Maikaʻi Hearts is located at the end of the hallway on the seventh floor of Kuakini Medical Plaza. Parking is $3 with validation for the first three hours, which is practically a miracle by Honolulu parking standards. The office itself is clean, bright, comfortably air-conditioned, and refreshingly simple.
The first time I visited, the waiting room was packed. There were barely any seats available, and appointments were running a little behind. Clearly, everyone in Honolulu had decided that particular day was the perfect time to check whether their cardiovascular system was still honoring the terms of its contract.
While I was waiting, a gentleman came out and offered me something to drink. Coffee? Absolutely. Then he revealed it was decaf, which is technically coffee in the same way that sparkling water is technically excitement. I went with water.
What I did not realize at the time was that he was apparently one of the owners. As I was leaving, he personally came over, apologized for the delay, and thanked me for being patient. I honestly had to check whether I was still in a doctor's office. Someone acknowledging a long wait without being chased down first? In this economy?
Then there is Dr. Giselle Baquero, who was fantastic. She was friendly, funny, attentive, and genuinely interested in understanding my situation. She took the time to explain things clearly, made thoughtful recommendations, and arranged all the necessary follow-ups without making the appointment feel rushed or mechanical.
I returned several more times for different tests and follow-up appointments, and every person I encountered was exceptionally kind and professional. The consistency was almost suspicious. Usually, every office has at least one employee who behaves as though your arrival has personally ruined their week. Not here.
At one appointment, I complimented a staff member's eyeglass frames and asked where he bought them. He actually added the information to my notes so I would not forget. Not medical information. Eyeglass information. That is a level of customer service I was not emotionally prepared for.
At this point, I am tempted to ask whether Maikaʻi Hearts can handle my dental cleanings, oil changes, and tax preparation too.
Dr. Baquero and the entire team have been warm, professional, thorough, and consistently wonderful. Nothing but high praise for this office. read more