The History of Neurosurgery in the Hawaiian Islands

The field of neurosurgery has a rich and fascinating history. The development of the specialty in Hawaii has been particularly unique, given the state's remote location, indigenous population, and military presence. The life of Dr. Ralph B. Cloward, Hawaii's most noted neurosurgeon, has received some attention in the literature. However, a comprehensive review of this history, including the pre-Cloward and post-Cloward era, is lacking. This article will review and chronicle the development of neurosurgery in Hawaii with special attention to 3 topics: the traveling neurosurgeons of the early 20th century, such as Dr. Frederick Reichert; Hawaii's first full time neurosurgeon, Dr. Cloward; and finally, the current state of neurosurgery in Hawaii.