As the first facility in Hawaii dedicated to early-phase cancer research, it is also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) center in the Pacific. With this addition to the University of Hawai’i’s research facilities, patients no longer have to travel to the mainland to receive cancer treatment. Ho’ōla, the Hawaiian word for “to heal” or “to give life,” reflects the center’s commitment to hope, compassionate care and innovation. The center offers patients free access to early-phase clinical trials and treatments while expanding research capacity at institutions throughout Hawaii. This core and shell space includes: