nursing home in Hilo, HI
Life Care Center of Hilo
944 West Kawailani Street, Hilo, HI 96720 · (808) 959-9151
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Life Care Center of Hilo at a glance
Life Care Center of Hilo is a 252-bed for-profit nursing home in Hilo, Hawaii (Hawaii County).
CMS gives it 5 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the Hawaii average of 3.7.
Residents receive about 3.8 hours of nursing care per day (1 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 5 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (July 2, 2026) found 8 health citations. The Hawaii average is 9.2.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $8,492.
Nursing staff turnover is 30.3% per year (state average 36.4%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 252
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- June 1, 1993
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Hawaii County
- CMS Certification Number
- 125040
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.79 hrs | 4.97 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.99 hrs | 1.75 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.36 hrs | 2.88 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Average |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.24 hrs | 4.41 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 30.3% | 36.4% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 28.3% | 31.5% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 8 | 9 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 3 | 1 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 48 | 67.9 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $8,492 | $19,339 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 252 | 101 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 230 | 82 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91.1% | 81.5% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 4.2% | 1.9% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 2.6% | 3.4% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 12.8% | 11.9% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.3% | 1% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 16.8% | 16.8% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 15% | 20.4% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 6.4% | 4.9% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0.4% | 1.2% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.3% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 23% | 9.1% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 22.6% | 17.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 95.4% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 99.4% | 96.1% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 1.7% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 93.2% | 84.7% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 89% | 82.7% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 43 health deficiencies and 1 fire safety deficiency in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2026 Standard | Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 7, 2026 |
| July 2, 2026 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 7, 2026 |
| July 2, 2026 Standard | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 7, 2026 |
| July 2, 2026 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 7, 2026 |
| July 2, 2026 Standard | Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0576 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 7, 2026 |
| April 1, 2026 Complaint | Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected May 1, 2026 |
| April 1, 2026 Complaint | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 1, 2026 |
| April 1, 2026 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 1, 2026 |
| May 1, 2025 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 1, 2025 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | 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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0847 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| December 1, 2023 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 15, 2024 |
| November 18, 2022 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 26, 2022 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Post a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all pertinent State agencies and advocacy groups and a statement that the resident may file a complaint with the State Survey Agency. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0575 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Post nurse staffing information every day. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | 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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0561 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0744 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0790 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
| November 18, 2022 Standard | Provide at least one room set aside to use as a resident dining room and for activities, that is a good size, with good lighting, air flow and furniture. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2023 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $8,492 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | Fine | $8,492 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAK JR LLC Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 25% | 06/14/1999 |
| SBK LLC Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 25% | 06/14/1999 |
| KELLETT, STILES Individual | 5% or greater indirect ownership interest | 25% | 06/14/1999 |
| SAK JR LLC Organization | general partnership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/14/1999 |
| SBK LLC Organization | general partnership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/14/1999 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/1994 |
| LEMANUA, LEMAPU Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/20/2021 |
Other nursing homes near Life Care Center of Hilo
Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
563 Kaumana Drive, Hilo, HI 96720 · 2 mi
For-profit · 100 beds · Part of Ohana Pacific Management Co.
★★★★★1Much below averageHale Anuenue Restorative Care
1333 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 · 2.7 mi
For-profit · 120 beds · Part of Life Care Centers of America
★★★★★4Above averageHilo Benioff Medical Center
1190 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 · 2.7 mi
Government · 52 beds · Part of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
★★★★★4Above averageYukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
1180 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 · 2.7 mi
Government · 95 beds · Part of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
★★★★★4Above averageHonoka'a Hospital & Skilled Nursing
45-547 Plumeria Street, Honokaa, HI 96727 · 36.8 mi
Government · 66 beds · Part of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
★★★★★5Much above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Life Care Center of Hilo's rating?
Life Care Center of Hilo has 5 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Hawaii nursing homes is 3.7 stars.
How many inspection citations did Life Care Center of Hilo receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 8 citations, compared with a Hawaii average of 9.2. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Life Care Center of Hilo accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Life Care Center of Hilo?
It is for profit - corporation and part of Life Care Centers of America. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Life Care Center of Hilo and how do I contact it?
Life Care Center of Hilo is at 944 West Kawailani Street, Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 959-9151.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.