Waianae High Unveils New Health Learning Lab

The facility aims to train the next generation of healthcare workers in West Oahu.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, where the outline of a stethoscope is defined by vibrant, glowing neon lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the energy and potential of the healthcare industry.A new health learning lab at Waianae High School aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare workers and address critical workforce shortages in Hawaii.Waianae Today

Waianae High School in West Oahu has opened a new health learning lab, providing students with hands-on training and access to entry-level healthcare positions. The lab comes at a time when Hawaii faces nearly 4,700 healthcare job openings, including over 1,700 entry-level roles. The program is part of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii's efforts to establish a network of health learning labs across the state's public high schools, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

Why it matters

The new health learning lab at Waianae High aims to help address Hawaii's healthcare workforce shortage by training the next generation of medical professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities. This aligns with the state's goal of strengthening its healthcare delivery system and creating meaningful career opportunities for students.

The details

The health learning lab at Waianae High School offers students hands-on training and certificate programs that provide direct access to entry-level healthcare positions. The facility is the first step towards accomplishing a best-in-nation network of health learning labs across Hawaii's public high schools.

  • The health learning lab at Waianae High School debuted in 2026.

The players

Josh Green

The Governor of Hawaii, who met with students for a tour of the lab and emphasized the importance of investing in the local healthcare workforce.

Jyzamee Sablan

A junior at Waianae High School who wants to be a nurse and says the lab has changed how she sees her future in the medical field.

Healthcare Association of Hawaii

The organization that is guiding students from classroom learning directly into their first healthcare jobs through its workforce programs, which include the health learning labs.

Waianae High School

The public high school in West Oahu that has opened the new health learning lab to train students for careers in healthcare.

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What they’re saying

“As a physician and Governor, I know firsthand how valuable it is to invest in our local healthcare workforce. It's inspiring to meet students at Waianae High School who are preparing for careers that will strengthen our healthcare delivery system and create meaningful, fulfilling work for the next generation.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii

“Before having this new facility, it was hard for us to fully imagine what working in this kind of environment would look like. The lab has changed how I see my future in the medical field and it motivates me to work harder.”

— Jyzamee Sablan, Junior, Waianae High School

What’s next

The Waianae Lab is just the first step towards accomplishing the best-in-nation network of health learning labs across Hawaii's public high schools, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

The takeaway

The new health learning lab at Waianae High School is a crucial step in addressing Hawaii's healthcare workforce shortage by providing students, especially from underrepresented communities, with hands-on training and direct access to entry-level healthcare positions. This aligns with the state's goal of strengthening its healthcare system and creating meaningful career opportunities for the next generation.