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
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.
The Monday Morning Mindfulness meditations and discussions are an excellent start to my week!
Jessica is not only a professional that stays true to her beliefs, she is open to listen to her client's needs and is able to adapt to deliver beyond what is discussed. She is able to communicate through passion and love in a simple and authentic way that captures the audience and resonates with different types of participants, including high level executives.
Mindful Living Group has already helped me a lot with controlling my nervous system and I have only been with them for about four months. Excited to keep working with Mindful Living Group!
I have enjoyed group events and felt great peace sharing personal experiences. The sensitive touch of human kindness that I have received from this group is matched by no other event, service or retreat I've have experienced. Mahalo MLG!
She's so approachable, kind, experienced, knowledgeable and patient. We even have some laughs during our appointments. It's so obvious she genuinely cares about her patients and it's so refreshing. I always leave our appointments having all my concerns dissipated by her thorough explanations, genuine interest and calm demeanor. For an extremely anxious person like me who is weary of (and a bit traumatized by) our medical system, Ashley has given me hope. I trust her advice and I can't thank her enough.
I have worked professionally for this group and find them to be a great resource for the community. They have excellent therapists, and I love their community offerings like the full moon and new moon meditations.
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.
