals, have I ever left more shaken and scared than when I entered. It's the ONLY hospital on the East Side and we need more Doctors who actually seem interested in their job. Btw, not one was a Local doctor, all mainland. We have no choice for how much we have to even pay on Medicare. I'm not encouraged about my upcoming treatment at all.

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Government Inspection History

3 inspection visits in the last three years, 34 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Feb 7, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard17 citations
  • Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 30, 2025

  • Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 30, 2025

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Obtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025

Jan 11, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard6 citations
  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 26, 2024

  • Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 26, 2024

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 26, 2024

  • Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 26, 2024

  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 26, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 26, 2024

Oct 24, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard11 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2022

  • Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 31, 2022

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 31, 2022

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 31, 2022

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

  • Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2022

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Hilo Benioff Medical Center offer?

Hilo Benioff Medical Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Hilo Benioff Medical Center located?

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is located at 1190 Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo, Hawaii.

What do families say about Hilo Benioff Medical Center?

Most reviews of Hilo Benioff Medical Center focus on hospital-level care — surgery, ER visits, and acute treatment — with many families praising the compassion and skill of nurses and specific doctors. A few reviewers, however, describe frustrating experiences with unclear communication from attending physicians during serious diagnoses.

How did Hilo Benioff Medical Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Hilo Benioff Medical Center had 3 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 34 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Hilo Benioff Medical Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Hilo Benioff Medical Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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Nearby Communities

Other senior living options within 25 miles of Hilo.