In 1974, Straub Medical Research Institute (SMRI) was renamed the Pacific Health Research Institute (PHRI) to better reflect the organizationﾒs growth in stature and widening research focus. SMRI was founded in 1960 by a group of physicians led by Dr. Joseph E. Strode from Honoluluﾒs Straub Clinic, who along with other civic leaders established the first organization in Hawaii dedicated to medical research. The organization was called Straub Medical Research Institute (SMRI).

In 2010, the Pacific Health Research & Education Institute (PHREI) became the successor-in-interest to Pacific Health Research Institute.