Janice Kalanihuia is a Vice President at The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) and the Chief Operating Officer of Molokai General Hospital (MGH). She previously served as President of MGH from 2002 – 2026. Prior to that, she was the hospital’s Director of Women’s Health.

As Chief Operating Officer of the only hospital on Molokai, Ms. Kalanihuia takes the responsibility of an entire island’s health seriously. Under her decades-long leadership, a critically needed outpatient chemotherapy program was added to the services offered at MGH. In addition, a $17.5 million campus redevelopment was completed on time and under budget. In 2008, after 21 years of subsidy from The Queen’s Health Systems, MGH was able to operate in a positive cash flow position without the need for a QHS subsidy. With a philosophy that is built on accountability and compassion, MGH has excelled in its Joint Commission surveys, employee engagement surveys, and culture of safety surveys.

Before joining MGH in 1984, Ms. Kalanihuia worked as an office nurse with Dr. Emmett Aluli in his private practice. It was there that she was able to learn much about Hawaiian culture, beliefs and protocol.

Ms. Kalanihuia has served on numerous board and commissions over the years, including the Maui College/Molokai Advisory Board and the Maui County Liquor Adjudication Board. Her achievements and dedication to health care and her community have been recognized on numerous occasions. She was presented with the Hawai‘i Rural Health Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Health in 2001, and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Ho‘okele Award in 2005. Ms. Kalanihuia was a YWCA Leader Luncheon awardee in 2009, and one of Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business honorees in 2021.

When not at work, Ms. Kalanihuia enjoys competitive outrigger canoe paddling and spending time with her four grandchildren.