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‘Ai Pono, meaning “to nourish with balance and ease,” offers a compassionate space for healing and recovery, honoring each person’s journey with evidence-based, trauma-informed care on the island of Maui.
Are you looking for an eating disorders treatment center that offers truly holistic, evidence-based care? ‘Ai Pono’s eating disorder residential treatment program combines proven therapeutic modalities with creative approaches to promote balance and lasting recovery.
Start your journey to recovery in a peaceful, nurturing setting where you can feel safe to explore the deeper meaning behind your disordered eating and work towards transformative change.
At ‘Ai Pono, we understand not only the complexities of eating disorders, but the complexities of those who struggle with them. We consider the whole person- mind, body, and spirit- in our healing approach. We encourage each patient who enters our treatment space to practice authentic and assertive communication in order to express their needs. We create a safe community that enables patients to get curious, ask questions, and have difficult and meaningful conversations. And we listen– with genuine compassion that comes from decades of experience.
As one of the world’s best eating disorder treatment centers, our clinical team has several decades of success in treating various eating disorders including: Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specific Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED). In addition, we provide treatment to patients who struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Night Eating Syndrome, body image distortion, and laxative abuse, among other eating disorder related conditions. Because we view eating disorders as symptoms of underlying issues and other unmet needs, our residential eating disorder treatment program is also able to successfully address a wide variety of co-occurring diagnoses and related issues such as trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and others.
The ‘Ai Pono Eating Disorder Treatment Program was built upon a philosophical foundation that stems from a belief that there is deep meaning to be found in the struggle with an eating disorder.
The culture of our eating disorder recovery center is grounded in community, connection, and cultivating empathy among patients and staff alike. We support patients ages 13+ with varying eating disorder diagnoses and backgrounds. Our intimate setting allows patients to explore intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics and how these dynamics influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through individual and group therapy, patients are able to expand their emotional literacy, practice assertive communication, and learn how to effectively address their innermost needs without utilizing food or eating as a means to cope.
‘Ai Pono is reflective of the true spirit of Aloha– a concept that refers to the connection between heart and mind within each person. It means mutual respect, admiration, and genuine caring towards the self and others, with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
It is our hope for all those who come to ‘Ai Pono for treatment to leave with a sense of what it truly feels like to be present and connected to oneself and the world. We know that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and we know that anyone is capable of achieving it.
'ai pono = to nourish with balance and ease
At ‘Ai Pono, we know that each person’s journey with an eating disorder is unique and deeply personal. Our residential eating disorder treatment center is here to offer a compassionate, comprehensive approach that cares for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
We recognize eating disorders as complex, adaptive responses to life’s challenges. This is why we help people uncover the meaning behind these behaviors and find new ways to cope.
Finding a center that balances evidence-based and holistic therapies can be challenging. At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we are proud to offer an array of integrative treatments designed to support each individual’s healing journey.
With over 35 years of experience, ‘Ai Pono’s founding Director, Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS, is a pioneer in eating disorder recovery. She has devoted her career to empowering individuals to transform their relationships with food through storytelling, myths, and metaphors. Since opening Hawaii’s first eating disorder treatment center in 1986, Dr. Johnston and our highly trained team have created a compassionate, therapeutic environment that nurtures healing and growth. Our center offers a safe space for deep transformation in an oceanfront home-like setting.
Many people struggling with eating disorders face additional challenges, such as anxiety, PTSD, or OCD. Our trauma-informed team recognizes how these experiences can drive disordered eating and offers a range of therapies, including EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic therapy, to address these needs. Our approach is centered around creating a safe, empowering space where individuals can explore and heal unresolved trauma alongside their eating disorder recovery.
Healing extends beyond traditional therapies. Our holistic approach includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care, supporting each person’s well-being. From Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and alternative modalities like sound therapy, art therapy, and nature-based practices, we aim to reconnect individuals with their true selves. Our connection to Hawaiian culture enriches the experience with practices like lei-making, ukulele lessons, and storytelling that invite people to explore a deep sense of belonging and self-connection.
We strive to make our residential eating disorder treatment accessible to as many people as possible. We accept most major insurances, including Hawaii State Medicaid. Our center is proud to be in-network with Tricare, which allows us to serve veterans, military families, and those with unique financial needs. By offering support to a diverse community, we bring compassionate, inclusive care to individuals from all walks of life.
Nestled away from the hustle of city life, ‘Ai Pono provides a serene space for people to focus on themselves and begin their journey to wholeness. Our tranquil setting on Maui allows individuals to heal in a peaceful atmosphere that encourages self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection. Here, you or a loved one can experience a life of balance and ease, embracing new ways of being in recovery.
Healing from an eating disorder requires dedicated support and a focused environment. ‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers a compassionate, distraction-free space that fosters true recovery.
Here’s how residential treatment can make a difference:
At ‘Ai Pono, we are here to provide the dedicated care essential for lasting change.
We understand that each person’s needs are unique, and the right level of care depends on your situation. At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we offer two tailored options for eating disorder treatment:
Our residential program provides comprehensive care, addressing medical, nutritional, and therapeutic needs. Clients receive individual therapy three times per week, with additional support for trauma and co-occurring conditions. Our skilled nursing team is available 24/7, and we encourage family involvement to support healing and connection.
Our IOP offers structured group-based care in the evenings, including psychotherapy, nutrition education, and meal support for those who need flexible support. Available in person on Maui and virtually for all Hawaii residents, our IOP is accessible to individuals of all genders seeking structured recovery support.
Currently, the IOP is offered virtually only to Hawaii residents.
“The team at Ai Pono felt like family not a hospital staff even though you still received the same level of care. They bring a different level of care to recovery that enriches a new love for life. The aspects of nature therapy did so much for my Soul and allowed me to break through serious trauma. I came in as an adult which was so different than when my parents forced me in a different facility as a young teen. I made lifelong friends while being in there and still nurture my road to recovery and aim to help others on their journey.”
– C., Former patient of ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Residential Program