Haunani ʻIao, PsyD
Dr. Haunani ‘Iao is the founder and president of ‘Iao Mind & Body Health, a Native Hawaiian–owned psychology practice grounded in mālama (care), pilina (connection), kuleana (responsibility), and pono (integrity). A kānaka maoli born and raised in Hawai‘i, she integrates modern neuroscience with ancestral wisdom to support sustainable individual and systems-level well-being.
She is working with Mindful Living Group to create group programs that support the embodied and sustained resilience and healing of our Maui community.
With over 14 years of clinical experience and a decade of healthcare leadership, Dr. ‘Iao has held leadership roles including Integrated Health Director, CPC+ Medical Director, and Behavioral Health Director within primary care and Federally Qualified Health Centers. She has led the development of large-scale programs, integrated behavioral health systems, and multidisciplinary training teams, shaping trauma-informed and culturally grounded models of care across Maui.
Her clinical specialization centers on trauma healing and resilience throughneuroscience-informed, somatic, and experiential therapies. She emphasizes nervous system regulation as a foundational wellness skill and integrates modalities such as Somatic Experiencing–informed approaches, mindfulness, CBT, and Internal Family Systems.
Dr. ‘Iao developed Discover Your Inner Resilience, a proprietary 7-module, data-driven group program that blends psychoeducation, embodiment practices, and community connection. The program integrates trauma science, polyvagal theory, breathwork, and values-based reflection, and is continuously refined through participant outcomes and feedback.
A certified Trauma-Sensitive Yoga teacher, she offers evidence-based somatic groups to support complex trauma recovery. She currently serves as Maui Representative on the Hawai‘i Psychological Association Board and has contributed to Peloton’s The Output, Well+Good, and Oprah Daily as a behavioral medicine sleep expert.
Dr. ‘Iao’s mindfulness practices include daily yoga with meditation and somatic awareness.
What Our Community Are Saying
The Mindful Living Group is an assemblage of mental health practitioners of varying disciplines. We all have this in common -- a desire to share in the human experience. What we do is subtle and complex. How we do it is through a coordinated, and focused practice as a team of professionals working together. We are here for you.
Mahalo to Mindful Living Group for offering amazing events and profound opportunities for learning, growing, and healing. I just completed the Love Heals class with Kahu Kahealani and this experience has been nothing short of life changing! I cannot recommend Love Heals enough- actually all of the events I have gone to from Mindful Living Group have been top notch, and a great source of healing inspiration for me on this journey of life. Mahalo nui loa to Kahu Kahealani and MLG!
Through this sacred journey I was able to make profound shifts - and know I will continue to integrate what I have learned for years to come. So blessed for Dr. Kahu Kahealani, her compassion, wisdom and dedication. For holding us accountable to do "the work" so that we can all remember and come home to the light we all hold.
I have worked professionally with this group and am very impressed with the insights they help their clients achieve through their skills and compassion.
Bridget S. Bongaard, MD, FACP, Medical Director Maui Cancer Wellness Retreats
Natalie and Jessie are wise and I am so grateful to have shared space with them. I highly recommend joining any programs they offer and/or seeking them out for therapy.
I have the most profound sessions with Arica Keyser using ART to clear PTSD and even just little t traumas that have occurred. I am amazed at how this modality has shifted each trauma with just one session each.
Having been in healthcare for 18 years, I am very aware that I have experienced a lot of trauma especially during covid. I love this therapy as I don't need to talk about it outloud, and she repeats how my brain knows what to do while utilizing a script and eye movement. It works within just one session and is extremely empowering!
I highly recommend for anyone with PTSD or just needing to clear experiences that have had an impact on life!!!!!
I went here a few years ago and recently my daughter did as well. It was the BEST experience of my life. I don't know how Mindful Living Group's team do it but they're masters at their work. I've been in therapy for most of my life and have never before made such bounds and stride with confidence, stamina, and pure bliss in my life. No words can express how much I appreciate this practice.
Take the next step toward healing.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with Mindful Living Group today and discover how to build lasting change for a calmer, more focused mind.
