Home Instead - Kailua, HI

Pros

• Home Instead caregivers are praised for being helpful, friendly, and going above and beyond, including tasks like bringing homemade meals.
• The team provides companionship, errands, housework, transportation, and plant care, giving families peace of mind.
• The Windward Oahu and Kailua offices are described as exceptional, with caring, reliable, and professional staff and involved leadership.
• Care professionals such as Patti, Maria Younger, Ariana, Addy, Cassie, Rodney, and Aurea are repeatedly honored for compassion, skill, and dedication.
• The office and care teams are noted for prompt communication, reliable scheduling, and responsive support.
• Clients feel safe and valued, with staff treating their loved ones like family.
• The overall experience is described as a blessing or God-send, making challenging times easier for families.

Cons

• They made promises they couldn't keep.
• They were understaffed and constantly claimed no one could watch the father.
• They sometimes failed to inform that no one would come.
• They always made excuses.
• It was the worst experience ever.
• They would not recommend them to anyone.
• They are not reliable, trustworthy, dependable, or loyal.

Review

The collective experiences shared about Home Instead in Hawaii reveal a pattern of deeply personal, attentive, and reliable in-home care that families come to rely on during some of their most challenging times. Across different neighborhoods and care scenarios, the caregivers and office teams are consistently praised for their warmth, professionalism, and hands-on support. Many families describe not just practical help, but a sense of companionship and peace of mind that allows loved ones to stay safely at home longer, while family members can step away with confidence.

Several accounts center on Home Instead Kailua, where families repeatedly highlight the involvement and empathy of the leadership. Butch, the owner, is specifically named as someone who is genuinely engaged and caring, with a management team - Nancy, Kanani, and Nizza - who are described as phenomenal, knowledgeable, patient, and responsive. The caregivers in this branch - Cassie, Rodney, Aurea, and others - are praised for their skill, warmth, and ability to treat clients "like family." One reviewer notes that when their father required care for dementia, Home Instead provided professional, properly trained, courteous, and compassionate staff, and that the weekly caregiver Addy brought patience and initiative to every visit. The sentiment is that the Kailua team offers more than routine tasks; they deliver a level of attentiveness that makes families feel safe and supported in their loved one's daily life.

In another family's story, the Windward Oahu branch is described as exceptional, especially during the holidays when coordinating multiple caregivers can be stressful. Nizza and Jennifer are singled out for their role in scheduling providers for companion care and transportation, and the caregivers are credited with not only attending to daily needs but also providing heartfelt thoughtful touches. The caregivers' ability to help with errands, transportation, household chores, and meaningful companionship is repeatedly commended. The collection of names - Martina S., Alia, Ping, Jacqueline B., Kelsey Ann, Destinee J., and Teresa - speaks to a team-based approach that many families depend on during peak times, when personal and logistical demands are high. The overall message from these voices is that Home Instead can be a dependable partner when the family is navigating the busy rhythm of holidays and visits.

The range of tasks caregivers handle is another recurrent theme. Reviewers share stories of accompanying loved ones to medical appointments, driving them to errands and outings, helping with meal planning and preparation, and even tending to gardens, watering plants, and managing household duties. One touching detail describes a caregiver who brought homemade meals to share, resonating with families who value both nutrition and a sense of care in small, everyday acts. The breadth of skills - from housekeeping and scheduling to garden tending and plant care - paints a picture of a service that adapts to varied needs, delivering both practical support and moments of joy.

A number of individual profiles stand out for their lasting impact. Maria Younger is described as a true godsend who is compassionate, fun, proactive, and a caregiver whom the family looks forward to seeing. Taua is recognized as a supportive presence, and Ariana earns special praise for her versatility and steadiness - driving, attending medical appointments, handling family correspondence, planning and preparing meals, housekeeping, shopping, and even gardening. Notably, Ariana's practice of leaving clear notes in a notebook is highlighted as an example of professional communication and reliability. Other named caregivers, such as Patti and George Hewitt, are celebrated for personal touches that go beyond basic care: Patti's thoughtful acts - driving to lunch spots, taking walks, purchasing slippers when needed, and assisting with doctor visits - are cited as doing "so much" to ease the family's burden and to help their loved one feel valued and safe.

The reviewers who speak about Home Instead as a whole emphasize two core strengths: a people-first approach and meticulous follow-through. Several praise the organization for being well run, with strong follow-up on details and well-trained, compassionate staff. The practice of having an administrator meet each new caregiver helps families feel confident about the people entering their homes. The sense of trust is amplified by the stories of caregivers who maintain a respectful, gentle presence - someone who manages the client's needs with patience and respect and who often becomes a trusted companion during daily routines and special outings. Even the best days can be made easier by the promise of consistent, dependable service, and many families express gratitude for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is in caring hands when they're not at home.

Of course, no service is without its challenges. One review offers a critical counterpoint, describing a period during which promises could not be kept due to understaffing, and communication gaps left the family feeling unsupported. The reviewer recalls recurring instances of calls canceling visits and a sense of frustration about promises that were not fulfilled. This perspective serves as a reminder that, while Home Instead Hawaii is frequently lauded for its dedication and quality care, staffing levels and reliability remain relevant concerns in the broader landscape of home care. It also underscores the importance of asking potential providers about backup plans and communication protocols to ensure continuity of care during scheduling bumps or staffing shortages.

Taken together, these experiences illustrate a company that many families in Hawaii rely on for much more than routine in-home care. They speak to an organization that prioritizes human connection, personalized care plans, and proactive communication. From the day-to-day help with errands, meals, and housekeeping to the larger commitments of companionship, transportation, and medical appointment support, the Home Instead teams in Kailua and Windward Oahu are repeatedly described as trustworthy partners who ease the burden on families and enrich the lives of the seniors they serve. For families evaluating home care options, the stories here suggest that meeting the team, asking about caregiver consistency, and reviewing how they handle scheduling changes can help ensure that the care plan aligns with each loved one's unique needs and preferences. In the end, the recurring message is clear: with the right caregivers and a caring, involved office team, Home Instead can offer genuine reassurance during times when care at home matters most.

This part of Kailua, Hawaii offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and leisure. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and Longs Drugs located within close proximity, accessing necessary medications and healthcare products is easily accessible. The presence of Castle Medical Center and other medical facilities nearby ensures quality healthcare services are readily available. Additionally, there are several reputable physicians' offices in the area, providing access to trusted medical professionals. For recreational activities, there are several cafes like Kalapawai Cafe, parks like Kailua District Park, and places of worship including Kailua Hongwanji Temple for spiritual nourishment. Overall, this neighborhood in Kailua provides a well-rounded community with ample resources for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• Longs Drugs (0.3 miles)
• Times Supermarkets (0.4 miles)
• S Dc (1.6 miles)
• Longs Drugs (3.4 miles)
• Times Super Market (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Castle Medical Center (0.1 miles)
• Kamisugi Malia Hi Smile Orthodontics (0.2 miles)
• Dr. John Garvie MD (1.3 miles)
• Birth Center At Castle Med Center (1.3 miles)
• Hawaii State Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Hmce (8.3 miles)
• Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children (8.8 miles)

Physicians

• Linda Denise Chiu (0.1 miles)
• Dean Charles R Dr (0.2 miles)
• Windward Women's Care (0.2 miles)
• Windward Heart Center (0.2 miles)
• Medical Corner (0.3 miles)
• Koolau Women's Health Care (1.3 miles)
• Dr John M Nagamine, MD (1.4 miles)

Cafes

• Kalapawai Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Kailua Hongwanji Temple (0.3 miles)
• Byodo-In Temple (6.1 miles)
• Holy Trinity Catholic Church - Cottage Thrift Shop (8 miles)
• Sacred Heart Church (8.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Creekside (0.5 miles)
• Adela's Country Eatery (3.9 miles)
• Haleiwa Joe's At Haiku Gardens (4.7 miles)
• McDonald's (5.9 miles)
• Aina Haina Shopping Center (8.2 miles)
• McDonald's (8.6 miles)
• Kona Brewing Company (8.6 miles)

Parks

• Kailua District Park (0.5 miles)
• Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside (3.8 miles)
• Kualoa Regional Park (4.6 miles)
• He‘eia State Park (5.1 miles)
• Waimanalo Beach Park (5.8 miles)
• Manoa Valley District Park (7.2 miles)
• Tantalus Lookout (7.3 miles)