The name of the hospital considered the best in Hawaii is The Queen's Medical Center.

Its history, dating back to 1859, already sets a different tone.

It's not just an old hospital; it was founded by Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma to help the native people suffering from epidemics, which gives it significant symbolic value from the start. In Hawaii, the saying "If you're sick, you go to Queen's" is not just a casual remark.

It is located in the Punchbowl area near downtown Honolulu, making it quite accessible from anywhere on Oahu.

One of the key reasons this hospital is important is that it is one of the few Level I trauma centers in Hawaii.

In simple terms, it is the best place to handle cases like traffic accidents, gunshot wounds, and severe trauma.

Given that Hawaii is an island, there aren't many options, so having a hospital that fulfills this role serves as a safety net.

The level of care is also surprisingly high. It handles heart, neurological, cancer treatments, and organ transplants, serving as a benchmark that says, "If it can't be done here, you need to go to the mainland U.S."

In fact, most complex cases in Hawaii end up here.

At the same time, it is a teaching hospital, so residents and specialists work together to provide care.

This can be an advantage, but it can also lead to longer wait times. Being part of The Queen's Health System means it has a fairly extensive network.

There is also a separate hospital called Queen's West, so residents in the Kapolei area don't necessarily have to come downtown.

Living here, you realize that traffic on Oahu can be worse than expected, so hospital accessibility is directly related to daily stress.

One practical tip is that in Hawaii, waiting until you're sick to go to the hospital can be a bit late.

Most specialist visits require a referral, and appointments need to be made in advance. If it's not urgent, waiting a few weeks is common.

Therefore, registering with a primary care physician is almost essential.

Among the Korean community, there are many sayings like "You can trust Queen's," but at the same time, there's always the advice to "make appointments in advance."

In summary, if you ask where to go in case of a serious issue in Hawaii, the answer is almost always the same.

However, it is much more practical to first secure a primary care physician, understand the insurance structure, and know the location of the nearest emergency room.

Even if you are confident in your health, knowing the system in advance can help reduce panic.

At Queen's Hospital, you can request Korean interpretation, but this must be arranged in advance, not on the day of your visit.

Having an interpreter is much more convenient, especially when receiving explanations related to tests or surgeries.