‘Ai Pono Hawaii

About ‘Ai Pono Hawaii

‘Ai Pono has more than 35 years of experience providing care for eating disorders and is the longest continuously running treatment program of its kind in Hawaii. The center serves people ages 13 and older and offers several levels of support, including residential treatment for women and girls, partial hospitalization (PHP), and in-person intensive outpatient programming (IOP). For individuals who live within Hawaii, ‘Ai Pono also provides virtual IOP.

Set on the scenic island of Maui, ‘Ai Pono offers a traditional Japanese-style setting that promotes a calm, peaceful atmosphere. High ceilings and an open layout create a bright environment filled with natural light. The location also makes it easy for clients to join off-site activities, such as visits to local beaches, meaningful cultural sites like nearby Iao Valley, the Kula lavender farm, popular shopping areas, and more. The facility is within walking distance of the ocean, and clients often take mindful walks to the beach.

The program centers on the connection between food and eating disorders, using a whole-person approach to explore and treat the underlying causes of disordered eating. It recognizes that unhealthy eating patterns are symptoms, so treatment also addresses related conditions that can contribute to the development and persistence of eating disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and body dysmorphia.

The women’s residential program includes psychotherapy sessions three times per week and psychoeducational groups every day. Family participation is encouraged and facilitated by experienced clinicians in line with each person’s treatment plan. Meals and snacks are treated as therapeutic opportunities, with ongoing support from the treatment team. Nutrition is individualized to each client’s needs, and clients meet weekly with a Registered Dietitian for meal-plan reviews and nutritional therapy.

‘Ai Pono’s virtual IOP is available to people of all genders ages 13+. The program is structured to match where each client is in recovery, offering flexible levels of support and meeting frequency adjusted based on progress.

A wide range of therapeutic approaches is available, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and internal family systems (IFS), along with trauma-informed treatment, eye movement therapy (EMDR), and somatic therapy. Clients can also access holistic offerings such as gentle yoga, mindfulness practices, sound therapy, and nature-based therapy to support healing of both mind and body.

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