Since 1856, the Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) and its component societies have represented Hawaii's physicians as the singular voice of the medical profession — physicians, residents and medical students from all specialties and practices use their collective voice to influence policy and shape the future of healthcare in Hawaii [citation:1].
HMA represents Hawaii's physicians as the singular voice of the medical profession. Members include physicians, residents and medical students from all specialties and practices who use their collective voice to influence policy and help shape the present and future of healthcare in Hawaii [citation:1].
The association works closely with the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center, along with other leading Hawaii organizations in health education. HMA also collaborates with Hawaii Pacific Health for CME programming and has formed the PacWest Continuing Education Accreditation Collaborative with the Washington State Medical Society to accredit facilities across Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon [citation:2].
HMA membership is open to physicians, residents, and medical students. All applicants must join both the Hawaii Medical Association and their respective County Medical Society [citation:4].
New Membership Discount Program: HMA offers 20% discounts for JABSOM-affiliated physicians, neighbor island physicians, Hawaii Radiological Society members, and non-clinical physicians [citation:1].
| Category | Membership |
|---|---|
| Physician (Regular) | HMA + County Society dues |
| Resident / Student | Dedicated category available |
| JABSOM Affiliated | 20% discount (code JABSOM) |
| Neighbor Island | 20% discount (code NEIGHBOR) |
| Non-Clinical | 20% discount (code NPP) |
Dues structure varies by county (Honolulu, Hawaii, West Hawaii, Kauai, Maui) and practice type [citation:4].
HMA's government relations specialist works on behalf of members throughout the year, and the association remains committed to moving important discussions forward — such as creating licensing pathways for international medical graduates, advancing quality care through telehealth, ensuring patient safety by limiting prescriptive authority, and making the practice of medicine easier and more affordable [citation:1][citation:8].
IMG Licensure Pathway: HMA actively supported HB 1379, which would establish an alternative pathway for foreign medical school graduates to be licensed as physicians. HMA testified that "International Medical Graduates who are well trained may bring a wealth of global health knowledge to our State, enriching health systems with cultural diversity and filling in gaps in community healthcare delivery." Hawaii currently has a statewide shortage of 768 physicians [citation:15].
CME@HMA supports quality patient care through appropriate and timely education for physicians, with information about current and vital issues of medicine and medical practice for doctors of medicine and osteopathy in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin. Members have access to CME@HMA Presentations [citation:2].
HMA offers discounted CME offerings through its CME@HMA program and other special educational events throughout the year. HMA is also a CME accrediting organization for Hawaii and the South Pacific, ensuring providers meet quality standards [citation:1][citation:2].
HMA also provides accreditation to organizations such as Hawaii Permanente Medical Group for their Tumor Board activities [citation:9].
HCMS Annual Meeting and Dinner — Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Outrigger Canoe Club, Honolulu. Cocktail hour, annual meeting, heavy pupu stations and prime rib. Attire is aloha dress. For current HCMS members in good standing [citation:3].
Ola Pono Ike Gala 2026 — Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballrooms. Evening of entertainment, honoring outstanding medical leaders, with proceeds funding advocacy and services for local physicians [citation:14].
Members also have access to networking and leadership opportunities, both locally and nationally, and use of recently renovated HMA meeting spaces and virtual technology [citation:1].
Format: HMA offers a hybrid mix. In-person events include HCMS Annual Meeting and Ola Pono Ike Gala, while CME presentations and some educational offerings have virtual options [citation:1][citation:13].
Audience: HMA serves practicing physicians, residents, medical students, and International Medical Graduates. The association actively advocates for IMG licensure pathways and supports the physician workforce in Hawaii [citation:1][citation:15].
Website: For membership, advocacy, CME, or general inquiries, visit hawaiimedicalassociation.org.