Na Hoa Malama

Navian Hawaii’s principal fundraiser brings together partners, friends, and supporters for an evening to remember. The event features a three-course dinner, silent auction and presentation of various community awards.

As our principal fundraising event, all proceeds fund our mission to “bring hope, reduce fears, and impact lives.” With your generous support, Navian Hawaii guides and assist patients and their families through difficult times, offering Integrated Care to patients battling serious illnesses or providing Hospice Care to patients nearing their end-of-life journey.

The next event date is targeted for year 2024.

2023 Hall of Heroes Inductee

Hall of Heroes

Dr. Robert “Nate” Nathanson

Despite not hosting its annual Na Hoa Malama event in 2023, Navian Hawaii continued to recognize a past patient with its 2023 Hall of Heroes inductee. Dr. Robert “Nate” Nathanson, co-founder of Hospice Hawaii (now Navian Hawaii), joins a long list of champions who lived exceptional lives while also making a significant difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Nathanson was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 6, 1933 and died on May 12, 2022 after gracefully living with Parkinson’s Disease for six years. Throughout his 89 years of life, countless hearts were touched by his work. He graduated from Boston Latin School, Boston University and Tufts University Medical School, then went on to complete his residency in Ambulatory Medicine as a general practitioner at Tripler Army Medical Center.

After residency, Dr. Nathanson served in the Army at Schofield Barracks and Kilauea Medical Center on Hawaii Island. In 1961, he joined Kaiser Permanente Medical Group where he stayed for over 37 years. He was admired by colleagues and loved by many patients, who remained in contact with him—even after retirement.

His life was dedicated to serving others, as can be seen by his medical practice and involvement in a variety of community organizations across Oahu. In 1980, he and a few colleagues co-founded Hospice Hawaii, serving as its first president.

Believing everyone has the right to die with dignity, Dr. Nathanson also advocated tirelessly for the legalization of medical aid in dying. Outside of work, he enjoyed classical music, snorkeling, flying kites, gardening, picnicking with his family, reading and cruising around the world with Donna. He was a proud and dedicated father and stepfather to seven daughters who he cherished immensely. He was a kind and gentle soul, whose legacy lives on forever.

Watch the 2022 Virtual Na Hoa Malama 

2022 Virtual Na Hoa Malama Program

Past Hall of Heroes and Community Awardees

View Past Hall of Heroes & Community Awardees

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