Evidence-based, holistic care for eating disorders on Maui, Hawaii.
Explore our healing environment and program offerings.
Ai Pono Hawaii is an intimate residential treatment facility for women with eating disorders with picturesque views of the ocean, conveniently located in the town of Wailuku in Central Maui, Hawaii.
The ancient Hawaiians believed that mana (our life’s energy) comes directly from our relationship with nature, and from the relationship between the ocean and land. Maui, in particular, has long been regarded as an island of great spiritual healing and rejuvenation – one that helps to restore lokahi, the ancient Hawaiian concept of harmony and balance.
Footsteps from where the Pacific Ocean meets the sandy shores of Maui, with the mountain, Mauna Kahalawai, behind it, ‘Ai Pono Maui allows clients to incorporate this idea – this mana – into their journey towards self-discovery and healing.
Our residential treatment center for women with eating disorders was designed to reflect and complement its surroundings, creating a peaceful, relaxing environment that will help women connect to their inner selves while on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Begin your healing journey in the ‘Land of Aloha.’
our environment of care
Upon stepping through the traditional Japanese shinto gate, you will know you have arrived at the right place, at the right time. Our intimate residential eating disorder treatment center in the town of Wailuku, Maui is small and inviting – allowing you to feel completely at home while safely away from the typical stressors and triggers of your everyday life.
Our idyllic location on the island of Maui also enables us to feature regular excursions off-site for patients who are medically able. We feature excursions to local beaches, sacred cultural sites such as the nearby Iao Valley, the gorgeous Kula Lavender Farm, prominent shopping destinations, and more. Not to mention our regular mindful walks to our own backyard beach – just a five minute stroll down the road.
Curious about our other features of our maui program?
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
*Currently accessible to those residing within the State of Hawaii.
The ‘Ai Pono Outpatient Program is the longest running intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program not only in Hawaii, but in the United States.
Our outpatient program has a long history. Its origins were as the Anorexia and Bulimia Center of Hawaii (ABC Hawaii), co-founded by Dr. Anita Johnston and Dr. Steve Orenstein in 1982. Initially a “center without walls” it began as a collection of professionals in Oahu specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
We received numerous requests from women residing in Hawaii who are need of an outpatient level of care, but who are unable to make it to our physical location. So now, we return to our roots – expanding beyond the traditional walls of a treatment center by offering online outpatient programming for Hawaii residents.
program details
Our online IOP program is perfect for…
Women who have completed treatment at ‘Ai Pono Hawaii at the residential or PHP level of care who are currently unable to participate in in-person outpatient treatment.
Those who have completed treatment elsewhere at the residential or PHP level of care and are in search of a local provider for outpatient services in Hawaii.
Those who live on neighboring islands outside Maui who are unable to travel to our physical site to attend programs.
Those with personal or familial obligations which prohibit them from attending in-person programs.
Those who are unable to leave home to attend programs.
Individuals who may be reluctant to receive treatment in-person.
What’s included
Our online IOP Program format is nearly identical to our in-person program and consists of 4x three-hour sessions per week including: therapy groups; nutrition groups; and meal support.
Patients enrolled in our Virtual IOP receive the same evidence-based treatment that we deliver via our on-site eating disorder treatment programs and all facilitators have extensive experience not only in the eating disorder treatment field in general, but also with Dr. Anita Johnston’s unique philosophy and approach.
