Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Hawaii: How to Find a Provider

Hawaii’s HBOT landscape is shaped by two distinct patient populations: people with standard medical conditions (wound care, radiation injury) and a significant diving community. Military personnel, recreational divers, and commercial divers all create demand for hyperbaric services in a way that sets Hawaii apart from most states. Almost all medical-grade HBOT in Hawaii is on Oahu, in Honolulu.

Where to Find HBOT in Hawaii

Hospital-based programs in Honolulu serve the majority of medical HBOT cases in Hawaii. Queen’s Medical Center and Straub Medical Center are the two most prominent hospital facilities on Oahu. Both systems serve patients from across the Hawaiian islands and handle standard wound care HBOT as well as diving-related emergencies.

Hawaii’s diving culture — recreational scuba, military diving, and commercial fishing — means that hyperbaric medicine has a strong practical presence on the islands. Decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE) require emergency HBOT. If you’re a diver who suspects a diving injury, contact Divers Alert Network (DAN) immediately at 1-919-684-9111. They maintain a 24-hour emergency line and can direct you to the nearest operational chamber.

Military facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam serve active-duty personnel. Military beneficiaries should contact their MTF to confirm HBOT availability and referral requirements.

Wellness clinics on Oahu offer mild hyperbaric therapy (1.3 ATA). These aren’t medical-grade programs and aren’t appropriate for diagnosed medical conditions requiring FDA-approved HBOT protocols. The distinction matters more in Hawaii because the diving culture means some visitors confuse dive medicine infrastructure with general HBOT clinical access.

The best starting point: use the UHMS (Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) provider search at uhms.org. It lists accredited facilities in Hawaii.

Browse our full provider directory for more guidance on what to look for.

Major Areas in Hawaii Where HBOT Is Available

Honolulu (Oahu) is the state’s only significant hub for medical-grade HBOT. Hospital-based programs at major Honolulu facilities serve all of Hawaii. Most patients from other islands travel to Honolulu for treatment.

Maui has hospital facilities but limited HBOT availability. Confirm with specific facilities before assuming HBOT is offered locally.

Big Island (Hawaii Island) has hospital infrastructure in Hilo and Kona, but full medical-grade HBOT programs are not reliably available. Patients typically travel to Oahu for HBOT courses requiring multiple sessions.

Kauai and Molokai have limited medical infrastructure overall. Residents needing HBOT should expect to travel to Honolulu. If you’re on a neighbor island and your condition requires urgent hyperbaric treatment, go to the emergency department and ask about transport options to Oahu.

What to Ask a Potential Provider

Before you book, ask every provider these questions.

• Is this a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA or higher)?
• Is there a board-certified or credentialed hyperbaric physician on staff?
• Is my condition FDA-approved for HBOT?
• Does your facility work with my insurance for prior authorization?
• Is the facility UHMS-accredited?

If you’re a neighbor island resident, ask about the expected session count upfront. HBOT often requires 20-40 treatments. Planning for a multi-week stay on Oahu is realistic, and some insurance plans may cover lodging assistance for out-of-area care.

Read our guide to your first HBOT session before you go.

Insurance Coverage for HBOT in Hawaii

Coverage for HBOT in Hawaii follows national standards.

Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. This applies in Hawaii just as it does in every other state.

Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) coverage for HBOT varies by condition and managed care plan. Contact the facility’s billing department to confirm coverage before scheduling.

Commercial insurers like HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association, the Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate), Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and UnitedHealthcare generally follow Medicare coverage criteria. Prior authorization is almost always required.

Off-label uses (including TBI, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and autism) are not covered by any insurance in Hawaii or anywhere else.

Check our full guide: Does Insurance Cover HBOT?

Want to know what treatment costs? See our HBOT cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Hawaii?

The UHMS maintains a searchable provider directory at uhms.org. Search by your zip code. Queen’s Medical Center and Straub Medical Center in Honolulu are the primary sources for medical-grade HBOT on Oahu. Residents on neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) typically need to travel to Honolulu for HBOT treatment.

Does Medicare cover HBOT in Hawaii?

Yes. Medicare coverage rules are federal and apply equally in all states, including Hawaii. Medicare Part B covers HBOT for 14 FDA-approved conditions at hospital outpatient facilities. See our insurance guide for full details.

Does Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Med-QUEST may cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions depending on your managed care plan. Coverage varies by plan and specific diagnosis. Contact the facility’s billing department before scheduling to confirm your plan’s coverage and any prior authorization requirements.

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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before pursuing any medical treatment.