On the fifth of September in 2019, I was picked up at Kona Airport by two people who would become and part of my recovery team. I was overweight, overwhelmed, malnourished, dehydrated, and detoxing. I was vetted to assure my openess and willingness before I was lucky enough to be be accepted into the facility. I stopped digging and reached my bottom and Hawaiian Island Recovery helped me find my own path to true recovery and not just the cessation of drugs and alcohol. It was an uncomfortable path that was eased by the feeling of security, acceptance, understanding, and kindness provided by medical and clinical staff, many whom had the shared experience of recovering from mental health issues and/or addiction. Being that I had a dual diagnosis, I felt comfort, and truly understood while being given the compassion and empathy only people of that background can provide. I participated in all the different types of therapy provided. I was all in and fully committed. I built a strong foundation in sobriety with the tools I learned and the integration into the local sober community through A.A. and other activities that brought us patients into the world through visiting spiritual places, swimming with dolphins, and visiting other cultural sites. My care was managed very well and holistic. My nutritional needs were met with great food, my safety was never in question, my mental health was addressed through many modes of treatment, therapy, meditations, and education. I gave everything I had into their core philosophy of addiction treatment and participated with no expectation of a great outcome. I sit here writing this long overdue review with over five years of sobriety. I continue to improve as a person by evolving and adding to the tools they provided me for navigating live with Mental Illnesses and Substance Use Disorder. I would be dead without Jimmy and the team around him. They inspired hope by being examples of loving and caring individuals who maintained their own recovery while giving their best efforts in the work of helping the world one person at a time. I now have a wife and daughter along with another new purpose I found in life by working with others. I celebrate and honor the efforts and contributions by H.I.R. to my recovery by giving my best effort in living a meaningful life of love, service, and gratitude. I continue to evolve into the person I always used to admire. I have gained a life and reclaimed passion. It all started in Kona with seven other patients and a dedicated team of great human beings. Remember, you get back what you put into it. I believe they have a great flexible, evidence based plan of treatment in a beautiful facility that can suit anyone on their journey of recovery. I will forever be grateful. Take Care and Give Love.
M.G.B.
A Life-Altering Experience with Hawaii Island Recovery
Our family’s experience with Hawaii Island Recovery has truly been life-altering. From the depths of despair, we found real hope that guided us back to a place of healing. Jimmy, in particular, played an instrumental role in this transformation. He took the time to understand our family’s unique struggles, bridging the gap between my mother’s fears and my father’s battle with addiction.
The turning point came when Jimmy facilitated our first civil family meeting in years. For the first time, we were able to communicate openly—there was no arguing, just understanding and teamwork. It became clear in that moment that we were all connected by our shared commitment to recovery.
Since my father entered treatment in Atlanta, we have witnessed a profound change in him. His willingness to be vulnerable has brought back a hope we thought was lost. What sets this experience apart is Jimmy’s extraordinary dedication. Although my father wasn't admitted to HIR, Jimmy selflessly devoted three intensive days to guide us through this challenging process, offering his support without expectation of payment. If this sincere compassion exemplifies the spirit of Hawaii Island Recover, then I recommend taking a serious look at HIR. They will determine if they are the level of care and if not, they help you find the service that is. To quote Jimmy, “Let's make sure the program you choose has what is needed to make it the last stop.”
We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional professionalism and commitment we encountered throughout our journey. Hawaii Island Recovery not only helped us get critical care for my father but also helped us mend our family bonds. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking help. Their unique admission process and competent level of care assessment will distinguish them from others.
Mahalo, Jimmy, for being a guiding light in our darkest moments, and God bless Hawaii Island Recovery for the incredible work you do.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Jimmy Kayihura at Hawaii Island Recovery for the exceptional support he provided for my son. Jimmy went above and beyond in ensuring my son received the best possible care, carefully considering his age, cultural background, and unique needs to find a perfect fit. Despite the fact that I was overseas during the initial call for help, Jimmy made my family a priority, working tirelessly—even outside regular hours—to make connections and set up essential services with remarkable efficiency. In what felt like a hopeless and chaotic situation, Mr. Kayihura picked up all of the pieces and helped us navigate every step. His warmth, knowledge, and genuine care shone through in every interaction. Jimmy offered my son the motivation, understanding, and inspiration he needed to begin his healing journey. My family is forever grateful.
HIR is incredible!! The staff is simply amazing. Their compassion, support and understanding along with the connection they make with each individual is life changing.
My first experience with HIR was about a year and a half ago. My little brother struggles with addiction. I spoke with Jimmy on the phone. The knowledge compassion understanding connection he made with myself, my daughter and lil brother is indescribable. His positive mindset and never quit attitude along with spirit of hope he radiates is infectious.
Even though my lil brother left the rehab (he wasn’t ready) Jimmy always kept in touch with us and checked on him. Who does that? The beautiful souls at HIR!!
A few days ago my lil brother came to me and said he wants help! Said he was ready for rehab and going through withdrawals. I immediately reached out to Jimmy.
Jimmy introduced to Kevin S. Kevin S another incredibly understanding positive supportive person. Filled with knowledge and compassion. Jimmy and Kevin S helped us move mountains to get my lil brother in ASAP. As he needed to do medical detox.
Today was the day!! We drove out to the house which btw is gorgeous!! So serene and the view is breath taking!! We were greeted by Aunty B, Stacey and Kevin (the on-site RN) All of them are such beautiful souls. Being around them you can feel the compassion support empathy and healing energy each of them possess.
Even though today they weren’t able to admit my lil brother as no fault of HIR. Kevin (RN) made sure to let my lil brother know he’s more than welcome to return!!
Mahalo nui loa to the entire staff at HIR!! You have enriched our lives by simply leaving your footprints on our hearts. Forever changed by each one of you!!
Immense gratitude towards, Jessica, Toby, Julia and Dr. Denzer at HIR, I cannot express enough how they have helped me along the way of recovery and I’m just so unbelievably grateful! Thank you.
