Midwife in Hawaiʻi

Midwifery in Hawaiʻi has deep roots — long before hospital birth became the norm, Hawaiian healing tradition included skilled pale keiki (birth attendants) who guided families through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period using plant medicine, prayer, and hands-on support. Today, Hawaiʻi's midwifery community carries that spirit into a licensed, regulated practice that supports families choosing birth center, home birth, and hospital-integrated care. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) practice across the state, and Hawaiʻi is one of the more robust states for out-of-hospital birth options relative to its population size.

Midwives across all four major Hawaiian islands — Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi — serve a wide range of families: first-time parents, those seeking VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), families who want a deeply personalized prenatal care relationship, and those navigating high-risk situations who want a midwifery model alongside obstetric care. Oʻahu has the highest concentration of CNMs, including hospital-integrated practices. The Big Island and Maui have active home birth midwifery communities with experienced practitioners. Many midwives coordinate closely with birth doulas for labor support and postpartum care.

A first midwifery consultation is typically a full-intake appointment covering medical history, birth preferences, and practical logistics. Ask about hospital transfer protocols, backup physician relationships, and how after-hours calls are handled.

Browse certified midwives and birth centers across Hawaiʻi below.