When a stroke impacts an individual and family, choosing where to recover is a critical decision. For over 70 years, REHAB Hospital of the Pacific (REHAB) has served as Hawaii and the Pacific’s only rehabilitation hospital. This May, in recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, REHAB officially launched its new Stroke Center of Excellence (Stroke COE), providing an expert interdisciplinary team and therapy tailored specifically to the complex challenges of stroke recovery.
An average of 3,275 Hawaii residents experience a stroke each year, making it the number one cause of chronic disability in the state, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. REHAB’s Stroke COE sets a new standard for patient experience and fills the gap for seamless transitions across the full continuum of care.
Where a patient goes for stroke recovery care truly matters. While skilled nursing facilities play an important role in the broader healthcare system, studies consistently show that—especially in serious cases of stroke—survivors treated at a rehabilitation hospital like REHAB regain more physical function and are significantly more likely to return home.
“Our goal for the Stroke COE is to make the recovery process simple, yet as robust as possible." - Stephanie Nadolny, REHAB President and CEO
“Stroke is a major health issue here in Hawaii, and every patient's experience is completely unique, resulting in different degrees of severity and a highly individualized recovery journey,” said Stephanie Nadolny, REHAB president and chief executive officer. “Our goal for the Stroke COE is to make the recovery process simple, yet as robust as possible. We are committed to supporting the people of Hawaii and the Pacific seamlessly across our entire continuum of care, including intensive inpatient rehabilitation, continued outpatient services and integrated community engagement.”
REHAB provides intensive inpatient rehabilitation to over 400 patients recovering from stroke every year as well as continued outpatient services and integrated community engagement. The Stroke COE offers an exceptional multidisciplinary team—including physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors), neurological and stroke certified nurses and therapists, and dietitians—specializing in stroke care. REHAB has also invested in state-of-the-art technology, such as the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill and electrical stimulation (ESTIM) devices, to help accelerate stroke recovery.
"REHAB is specially situated with the expertise, advanced technology, a dedicated team, and comprehensive resources to maximize every patient’s recovery.” - Kent Yamamoto, MD
“By focusing on the unique needs and personal goals of each individual, we are able to create a highly tailored treatment plan,” said Kent Yamamoto, MD, medical director with REHAB’s Stroke COE and a board-certified physiatrist. “To bring those plans to life, REHAB is specially situated with the expertise, advanced technology, a dedicated team, and comprehensive resources to maximize every patient’s recovery.”
Stroke care at REHAB extends beyond its 82-bed inpatient hospital and specialty outpatient clinics in Nuuanu and Hilo. Integrated community engagement through vital resources like the Stroke Support Group, Adaptive Sports, Creative Arts and the REHAB Strong wellness program play an important role in ongoing recovery, ensuring patients have the clinical care and resources needed to rebuild their lives and achieve lifelong independence.
“They really cared—and continue to care—about my recovery, and they have the expertise to support me every step of the way.”
“REHAB has amazing equipment, resources and experience, but most importantly, they have the people,” shared Paul Gagne, who experienced a stroke in 2024. “They really cared—and continue to care—about my recovery, and they have the expertise to support me every step of the way.” After receiving intensive inpatient rehabilitation at REHAB, Gagne is an active participant of REHAB’s Stroke Support Group, REHAB Strong, Adaptive Sports program and volunteer program.
REHAB’s Stroke COE also serves as a training ground for the next generation of healthcare providers specializing in stroke recovery. REHAB offers internships for nursing and therapy students from community colleges and universities, both locally and on the continental U.S.
About REHAB Hospital of the Pacific (REHAB)
As Hawaii and the Pacific’s only rehabilitation hospital, REHAB is dedicated to helping individuals recover from serious injury or illness and rebuilding their lives. Our approach goes beyond medical treatment by strengthening the entire support system — including caregivers, families, and the broader community — to help patients achieve the highest level of lifelong independence.
REHAB’s mission supports individuals and the broader community through a full continuum of care — including intensive inpatient rehabilitation, continued outpatient services, and integrated community engagement — providing the clinical rehabilitative services and community resources to live as independently as possible.