OUR STORY
Lahaina Smiles may be a new name, but our roots run deep in this community we love.
Our story began in 1985,
when Dr. Glenn Kadohiro opened his practice in the Old Lahaina Center with a simple promise: to care for people with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. For decades, he poured his heart into helping patients feel comfortable, confident, and truly cared for—always learning, always improving, always putting people first.
It was through this dedication to lifelong learning that Dr. Kadohiro crossed paths with Dr. Steve Barba. Both were members of the same Maui study club, drawn together by a shared belief that dentistry should be personal, modern, and grounded in genuine connection. When Dr. Barba joined the practice in 2020, he helped usher in new technology—same-day crowns, dental implants, and advanced digital tools—while honoring the legacy of trust and warmth that had defined the practice for decades. Together, they built a vision of comprehensive care shaped around each individual who walks through our doors.
Then came the Lahaina Fire—an event that changed all of us forever.
Like so many in our community, our team lost not only our office, but for many, their homes and the physical spaces that held their memories. Yet even in the midst of heartbreak, something powerful happened. Our team rallied. We showed up for one another and for Lahaina.
We safeguarded every patient record and stayed in constant communication so no one was left without care. We gathered and distributed donations, volunteered in emergency clinics at the hotels, and replaced lost dental appliances for patients who were trying to rebuild their lives from the ground up. We donated our services to those who had lost everything. And within just one month, thanks to the generosity of Just Keiki and Smiles with Aloha, we were back to treating patients in temporary spaces—doing whatever it took to keep our community smiling through the darkest of times.
After more than two years of rebuilding, healing, and holding onto hope, we are profoundly grateful to reopen our doors at Lahaina Gateway. Walking into this new space feels like a homecoming. Most of our team—those familiar faces who cared for you before the fire—are here with us, standing strong and ready to welcome you back.
Our new office was designed with intention: modern technology, a state-of-the-art sterilization center, a 3D printing lab, a crown milling center, and an updated CBCT machine. These tools allow us to offer a wider range of services than ever before, but more importantly, they allow us to continue serving Lahaina with the excellence and heart you deserve.
We are honored to be part of Lahaina’s story of resilience. As we watch our town rise and rebuild, we feel immense gratitude to be here—still caring, still learning, still smiling with you.
Meet the Team
Welcome to the Dentist Office of Dr. Steve Barba and Dr. Glenn Kadohiro! New patients often comment about how friendly our team is, and we’re proud of our ability to help every person who steps through our door feel comfortable and relaxed. Even if this is your first visit to the dentist in a long time, we’re here to help. We make sure all our patients are fully informed and understand all their options. We feel if you understand what is happening with your oral health, you will be in a better position to make decisions for your well-being.
Commited to excellence
We’re Always Accepting New Patients & Can’t Wait to Meet You. Lahaina Smiles Dental is now open for clinical appointments (fillings, crowns, dental emergencies, extractions) as well as regularly-scheduled cleanings.
Our comprehensive services and fully customized treatment plans fit your needs, budget, lifestyle, and goals.
Dr. Glenn Kadohiro (Dentist)
Dr. Glenn Y. Kadohiro has had the privilege of serving the Lahaina and surrounding communities since 1985. Dr. Kadohiro grew up in Kona on the Big Island. He started his dental career as a dental technician serving in the U.S. Navy. Then, he attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo and received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology in 1979. Dr. Kadohiro received his dental degree (DDS) from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, School of Dentistry in 1983. In 1984, Dr. Kadohiro completed his post graduate education at St. Francis Hospital’s General Practice Residency Program in Honolulu. In 1985, Dr. Kadohiro opened his practice in Lahaina, Maui.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kadohiro has continued his education by taking numerous post graduate courses, attending dental meetings, seminars, conventions, implant programs and study groups. Dr. Kadohiro is a member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, Maui County Dental Society and the Maui Professional Dental Forum (Seattle Study Club). With Dr. Kadohiro’s experience, knowledge, integrity and compassion, he strives to provide personalized and optimum quality care to all of his patients.
Dr. Steve Barba (Dentist)
Dr. Steve Barba has been practicing dentistry on Maui since 2015 and joined our practice in Lahaina in 2020. He grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Barba attended Duke University and received his bachelor’s degree in Economics. He continued his education at Temple Dental School in Philadelphia and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Dr. Steve Barba is passionate about comprehensive patient care and continuous learning. He has been a part of the Maui Professional Dental Forum (Seattle Study Club) since 2016, where he met Dr. Kadohiro. He has been recognized by Honolulu Magazine as a “Best Dentist in Hawaii” in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. He has completed an advanced continuing education program at the Pankey Institute, where complex bite and jaw issues are taught. He has taken several courses in topics ranging from cosmetics, dental technology and Invisalign.
In his free time, Dr. Barba is an outdoors enthusiast; he enjoys surfing, hiking, diving, playing basketball, biking, reading and sailing. He also is a sports fan and roots for the Philadelphia Sports Teams and Duke Basketball.
Kat, originally from Arizona, earned her Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene with a minor in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University. She's passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident about their oral health, believing great dentistry starts with connection and education. Outside the office, Kat loves to travel, sing, and chase adventure, from ocean days to marathon PRs, and taking in all Maui offers!
Team Members
Kat – Dental Hygienist
Debby – Dental Hygienist
Tiara – Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in Lahaina, Tiara has been in the dental field since 2007, starting as a dental assistant before earning her dental hygiene degree from UH Maui College. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and with family and friends. Fun fact: she's the only lefty in the office!
keri – Dental Hygienist
Kristen – Dental Assistant
Kristen was born and raised on Maui and is Dr. Kadohiro and Bev’s second oldest daughter (out of 3 girls). She has lived in Lahaina her whole life and has been with the practice since 2008 as a dental assistant. She loves animals and enjoys spending time with her cat at home. She also discovered her love of traveling to Japan after going there for her first time in 2017.
Sheri – Dental Assistant
Sheri is Dr. Kadohiro and Bev’s youngest daughter and also born and raised here in Lahaina. She’s been with the practice since 2011 as a dental assistant after graduating college at UH Manoa (psychology). Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and pets (one dog and cat) and also loves traveling to find good places to eat and shop (Japan and Vegas are her top two places to go!).
Kaela – Dental Assistant
Kaela was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV but has been coming to Maui her whole life. Kaela moved here after the fire to help her grandpa and has been with the practice since 2025. Kaela is currently a dental assistant but is completing her prerequites for the hygiene program at UHMC. outside of work she enjoys spending time with her friends and family or anything outdoors
Elvira – Dental Assistant
Sja-nal was born on Kauaʻi and raised on Maui before relocating to San Diego, California, in 2008 to continue her education, where she later met her husband. In 2024, she graduated from Concorde Career College and earned her certifications as a Dental Assistant. Outside of work, Sja-nal enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and dog, along with outdoor activities, video games, and discovering new places to eat.
Sjanal – Dental Assistant
Lili – Front Desk
Kawai – Front Desk
Kawai moved to Maui in January 2024 from Oahu. She works at the front desk and helps patients coordinate their treatment. On her free time she likes to play video games and go to the beach on her weeks.
Noreen - insurance
Nicole – Billing/Insurance
Kind Words from Patients
“Warm, friendly, and efficient staff”
“Upon arrival you are greeted by a warm, friendly and efficient staff concerned with your well being. Enter the dental procedure area and you experience an up-to-date modern facility that is equipped and staffed promoting either maintenance or repair of dental procedures. Complete and thorough examinations using only the most up-to-date equipment. The appointments are kept as planned on time with advance notice, if an emergency were to arise they diligently work with you to accommodate your needs. The efficient staff processes all of the necessary insurance information, again making the experience as pleasant as possible.”
“I have never had a more pleasurable experience at a dental office”
“I have never had a more pleasurable experience at a dental office. From the time you walk through the door ’til you leave, the entire staff makes you feel comfortable and welcome. Dr. Kadohiro is very knowledgeable, gentle and kind and ensures you are as comfortable as one can be having dental work. I highly recommend this office.“
“They always make me feel comfortable when coming in for treatments or fillings.”
“I have had multiple appointments here and had not been to the dentist in years; they have been great! My teeth and gums are so much healthier and they always make me feel comfortable when coming in for treatments or fillings. Definitely suggest coming here!“