Dr. Joseph Cucolo

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Joseph Cucolo

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For Dr. Joseph Cucolo, the most rewarding part of dentistry is helping a nervous patient relax. He knows how much anxiety people carry into the dental office, and he sees it as his job to guide them through it. “There is nothing better,” he says, “than seeing someone who was once afraid develop comfort at the dental office.”

Dr. Cucolo’s path to pediatric dentistry began in a classroom. He first came to Hawaiʻi through Teach for America, teaching high school science and earning a Master of Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa—and it was there that he discovered how much he loved working with children. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery, with honors, from New York University, completed a general practice residency at The Queen’s Medical Center, and practiced at Hawaii Family Dental before returning to school for his specialty. As Chief Resident of the NYU Langone Pediatric Dental Residency Program, he trained fully in the care of children, and he now rejoins the Hawaii Family Dental team as a kids’ dentist.

Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Cucolo now makes his home in Hawaiʻi. Outside the office, you’ll most often find him on a trail with his dog, Kolo. He aims for a balanced life and a chance to help others—he’d like to volunteer at a community health center down the road—and he finds his joy in staying productive and spending time with family.

Why Choose

Dr. Joseph Cucolo

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Patient Testimonials

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mbee i. Avatar
mbee i.
8/29/2026
I had a almost impossible teeth to fix. Dr Helena Mello did it with brillant mind she remake my teeth organicaly with bonding preoarin a temporary crown tgat fits my bite and looks better tgen a crown made on a laboratory. Shes surpass my expectatives. Shrs more then a dentist. Shes a gentle hearted skillful dentist
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Alton S. Avatar
Alton S.
8/27/2026
Another great visit and the service was top notch today. Lots of smiling faces all around and the one on one with the Dr. was on point. All questions answered and he even told me to call if there was any difficulties!!! 5 stars today
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Jahnel M. Avatar
Jahnel M.
8/26/2026
Always great here! Been coming here for years .Wish I could continue going here next year hopefully they find someone who accepts my insurance
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Elaina C. Avatar
Elaina C.
8/19/2026
Always treated respectfully and professionally! Great dental office team! Mahalo nui Vincent for making my teeth cleaning procedure a positive experience! Mahalo nui Dr. Mello for your continued care of my overall oral health.
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Dottie C. Avatar
Dottie C.
8/16/2026
Dr Jeffrey Thomas is a superior dentist who always makes his patients feel at ease with his personable ways & the results of his work can only be described as totally satisfactory. His dental staff as well as the office workers are very helpful and welcoming.
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Brooks B. Avatar
Brooks B.
8/12/2026
Went in for a front chip tooth was able to get fixed. Same day. Show up early to check in. Be patient. Be nice small office.
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Laurie M. Avatar
Laurie M.
8/12/2026
Excellent hygienist..efficient...knew his stuff and really did a great job quickly..l shall return!!...office personnel very helpful with my insurance questions
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Leslie H. Avatar
Leslie H.
8/09/2026
Vincent the hygienist is very good. No pain and my teeth feel really clean now. And he was fast and efficient. Very good job
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Betsy B. Avatar
Betsy B.
8/09/2026
There is a reason Hawaii Family Dental wins so many awards!From the minute I walk in, I can feel the Aloha Spirit. Professional, expert dentists, cutting edge high tech dental tools, a strong spirit of teamwork and respect among the staff and the friendliest front desk people of any office in town! I recently had my teeth cleaned by Vincent, and he is terrific, thorough and knowledgeable. He took the time to teach me about my teeth.I always feel taken care of and included in decisions about my dental work. I actually look forward to going to the dentist now. Thank you Hawaii Family Dental!!
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Nilma C. Avatar
Nilma C.
8/08/2026
I have been a patient at Hawaii Family Dental for the past two years, and recently I experienced an incredibly painful toothache. I called the main office, explained that I was in severe pain, and asked if I could see a dentist as soon as possible. I was asked the standard emergency questions—whether I was bleeding or had a fever. I explained that I had neither, but that I was in significant pain. Unfortunately, they could not accommodate me and told me they would call me back. I was told that the earliest available appointment could be about a month away, and I was even advised to go to the emergency room.At that point, I was extremely frustrated and decided to call other dental offices in the area. Thankfully, I found another dentist who was able to see me the very next morning.Then, unexpectedly, I received a phone call from my amazing dentist, Dr. Helena Mello. She had heard about my situation and wanted to help me immediately. I honestly could not believe it. She was kind, compassionate, and went above and beyond to arrange an appointment for me right away.I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Mello’s knowledge, expertise, and careful diagnosis. She discovered that I had a cracked tooth and took the time to clearly explain my treatment options, including the financial options available to me. This allowed me to make an informed decision that was right for me and my tooth.Dr. Mello’s compassion and dedication truly made a difference during a very stressful and painful experience. I feel very fortunate to have a dentist who genuinely cares about her patients.Thank you again, Dr. Mello, for being such an amazing, compassionate, and knowledgeable dentist. I truly appreciate you!
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Aloha S. Avatar
Aloha S.
8/05/2026
August 4, 2026, another OUTSTANDING teeth cleaning with dental hygienist Christy Murashige. She explained every step she would be performing to clean my teeth. She listened carefully and answered all my questions. The cleaning began with pumice polish, ultrasonic, pick and ended with fluoride. I appreciate the frequent fresh water rinses. She is a professional and seems to have a passion for her craft. The billing and front desk receptionist (Sorry, I forget her name) is super helpful and friendly. I actually look forward to my next cleaning session in early 2027. Mahalo!Two recent EXCELLENT experiences at Hawaii Family Dental, Kihei office. Both started with the professional front office team. Answering my questions and showing compassion explaining scheduling, insurance and payments. The January 16 teeth cleaning was with dental hygienist Christy Murashige. She is a great professional and helped put my dental anxiety at ease. Christy explained each step and ensured I was comfortable, ensuring I was not in pain at any time. We need more hygienist like Christy! My next appointment was February 7th with Dr. Jeff Thomas. He is also very professional and reassuring. He repaired a failed filling (Filling was old, not originally installed by HFD) and made sure there was no pain. He kept the communication open and also explained every part of the procedure. HFD is lucky to have these two professionals and the team of dental assistants and office staff. I will highly recommend this office to everyone. Mahalo!
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Abu M. Avatar
Abu M.
8/04/2026
Dr gene did a great job,he was very careful while replacing an old filing in my mouth,it wasn’t painful at all and it was very quick,I liked the way he worked,very efficient and clean.Very good results.my next treatment for tooth cleaning was set with yana,hopefully for the same results.
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Leah B. Avatar
Leah B.
8/01/2026
It’s over a year That I’m not coming this place. The staff is very accommodating and the service is fast. Thank you.
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Catalina D. Avatar
Catalina D.
8/01/2026
Hawaii Family Dental has taken such good care of me over the last several months. I’ve seen every doctor, my hygienist, and several assistants and they have all been wonderful. The front desk is warm and accommodating, the entire office has taken away my anxiety about dental appointments. Mahalo nui, you know I’ll be back!
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John K. Avatar
John K.
7/16/2026
I love Hawaii Family Dental. The staff is very friendly and professional. They take very good care of me. Best dental office that I have ever been to.
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Happy K. Avatar
Happy K.
7/07/2026
All Good… more pain meds for 3days next time, NOT 2days. 3rd day is when the pain is more intense.
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paul b. Avatar
paul b.
7/04/2026
Today July 3 2026Doctor Halens Mellow: excellent dentist!Dental lab Duane excellent dental labDental assistant Rayana!Excellent front offic receptionist! Both AwesomeThey are kind gracious and accommodating to yourand my dental care! Blessings to them all 🙏Paul BonannoSeptember 22, 2025. The staff receptionists, Rayna was so nice receiving me. She actually made copies of my personal work sheets, i ran out of, Thank You Rayna!Dr Mellow filled my filling to relieve my, discomfort right away!She Dr Mellow is the Best Dentist I have ever had care from!I’m fortunate to know her as my Dentist!!!❣️Bobbi manager went over my billing, made simple an easy!Thank You Sincerely Hawaii Family Dental-Kihei❣️June 24, 2025I’m a very, happy patient. Dr. Mellow gave me her, compassion and understanding to allow me to receive Excellent dental care..I had, no dental insurance. Out of work for, two years with back issues. Dr. Mellow knew of my financial difficulty.Dr. Mellows staff step up. With, the help of Bobbie in billing and Rayna the kind gracious receptionist. Helped sign me up with the affordible, “Carefree Dental Plan” . com ”. Thus taking away my embarrassment of insufficient funds. Not, able to pay.Dr. Mellow with Kindness and goodness in her heart, took upon her precious time and knowledge and, treated my other sore tooth in addition.She, reshaped my, 2 front teeth to match my partial,Dr. Mellow, filled my teeth thus NO More Pain!Dr Mellow’s years of experience now allowed my partial to, snap in, and have, a great bite for, eating!( Thank You Dr. Mellow So Much).* Note the assistant and Dr Mellow adjusted the dental chairto accommodate and relieve pressure off, my back and neck. (even with an neck pillow.)* With, Unbelievable kindness both Dr. Mellow and dental assistance BOUTH STOID UP over me, to administerdental procedures. Not the norm WOW* Knowing I have, trouble with saliva and Novicane, running down my throat with difficult swallowing. Dr. Mellow, patiently monitored and cleared, any, discomfort I had.Thank you So Much!Dr. Mellow.ps.Anna the dental hygienist, with, 20 years experience, today adjusted my treatment itinerary to be affordable, foe me.Anna, treated my, much needed cleaning. And, gave me a gift bag to take home, of dental floss, tooth brush, and tooth paste.Know you, know why, I give the, Hawaii Family Dental of, Kihei.The, excellent, FIVE STAR REVIEW!❤️June16, 2025They treated me as Ohana (family) this morning.I called, a few days ago to inquire of, my pay out of pocket billing?I’m always greeted by the nice receptionist. She arranged my treatments and told me my estimate.Upon seeing The best most kind humble dentist Dr Mellow, She discussed my options and asked her assistants, Then,Dr. Mellow, asked assistant, to go to billing to get the costs for the day’s treatment and future treatments, also.To my knowledge, i didn’t”t have dental Insurance. And, billing department, confirmed it.To my embarrassment, I, could not pay for the future treatment , but only today’s.Bobbi from accounting inquired. I asked, “Do you know of a cheap dental insurance company?”Bobbi in account billing department took me to her desk , and reviewed , my insurance past, id’s insurance, coverage.I just called the insurance company. But they were closed, because of, CSTShe got on my phone to help me apply for my new application.BOBBi, got on her online computer, and registered me. Finding a suggested, dental insurance plan from a very low cost insurer.I say low cost plan! BOBBI, printed out my, new paper member’s card, and described, even, that eye, travel and purchases discount’s are now available through my new dental insurance company plan, online. WOW!5 Star rating is not high enough!DR. MELLOW and BOBBI, I’m expressing, my deep, GRATITUDE , and GRATEFULNESS to you both! 😀Much thanks; Much
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Terri P. Avatar
Terri P.
7/02/2026
Excellent care. Hygienist, Yana, is personable, gives important information. She’s very proficient & professional. Dr. Thomas is very thorough & very gentle.
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Alisha A. Avatar
Alisha A.
6/26/2026
I have been a patient here for years. The office and dental staff are kind and helpful. I would highly recommend 👌Yana is my hygenist this and I so appreciated her attention to detail and kindness. Will see you all again in 6 months for my cleaning! 😊
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Ella F. Avatar
Ella F.
6/23/2026
Very friendly staff and my hygienist Christy Murashige was fantastic! I was always terrified of going to the dentist because of my last experience but she was friendly and very gentle. She was very attentive to how I was feeling during my cleaning and made sure I was comfortable. Mahalo Dr.Mello and the staff and Hawaii Family Dental. Look forward to my next appointment. Aloha
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Mel J. Avatar
Mel J.
6/19/2026
Top Notch!!! I absolutely love the staff and the drs. They make me feel comfortable, very accommodating, and are very quick with their service.
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