Pacific Quest

Pacific Quest is a mental health counselor in Hilo, HI, located at 301 Kalanianaole St. It operates as a fully licensed and accredited residential facility providing mental healthcare for teens and young adults on the Island of Hawaii. The organization serves families seeking to address issues such as trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. With a rating of 4.40 based on 164 reviews, Pacific Quest has established a solid reputation among the customers it has served.

The facility was founded in 2004 by Mike and Suzanne McKinney, who relocated to the Big Island to create an integrated therapy program. Mike McKinney, the CEO and co-founder, holds a BA from California Polytechnic University and began his career in youth services in 1998 at a wilderness program in Idaho. He later served as Director of the Trails program at Oakley School and Admissions Director at Coral Reef Academy before moving to Hawaii. Suzanne McKinney, the co-founder and Outreach Director, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from the University of Colorado and a Masters Degree in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She previously worked as a preschool head teacher and an elementary school teacher in the Bay Area. The program is family-owned and privately operated, a structure the founders have maintained since the beginning.

Pacific Quest’s approach combines specialized clinical care, nature-based experiences, and holistic wellness. The program provides 90 consecutive days of ongoing support, distinguishing it from traditional outpatient or short-term residential treatments. A multi-disciplinary team of experts collaborates daily to develop individualized treatment plans. Since its inception, the facility has treated over 3,500 patients from various locations. The admissions process involves a phone consultation, a confidential online application, and a multidisciplinary review that typically takes one to two days. Travel arrangements are coordinated through Hilo or Kona airports, and recent physical exams are required within 14 days of admission.

The business holds an established track record built on a large base of customer reviews, reflecting consistent service to the community. Pacific Quest focuses on disrupting cycles of distress and equipping residents with real-world tools for long-term progress.

Pacific Quest stands as a specialized residential therapy provider in Hilo, offering a structured, nature-based environment for youth and families seeking lasting behavioral and mental health changes.