Contents
- 1 Clinical Research in Honolulu
- 2 Clinical Trials For Disease Areas in Honolulu
- 3 Paid Clinical Trials in Honolulu
- 4 Clinical Trials For Health Volunteers in Honolulu
- 5 Medical Discoveries and Innovation in Honolulu
- 6 Honolulu Paid Clinical Trial FAQs
- 7 Why Honolulu Is A Great Place For Clinical Research
Honolulu carries essentially all of Hawaii’s clinical research. As of July 2026, 193 studies are actively recruiting in the city, according to ClinicalTrials.gov, spread across the main hospital systems rather than one academic campus.
Clinical Research in Honolulu
Welcome to the gateway of healthcare innovation in the heart of Honolulu! From groundbreaking treatments for chronic conditions to life-saving therapies, there is something here for everyone.
Our platform is dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare through clinical research. We can help you connect to trials across facilities in your local area, so you too can help advance the field of medicine. By joining a clinical trial, you can redefine the future of medicine.
Quick Facts: Paid Clinical Trials in Honolulu
- Actively recruiting studies (July 2026): 193 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
- Typical compensation: $50–$100 per completed outpatient visit; residential Phase 1 studies pay more (see highest paid clinical trials)
- Cost to participate: $0 — study care and visits are covered by the sponsor
- Worth knowing: travel to a mainland site is rarely practical, so ask coordinators about remote visits and telehealth options
- Statewide options: paid clinical trials in Hawaii
Where Honolulu trials actually run
We sampled recruiting Honolulu studies on ClinicalTrials.gov in July 2026. The sites running the most trials:
| Research site | Trials sampled |
|---|---|
| Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children | 68 |
| The Queen’s Medical Center and Queen’s Cancer Center | 110 |
| Hawaii Cancer Care | 39 |
| Straub Clinic and Hospital | 35 |
Kapiolani is the state’s main women’s and children’s hospital and runs the largest single share of studies, which makes Honolulu stronger for pediatric and maternal research than its size suggests. Because the islands are far from mainland research centers, remote and decentralized studies matter more here than almost anywhere else.
Clinical Trials For Disease Areas in Honolulu
Cancer research and heart disease have been at the forefront of clinical trials in Honolulu, Hawaii. But, the city’s commitment to advancing healthcare goes beyond these fields.
Honolulu research facilities study diverse disease areas. Such as diabetes management, neurological disorders, lung health, and mental health.
For example, Hawaii has one of the highest rates of active tuberculosis cases in the nation. In 2022, the American Lung Association awarded Dr. Sladjana Prišić from the University of Hawai’i with the American Lung Association Innovation Award.
Dr. Prišić’s pioneering project is focused on tackling the Tuberculosis crisis, which has claimed over 1 million lives every year. Her research is studying new ways to treat tuberculosis. That includes finding new medications for improving tuberculosis therapy.
PHREI is a clinical center that does clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies provide valuable research on brain structure. But, PHREI scientists are also studying other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, aging, and women’s health.
Your participation can be the spark that ignites progress in these areas of healthcare. Take action now and apply for a clinical trial in Honolulu today!
Paid Clinical Trials in Honolulu
There are different types of paid clinical trials in Honolulu. Such as treatment, diagnostic, screening, prevention, and quality of life trials. Treatment trials, like the ones that test new drugs, combination therapy, or novel approaches to procedures, usually pay people to participate.
In most cases, the trial sponsor is the one that covers the costs. Each paid clinical trial has its own guidelines and reimbursements. Some pay for the time you spend there, your commitment to research, and travel costs. Factors that affect the payment are the number of visits, trial length, types of procedures, etc.
Clinical Trials For Health Volunteers in Honolulu
If you have a specific condition or are in good health, you can participate in a Honolulu clinical trial. You can provide baseline data, safety assessments for new medications or treatments, and test new preventive interventions or receive a new therapy in a controlled environment.
We are here to simplify that process for you. We’ve compiled all the ongoing and future trials in your local area. Browse the list below to find out more.
Medical Discoveries and Innovation in Honolulu
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making strides across medicine in Honolulu, Hawaii. It offers a quicker and more precise method for detecting possible cancerous growths.
Since 2018, scientists at the UH Cancer Center’s AI Precision Health Institute have been using AI to enhance cancer care and diagnoses. According to John Shepherd, the institute’s co-founder and lead researcher, AI tools can search through medical records to find content or information that can help diagnose patients.
AI can also provide additional insights into medical cases and guide local researchers towards relevant case studies. Dr. Shepherd added that they don’t have many cancer patients signing up for clinical trials. But, AI can scan the currently available cases in all medical centers in Hawaii to find the right criteria for hundreds of studies all at once.
One of his team’s examples is the Hawai‘i Pacific Islands Mammography Registry. It uses AI to spot risks, trends, and results of breast cancer in Native Hawaiian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. This registry holds over 45 million separate images. That includes ultrasounds, mammograms, and other tests from 100,000 women spanning a decade. All of these are linked to breast cancer risk factors and outcomes.
Research facilities in Honolulu, Hawaii are also using AI for gastroenterology. This technology was recently introduced with AI-assisted colonoscopy. Other uses of AI being studied include early identification and risk stratification of non-malignant and malignant lesions of the GI tract. Such as bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastric cancer, etc.
Honolulu Paid Clinical Trial FAQs
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How much do paid clinical trials pay here?
Most outpatient studies pay $50–$100 per completed visit, plus travel reimbursement. Residential Phase 1 studies pay considerably more. The exact amount appears in the consent form before you enroll.
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What happens if no Honolulu study fits?
Ask about studies that allow remote participation. A growing number run visits by telehealth with local lab draws, which makes them workable from Hawaii. Some sponsors also cover travel for specialized trials, though that is less common.
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Are there trials for children or during pregnancy in Honolulu?
Yes. Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children runs the largest research program in the state and covers pediatric and maternal health studies. Parental consent is required for children, and those old enough to understand also give their own assent.
Why Honolulu Is A Great Place For Clinical Research
Population diversity is Honolulu’s biggest advantage. 2021 reports show that 40.8% of its residents are Asian, 19.3% are Multiracial, 17.6% are White, 10.4% are Hispanic, 9.3% are Native Hawaiian, and 2.4% are Black.