Dr. Kahealani Rivera is a board-certified cardiovascular disease specialist who is committed to patient-focused wellness and improving health through utilization of modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities while respecting autonomy. She has over a decade of experience providing comprehensive care for patients dealing with a range of heart conditions, from ischemic heart disease to arrhythmias and heart failure. Dr. Rivera’s philosophy of care is centered around building meaningful relationships with her patients and empowering them to take charge of their heart health.

Dr. Rivera’s educational path began at Stanford University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science with honors in 2000, before pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree at Stanford School of Medicine, graduating in 2006. She returned home and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Hawai’i John A Burns School of Medicine, culminating in her role as Chief Medical Resident in 2010, as well as her Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship in 2013.

Throughout her career, Dr. Rivera has been dedicated to community health initiatives. She served as the President of the American Heart Association, Hawai’i Chapter (2018-2020) and has been an active member of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawai`i, including 10 years on the Board of Directors as the CME chair. Through these roles, Dr. Rivera has worked to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, advocate for those in need, and support her fellow healthcare providers. Finally, as a facilitator for the University of Hawai`i’s JABSOM Cardiology Fellowship’s Simtiki (simulation technology) Program, Dr. Rivera helps mentor and guide future cardiovascular specialists. She believes in sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire the next generation of physicians to provide the same level of compassionate care that she strives for every day.

Dr. Rivera’s special interests include refractory hypertension as well as cardiovascular disease in women, Native Hawaiians, and other ethnic minorities. She remains committed to providing quality healthcare and remains grateful for the ability to participate in their care. Dr. Rivera can be seen at our Waipahau location on Oahu.