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Life Care Center Of Kona

78-6957 Kamehameha III Road

4.2(22 ratings)

Part of Life Care Centers of America · 147 communities · 4.5★ average

Life Care Center Of Kona, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
94
Medicare rating
3 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Corporation
Certified beds
94
Location
Only nursing home in Kailua-Kona area
Hospital proximity
About ten minutes from local hospital
On-site physician
Physician provides direct on-site patient care
Memory care
Secured Alzheimer's and dementia care unit
Rehab equipment
Uses AlterG anti-gravity treadmill technology

What Families Think

Reviews for Life Care Center of Kona are sharply divided: some families describe attentive rehab staff and a clean, comfortable facility, while others report serious understaffing, slow response times, and difficulty even getting admitted. As the only nursing home in the Kona area, it carries high demand and long waitlists, which appears to strain capacity and care quality for some residents.

The Good

  • Rehab therapists praised as first-rate by one family
  • Nurses and aides described as attentive and caring
  • Clean, bright building with ocean views
  • Only nursing home in the Kailua-Kona area
  • Responsive main phone line, per one reviewer

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of serious understaffing among nurses and CNAs
  • One report of call button waits over an hour
  • One reviewer described inconsistent access to prescribed pain relief and supplies
  • Long waitlists and limited bed availability reported
  • One family was rejected twice for admission despite doctor referral

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Life Care Center Of Kona is a senior living community in Kailua Kona, Hawaii offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 22 reviews.

About Life Care Center Of Kona

Life Care Center of Kona is a skilled nursing home and rehabilitation facility located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The community is situated just ten minutes from the local hospital and is the only nursing home in the area, offering 24-hour skilled nursing care alongside inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

The facility focuses on rehabilitation with state-of-the-art equipment including the AlterG, welcoming skilled nursing residents, short-term rehabilitation patients, and post-operative recovery patients. An on-site physician provides direct patient and resident care to ensure faster and more convenient access to medical oversight. The community also operates a secured Alzheimer's and dementia unit for residents requiring specialized memory care.

Patient rooms and dining areas feature ocean views and showcase sunset colors each evening. An in-house team of therapists and nurses creates individualized care plans tailored to the specific goals and needs of each resident and patient.

Types of Care at Life Care Center Of Kona

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Transportation Services

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews of Life Care Center Of Kona

4.2overall · 22 ratings combined

4.2★ on Google (22)

Shaun Powers

Apr 2026

via Google

Poor care staff Employed by this Facility. Staff played Games with me and My Roommate receiving Prescriptions pain reliever as well as any other item needed such as Portable Camode, Urinal and or Bedpan request. Nurse staff in charge want to blame Defeciencies on CNA Staff Instead of RNS in charge. Update: 4/27/26 Today I spoke with a Gentleman whom was named Jeff and wanted to talk about my experience. Jeff wanted to talk about the entire situation not just bits and pieces. A pleasure to speak with and gave me the feeling that our conversation was genuine and simply factual. Thank you Jeff for reaching out to me and helping me feel better about what Transpired on my short visit . Mahalo Nui Loa for representing whom you are and want to be in our community Jeff. Sincerely Shaun. Dr Paul Hayward its my understanding that your in charge of this Abusive Kona Life Care Center. You might consider holding your Staff and Especially your Administration Bullies Accountable for thier Abusive Behaviors towards the sick and Ill needing your community services. As they all Learned today Some of us Know our Rights and are Not afraid to stand up to Bullies. Such a Shame In Kona Hawaii Medical Care Public Be aware of where your love ones are being Abused

keahi lopes

Apr 2026

via Google

I always appreciate the responsiveness when you call the main line and get connected to someone here at LCCA of Kona. But I do wish their bed availability was better. If youre looking for short- or long-term services here, you might be out of luck. Long waitlists and limited capacity makes it hard for people to stay local and stay close to home if they needed care.

Dan Bishop

Jun 2024

via Google

This facility is dangerously understaffed. My mother was admitted needing critical care, with limited use of her hands, feet, and legs. We were assured that physical therapy and critical care would be provided to address these specific needs. However, during multiple visits, we experienced significant delays in response times. On numerous occasions, it took over an hour for anyone to respond after my mother pressed the call button. While some of the issues can be attributed to the severe understaffing of nurses and CNAs, there were also instances where the competency of a few staff members was questionable, and their ability to provide care for critically ill patients was concerning. The administration seems to prioritize financial gain over patient care. Despite the obvious staffing shortages, they continue to admit more patients, stretching their resources thin and compromising the quality of care. This approach not only impacts the patients but also places an unfair burden on the dedicated staff members who are doing their best under challenging circumstances. I hope this review serves as a warning to others and prompts the administration to take necessary actions to address these critical issues. Edit: I will not be calling the owners, there is no way to resolve the lack of care my mother already received. You should have done something during the multiple conversations my father and I had about the concerns of the care. Sorry that this will serve as a warning for others considering giving their hard earned money for “care”’. Shame on you.

Carol Walker

May 2018

via Google

My father, age 96, was a rehab patient here for 3 1/2 weeks following surgery for a broken leg. We could not have asked for a better place. The staff, without exception, was outstanding! The physical and occupational therapists were first rate, the nurses were attentive and the aides were over the top kind and caring. The building is clean and comfortable, the environment bright and cheerful. There are multiple dining areas and places to sit outside where residents can enjoy the sun and the ocean views. I highly recommend.

Carrie Henas

May 2018

via Google

We live in Kailua Kona Area....My Dad was approved and we sent 2 request for Him to go to Life Care Center for long term care as He couldn't walk and is 89.. He was rejected TWICE! Even at the referral of His Doctor and Care Coordinators... After 2 rejections My Mother and I were devastated...We continued for 6 months to try to care for Him at home at much difficulty...He had a fall and after going to the Hospital He was referred to Hilo Legacy...we couldn't be happier now...Much nicer newer Facility and the dedication of the Staff and kindness has been tremendous....Most of all My Father is Cared for and Happy! Although the drive is long for my Mother and I and Family we are happy He is Happy and getting the care He SO NEEDED! I am disappointed in the Life Care Center of Kona....I work in Kona and could have visited Him more and all our Family! I work at a place where I meet with many local families and have heard quite a few bad stories about Kona Life Care Center....so now I am relieved He is not there...worth the DRIVE ! Still wonder why though and the Staff at Legacy love my Dad....

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Government Inspection History

3 inspection visits in the last three years, 51 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Sep 25, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard15 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 6, 2024

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • 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 Nov 6, 2024

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • 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 Nov 6, 2024

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • 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 Nov 6, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 6, 2024

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

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 24, 2025

Sep 21, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard18 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 Oct 23, 2023

  • Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • 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 Oct 23, 2023

  • Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • 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 Oct 23, 2023

  • 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 Oct 23, 2023

  • Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2023

  • 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 Oct 23, 2023

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 13, 2023

  • 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 Oct 13, 2023

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 13, 2023

Jun 9, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard18 citations
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 2022

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 28, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 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 Jul 30, 2022

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 28, 2022

  • Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Post nurse staffing information every day.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 30, 2022

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 30, 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 Life Care Center Of Kona offer?

Life Care Center Of Kona offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Life Care Center Of Kona located?

Life Care Center Of Kona is located at 78-6957 Kamehameha III Road in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

What do families say about Life Care Center Of Kona?

Reviews for Life Care Center of Kona are sharply divided: some families describe attentive rehab staff and a clean, comfortable facility, while others report serious understaffing, slow response times, and difficulty even getting admitted. As the only nursing home in the Kona area, it carries high demand and long waitlists, which appears to strain capacity and care quality for some residents.

How did Life Care Center Of Kona do on recent health and safety inspections?

Life Care Center Of Kona had 3 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 51 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 Life Care Center Of Kona?

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

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