Kama’aina Acupuncture

Arrived 15 minutes early & was so excited and nervous. Amazing experience. Brandon was on point with establishing a baseline for me, prior to my treatment.
Overall, my one hour session went smoothly. I left feeling better and looking forward to more sessions.
Bonus: Pay what you want to within the range they give you.

First experience was about a week ago and it was great. I was a bit nervous about the needles but it was amazing how pain free it was and how relaxed I felt afterwards. My next appointment is today and I’m excited! The pricing is reasonable as well. I am going to try and make this a weekly routine :)

Aptly named in Hawai’i, this is the place to be for locals and the perfect go-​to for acupuncture and pain therapy.
I was referred to this place of healing by an art instructor at the Honolulu Museum of Art after complaining that I was unable to work and focus on my art because of all the shoulder pain I was experiencing! My teacher said he would talk to his wife who was also an acupuncturist, and she referred me to the Kama’aina acupuncturists and noted that Joe Bright here was also once an instructor at the Honolulu Museum in the art of calligraphy. I have been going here every week now for the last month or so and I have met every acupuncturist here except for Joe now, and each of them have been very courteous, kind and professional.
They are all very knowledgeable and really take their time to ‘feel’ out your pain pressure points when it is available. Sometimes, if you just walk in, they are really busy and upstairs is already a full house of patients just relaxing and/​or working through their pain.
They offer a number of treatments, including cupping (which really helps, but will leave deep bruise marks on your skin for up to a week looking like a tattoo), electrical stimulation (TENS), pull-​push massage (for lack of a better term to find your pressure points), and of course, acupuncture.
Most importantly, though, the reason I keep coming back here to this location is because the acupuncture is a treatment that really works at a price that is affordable and non-​negotiable (Only $ 20 — $ 45/​visit)! I usually just give the minimum ‘co-​pay’ of $ 20, since they don’t accept insurance, unless it’s my first time visiting that acupuncturist, in which case I’ll give an additional $ 10 for the consultation.
Then, if I’m feeling spoiled, I’ll also treat myself to Wai’ola Shave Ice, which is just next door!
*Note: Besides being aptly named for Hawai’i, the kama’aina in their name is actually missing an ‘okina between the a’s!

OMG — I was in SO much pain in my right back shoulder — tried rubbing creams and such. I ended up going in because of the good reviews on Unilocal and they turned out to be true. After my treatment this afternoon my upper right back was not throbbing and the stabbing and burning pain subsided by so much! Brandon and Alicia were great trying to figure out what would be the best approach, and between the two of them I am feeling so much better! Thank you Kamaaina Accupuncture for making me feel normal again!

When my wife was talking about acupuncture, I couldn’t help but skirm in my skin. But I came in with an open mind.
Joe is an absolutely awesome practitioner. He helped talked me through and explained how it acupuncture works and also went over a lot of Chinese medicine facts and neat information about the body, stress and overall wellbeing. I was pretty much hooked on coming back after my first experience and took my friend along with me!
The actual puncture of the needle DOES NOT hurt. You will feel slight pressure depending on the tension of your muscle. You’ll eventually feel your clogged up energy releasing and rising back into proper circulation.
When my sessions finish, I always get this higher level of calm. Pretty much feels like a «natural body high». Everything in life is just awesome and funny. Haha Joe almost got me to pay anything because I was so compliant, so happy, sooo… «high» haha.
But all funny business aside, my sore back and stiff neck that I came in for felt absolutely relieved. Tons of energy the next few weeks and came home with a very positive nature and was able to deal with whatever negative energy came at me. Pretty much bulletproof.
If you’re having a bad week, go ahead and just take the L, get acupunctured, then take on the next few weeks with a winning streak.
Thanks Joe!

Holy shot it works! I have this unbearable neck and shoulder pain. Old whip lash injury plus I work on the computer for work! Fixed me all up with one session! I feel back to 100% you seriously need to try this place! I have tried acupuncture in the past. This is the first time if ever actually worked! Go see Tai! I’ve had tons of massages. None have them have worked this good! it’s insane. I seriously feel like the tin man who just got a lube job!

First time with acupuncture, I don’t know but I liked it. Tai was awesome. Price was good too, I would recommend coming here for relief. I felt very relaxed afterwards, very mellow. I will be back. 5+*

When my wife and I made plans for our return trip to visit our daughter and son-​in-​law on Oahu in June we created a bucket list of things to do on the island during our 19 day visit. The first thing on our list was go to Kamaaina Accupuncture. Before leaving Arkansas we called to get an appointment the day after we arrived. Brandon answered the phone. Not only did he remember us, he remembered details about my treatment.
Neither Brandon nor Joe were available so we made an appointment with Alicia. So the rest of this review is about our experience with Licia.
We began with Licia taking our pulse as she began talking with us about what our needs were. She is a great listener and asked us appropriate questions. While I don’t have an issue with the pins, I do have issues with not being able to move around. I know, I probably need counseling. Licia placed three pins to help me remain calm. The pins worked. I could have stayed on the table for hours (except I had to pee). She treated the same areas as before. I experienced relief that day that only got better during the week. During our vacation we came back for two more treatments.
On our second visit Licia suggested my wife consider cupping on her back. Lana’s main concern was the circles that would be visible on her back after treatment. Licia explained that she could place them in such a way they would not be seen. Lana was very pleased with the results.
It’s been 11 days since our last treatment. I am still benefitting. My pain is absent or minimal and does not last long. The original treatments were two years ago. In that period I did have acupuncture in Arkansas once over a period of a few weeks. I never returned to physical therapy.

I came here a few weeks ago for the first time. Never ever did acupuncture in my life but, was desperately seeking help with my skin condition that I didn’t want to result to the westernized doctor saying I have to take antibiotics and making me feel more sick, weak, and from reading online getting addicted to the antibotic. I searched on Unilocal trying to find one that would be open a little later due to night school and this place was open. I saw Tai n as I was talking to her she was watching how my hives was coming out slowly. She took me upstairs and I was getting super nervous but, she made me relaxed! She placed the needles in certain areas of my body. Told me to relax n I did. I didn’t feel anything in my body but, I did feel tingling feeling in certain areas of my body. It was pretty neat. After about 45 minutes to an hour she asked me how did I feel I told her, she said good that’s your chi working in your body n its gonna get worse tonight because the histamines are trying to get out… but, I will be better afterwards. I sure got worse that evening but, there after I haven’t gotten it back. Tai is awesome, this place is awesome! I’ll be back again one day..

Tai was amazing! She pulled all the tension and stress right out of my neck and shoulders. Her music choices of calm, peaceful instrumentals were extremely relaxing. She even had time to rub out some shoulder muscles after she took out my needles, making the whole experience the most amazing hour of my day. I’m so glad I took this time away from studying to treat my body, mind and soul. This place is so great for so many reasons, quality, price, covenience (to name a few)…and I’ve received great, quality treatment from everyone.

Only good things to say about this place. I’ve had acupuncture done by two people here and left feeling so much better. They know their stuff. Good vibes every time. Looking forward to getting cupping done later this week.

I have back problems under normal circumstances, but during my pregnancy they escalated to indescribable levels. As a last ditch effort to make them manageable I made an appointment with Tai. She was extremely helpful and informative and when I went in for the session she was very gentle and made me feel extremely at ease. The pain that I had been feeling everyday all day suddenly disappeared the day after my session and didn’t return for over a week!
I am extremely happy with them and will be returning for regular sessions to keep my sciatica and tension under control now that the baby has been born. :)

My right foot got sprained so my brother recommended this place after checking out Unilocal.It is located adjacent to Waiola Shave Ice and has a decent size parking lot in front, just might have a lot of people going for shave ice at times.
Walked in and was met by Tai. She was very helpful and asked detailed questions on my injury to help with the right therapy. She decided on an acupuncture treatment with electrolysis. I thought it was a neat concept since I had previously used an electric shock massager for treatments prior.
On the second floor is where the magic happens. There are two massage tables and several chairs for clients. The view of the mountain along with the playing of soothing songs is really relaxing.
After a 30 min treatment it was all done and I was ready to leave. Prior to going Tai gave some tips on what to do to help with the recovery process. There was no pressure to schedule another appointment but I already knew prior to leaving that I’d come back.
After talking with my friends and family several of them are interested in coming down for treatments. I highly recommend coming down here to see what they can help you with. Thank you Tai and Kama’aina Accupunture!

All I can say is, «WOW!» I had my first ever acupuncture session today with Brandon and it was incredible. I felt so comfortable speaking to him, I could tell that he genuinely cared about helping me. The building is cozy, the upstairs is very relaxing. Although, if hearing other people speak is bothersome to you I do recommend bringing your iPod or something. I cannot wait for my next session. I left that place feeling more relaxed than I can ever remember feeling in my entire life.

Peaceful, honest, light hearted, dedicated, experienced and genuinely interested in the commitment to Oriental Medicine. I am so grateful that I was referred to Joe by my boyfriend, who is his student. Joe Bright is so easy going and easy to talk to. He has a ‘no nonsense’ way of practicing that I truly admire.
Joe keeps things simple and direct, he’s attentive and caring, as well as experienced and knowledgable.
The clinic space is clean and not overdone.
Plenty of plants, natural lighting, fresh air, love the décor that makes the clinic look like a home, not a ‘sterile fluorescent lighting hospital’. Warm, inviting, and made me feel at ease as soon as I took my shoes off at the front door.
There’s a vibe that permeates the walls, it’s tangible as soon as I walk upstairs, it enveloped me and all I could do was surrender to peace and healing.
It is a business but the practitioners there do not make that obvious or throw it in your face like some clinics might. The payment is accepted in cash or check at the end.
I only hope the best for Joe and this business. They are deserving of every good thing written about them here. I will be coming back as much as I can.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a firm believer in western medicine. Have a headache? Here’s some medicine for that. Can’t fall asleep? Here’s the magic blue pill. I think you get the gist…
Despite my allegiance to the pharmaceutical companies, I know far too well the fact that their pills and potions have failed to cure me of certain things that ail me.
I have been suffering from neck and back pain for years, sometimes to the point that I just want to turtle up and cry. I’ve seen physical therapists, pain management doctors, and everything shy of a witch doctor and gotten little to no relief. When I lived in Tampa, I found a doctor who practiced both eastern and western medicine and introduced me to acupuncture. Suddenly, I noticed that my pain started to get better.
After relocating here, I knew I needed to find a place that could replicate the extraordinary care I received so many years ago. Yesterday I had my first appointment with Brandon. Although I told him certain information, he was also able to tell things about me by just reading my pulse and looking at my tongue.
We went up to the treatment room where he placed the needles and honestly, I think I zoned out so much that I didn’t even pay attention to my surroundings that’s how relaxed I was.
I have full confidence in Brandon and his abilities to help get my pain under control, and more so this practice is truly wonderful in the fact that they clearly are patient focused.
I look forward to coming back here and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking into acupuncture.

I had never had acupuncture before and was super nervous. I started coming here for sleep issues and I decided to try it. I had an appointment with Brandon last week. I had 3 good nights sleep and finally started feeling tired after years of not having that feeling. I look forward to coming back and having my body aligned properly.

This place is worth every single 5 star review it has received! I see Joe, weekly, and he is not only extremely knowledgeable, and skilled in his practice, he is really funny and so easy to talk to. Talking to Joe is like talking to a best friend, easy, comfortable and he cares.
As stated, the space is open and inviting. You take off your shoes and enter the downstairs portion where the front desk is, and a few waiting chairs. You sit by the front desk, where Joe is, and he will ask you about what’s ailing you. He will feel on your pulse while talking and can pin point with accuracy what’s going on in your body and how to treat it. I am brave enough to call him a type of medical intuitive. Once you’re assessed you will follow him upstairs to the treatment area. It’s super chill; lots of chairs and tables spread out so you can get comfy and then have the needles put in. If there happen to be other people in the room, they do not care to bother with whatever you’re doing. No need to be modest, it’s not like anything indecent is going on. You kick back, look out the window at the mountains, or just close your eyes and listen to the zen music playing… or play on your phone, whatever you want.
Joe will come up and ask how you’re doing a few times, and then you’ll be done. Once back downstairs you will be asked some follow up questions, and that’s it.
As everyone has mentioned it’s a sliding scale payment, but for first time visitors there is a $ 10 «sign up» fee. Still an amazing deal in my book, it’s worth every penny and then some.
If you are looking for affordable, incredible, friendly acupuncture treatment, Kama’aina is THE spot.

Brandon, Brandon, he’s our man, if Joe can’t do it, Brandon can!!! (And NO, I was never a cheerleader, BUT.)
I thought I posted before (maybe last year) about Joe, but can’t find it.
Anywho, I was Dx with MS in 1998 and can usually FORGET I have it. (In fact most people are shocked when they «find out» (Gene Wu!) I have it.) Anyway, I do and sometimes it rears its ugly head. Weakness in legs usually, BUT I exercise, meditate and BREATHE (yoga has saved my life).If a act up is here, I try to get over it, if THAT doesn’t help, I go to Kama Acu. I usually would see Joe, but he wasn’t available, so I saw Brandon. He’s fairly «newish» to acu, (3000 hrs of needling! not SO new) so I was a little nervous. BUT FOR NO REASON. He’s AWESOME! He’s found his calling. I went with weird feelings in my feet and left leg. Then he pulled out the WIRES and hooked me UP! yikes! but, trust. and let be. (This time was NOT the first time I met him.) It’s a review I’ve meant to do a while ago.
After an hour PLUS of needles (not elect. the whole time), I left and felt «ok.» but next day, the feeling in my feet was gone and funny feeling on leg was also disappearing. YEAH!
I’ve gone time and time again ANY day of the week. I know I’m in good hands.
Thank you!
A few things to know about this place: The «office» is in the waiting room, so if you have «private things,» ask to talk upstairs away from strangers… but anyone usually ignores who’s at the desk. (And when will you see those same people again?!)
Also, the treatment room is ONE huge room with «EZ boy chairs» and a long bed thingy. (Not the average acu place.) But if you close your eyes and ignore any one else, as they would you, you’ll be fine.
PARKING: plenty. never a problem.
OH yeah, the PAYMENT! It’s what YOU CAN PAY. $ 20 — $ 40? What?! It’s up to YOU to give what you want. You’ll find the right price for you. Karma baby!
:-)

Having had back problems/​bulging disc for about a year now I’ve had to find ways to alleviate my pain so I consistently go to the chiropractor for regular adjustments. Since I was also dealing with stress I wanted to try acupuncture so as I looked through my handy dandy Unilocal app I came across this place! For the first time ever I was about to try acupuncture!
So last year I made my first appointment with Tara, she was very nice, walked me through the process and told me about their SLIDING FEE POLICY: There’s a $ 10 paperwork fee for the first visit and sliding fee is between $ 20-​$ 45. As we started our appointment she first did cupping which felt great then placed the needles all through my back and ears. The whole experience was so relaxing.
Since my first visit I’ve gotten much healthier which has somehow helped my overall back pain but recently it seems to be that my shoulders/​trapz are always tight and tense hence my second appointment last week. I wasn’t able to make Tara’s hours so I met with Joe, he is supper nice and easy to talk to, really made me feel at ease. We went upstairs and this time there was no cupping involved. He was able to pin-​point the PRESSURE-​POINTS to my stress areas, from my feet all the way to my forehead, but most importantly my shoulders! With one needle placed at the top of each shoulder he said that would hit the upper back/​shoulders area, at first I wasn’t sure how that was possible but after it was all done I truly felt the difference! It’s been a week now and I still feel great!
The LOCATION of this place is also perfect, right across from Safeway on Kapahulu there a small street that leads you onto Kamaaina Acupuncture and although PARKING is shared it is not scarce. I can’t wait to go back!