Our Space & Moments
At SAAI Developmental Play Lab, we specialize in individualized 1:1 support for children — toileting, communication, big feelings, social play and more — using fun, compassionate, play-based methods tailored to every child's unique journey. Every child gets 1:1 time on their own goals, and parents get the support to keep it going at home.
Supporting the people who support children.
Our Flagship Program
For children who need extra support — communication, potty training, behavior, or general developmental delays. We assess your child and build an individualized plan together. You don't need to know exactly which service to pick — that's our job.
In our Kihei space
Kihei & surrounding areas
Anywhere, live video
Natural setting → SAAI
How It Works
Individualized support built around your child's goals — toileting, talking, big feelings, playing with others, routines, self-help and more. Includes parent coaching, virtual check-ins and message support between sessions.
Not sure what to do when your child melts down, won't potty train or isn't talking yet? You're not alone. Book a video session from anywhere, share what's happening, and leave with a simple plan to try at home.
Book by the hour on any weekday. Structured developmental play in a safe, padded space with a small group and two adults on the floor. Register your slot in advance and we'll confirm by text.
Small-group camps during school breaks with movement circuits, sensory play and quiet-room crafts. Capped at 8 kids with two adults, so every child gets real attention.
1:1 individualized support focused on communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and independence through developmental, play-based strategies. By appointment — sessions tailored to your child's specific goals.
Individualized potty training plans with parent coaching and progress tracking. Full Support includes 5 sessions, scheduled weekly or as frequently as your family needs. We work at your child's pace using positive, evidence-based methods.
We come to you! In-home sessions bring developmental and behavioral support directly into your child's natural environment — where skills generalize most effectively into everyday life.
Empowering caregivers with practical tools to support their child's development at home. Behavior strategies, communication support, routines, and more — because progress continues between sessions.
Professional development for educators and childcare workers. Customized presentations, folders and materials included. Practical strategies for supporting children with developmental and behavioral needs in classroom and group settings.
Beyond Our Space
SAAI doesn't just work with children at our space in Kihei — we also partner with early-childhood programs to support the teachers and staff who work with them every day.
On-site professional development for your early-childhood team — practical, play-based strategies for supporting children with autism and developmental differences in group settings.
Have a child who's struggling with behavior, toileting, or participation? SAAI can observe them in your classroom and give your team practical, individualized recommendations.
For the kids where standard strategies don't seem to be working. Weekly on-site consultation, observation with data-informed recommendations, and ongoing staff coaching — billed per child.
Interested in bringing SAAI to your program?
We'd love to connect with local preschools, daycares, and early-childhood professionals. Reach out to learn more.
✉️ Email Us 📞 Call UsOur Space & Moments
What We Offer
What does SAAI stand for?
SAAI (Social Adaptive Academic Integration) is built on the belief that children learn best when social, adaptive, and academic skills are integrated into everyday play and experiences.
Why Families Trust Us
We're proud to serve our Maui community with the warmth and aloha spirit families deserve.
Every plan is tailored to your child's personality, pace, and needs — no one-size-fits-all.
Our trained professionals bring compassion and expertise to every session.
We believe kids learn best when they're happy — our methods are joyful by design.
We uniquely blend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into development — building confidence, focus and resilience through movement.
We track every goal and share progress with families so you always know how your child is growing.
Join Our Story
Your name could be here!
Be one of our first families and share your experience. We can not wait to meet you.
Book NowNow open in Kīhei!
We are just getting started — and we would love for your family to be part of our story from day one.
Start 1:1 SupportWorked with Sariah before?
We would love to hear about your experience. Give us a call and share your story!
📞 Call UsFrom Sariah
More posts coming soon! Follow us on social media for weekly tips. 🌺
Gear Up
Rep the lab! All items are available to order — contact us by phone or Instagram to place your order. We restock as orders come in so you never miss out.
We Work With
We collaborate with pediatricians, schools, therapists, and community organizations to ensure every child gets the full circle of support they deserve.
Local Maui pediatricians and family doctors who refer families to our developmental support services.
Kihei and South Maui schools partnering with us to support children with developmental and behavioral needs.
Including our partner Bocha and local Maui organizations serving families in our community.
We share a building with Checkmat Kihei — Maui's premier BJJ academy led by black belt Aline Krisner. SAAI families get a free trial class!
Are you a provider or educator?
We'd love to connect and build a referral relationship. Reach out to discuss how we can support your families together.
📧 Get in TouchThe Heart Behind SAAI
Founder & Lead Specialist
Hi, I'm Sariah 👋
I'm the founder of SAAI Developmental Play Lab. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, beginning at a young age through my aunt's learning academy, where I supported kids in structured and one-on-one settings.
For the past 5+ years, I've worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children across a range of ages and developmental needs. I am currently pursuing my degree in Psychology at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, with a specialization in neuroscience.
My work focuses on helping children build communication, independence, and confidence in ways that feel natural and meaningful. SAAI was created to bridge the gap between structured support and real-life play — a space where children can explore, move, and grow while still working toward important developmental goals.
At SAAI, we blend social, adaptive, and academic skills into play-based experiences, with a strong focus on helping children feel safe, engaged, and understood.
🥋 The BJJ Connection
A unique part of our program is movement-based learning, including age-appropriate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We partner with a local coach at Checkmat Kihei to ensure instruction is safe, structured, and supportive. I personally train and compete in BJJ — which allows me to better understand how to break down skills and support each child's progress in a positive way.
🤝 Proudly Supported by Bocha
SAAI is proudly supported by Bocha, a partner organization that shares our commitment to creating meaningful, development-focused experiences for children. Families can expect a space that is intentional, supportive, and focused on helping their child grow in ways that carry into everyday life.
We Are Open!
Not open yet? Join our waitlist to be first in line!
Shared Space · Community Partnership
SAAI Developmental Play Lab proudly shares space with Checkmat Kihei — one of Maui's most respected Jiu Jitsu academies led by black belt Aline Krisner. We operate on opposite schedules, giving families access to both world-class developmental support and elite martial arts training in one location.
SAAI and Checkmat Kihei share this facility on opposite schedules — maximizing the space for our Kihei community. We also utilize Checkmat's playroom for 1:1 support sessions, giving us a comfortable, child-friendly environment for individualized support.
Coming 2027
We are completing our credentialing and insurance paperwork now. When ABA launches in 2027 we will offer insurance-based therapy AND structured enrolled groups — here's a preview of what's coming!
Ages 18 months – 3 years
Sensory regulation, communication, transitions, adaptive routines and early social engagement in a structured small group setting.
Ages 3 – 5 years
School readiness, social skills, emotional regulation, adaptive learning and communication growth through structured play-based sessions.
Ages 6 – 10 years
Behavior support, academics, teamwork, self-regulation, confidence and beginner BJJ movement integration with Checkmat Kihei.
Insurance we will accept:
Kaiser · HMSA · Private Pay · More TBD
Let's Get Started
For 1:1 support or virtual parent coaching, tell us a little about your child and what they're working on. We'll reach out to set up a time to talk about goals, schedule and where sessions work best.
Got Questions?
1:1 support and drop-in play are for ages 2–6. Break camps are for ages 5–8. If you're unsure whether your child is a good fit, reach out and we'll chat.
No diagnosis is required. We welcome all children and families. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you are just noticing some areas where they could use extra support, we are here for you.
Drop-in: book 1 to 5 hours per visit, up to 5½ hours per child each week, Monday–Friday 7AM–3PM with last pickup at 3:00. 1:1 sessions are scheduled with you based on your child's goals.
All current services are private pay, and we offer a Community rate so cost isn't a barrier. We don't bill insurance at this time.
A labeled lunch, a water bottle or spill-proof cup, a change of clothes, and a small blanket and comfort item if your child naps. We provide light breakfast, snacks and rest mats.
Yes. Virtual parent coaching happens by video, so you can join from anywhere. Fill out the 1:1 support form, choose virtual coaching, and we'll set up a time.
We are located at 310 Ohukai St, Suite 314, Kihei, Hawaii. We can't wait to welcome you!
We welcome that! We hope to never turn a family away. Whether you need a quick conversation or ongoing support, please reach out. Every family deserves guidance.
Investment
All services are private pay. Every plan requires a text the day before your visit so we can confirm your spot. 🌺
📱 All plans require a text to (808) 303-5748 the day before your visit to confirm your slot
Individualized support built around your child. Whatever your child is working on, we work on it with them — at our Kīhei space, in your home, or out in the community.
Pick the rate that fits your family. No proof of income needed.
Included for families with regular sessions
So many parents are doing their best and still don't know what to do next. Whether it's meltdowns, toileting, sleep routines or a child who isn't talking yet, you can talk it through with us from anywhere — no need to live on Maui.
Sliding scale per session: $50 · $65 · $80
Already doing 1:1 support with us? Virtual check-ins are included.
Same care, same space, three rates. Pick the one that fits your family right now — no proof of income, no questions asked.
For families stretching to make it work. Choosing this rate is always okay.
What it costs us to run the space and keep two adults on the floor.
If you're able, this helps keep the Community rate available to others.
Five hours to use across your visits. Saves $15 off the Standard rate.
Ages 5–8, max 8 kids with two adults. Core day 8:30–1:30 ($65/day · $275/week). Extended day 7–3 ($90/day · $375/week). Fall Break camp →
👨👩👧👦 Sibling Discount
$5/hr off each additional child at drop-in 🌺
🥋 Checkmat Member Discount
Active Checkmat Kihei members receive 10% off all SAAI services 🌺
⏰ Late Pickup Fee
$1/minute after scheduled pickup. Last weekday pickup is 3:00 PM so the space is ready for evening classes 🙏
📋 Program Policies
🍎 Food & Snacks
Please pack a labeled lunch and water bottle (spill-proof cup for little ones). We keep lunches in our fridge and provide a light breakfast and snacks like fruit, muffins and crackers. We're a nut-free space. Please notify us of all allergies on your intake form.
😴 Rest Time
For visits of 3+ hours, a 30–45 minute rest period is built into our schedule. Please bring a small blanket, a comfort item and a change of clothes. Rest mats are provided by SAAI.
⏱️ Weekly Limit
Each child can attend up to 5½ hours per week of drop-in. Break camps are scheduled separately.
📱 Text Before You Come
All plans require a text to (808) 303-5748 the day before your visit to confirm your slot. This ensures we're ready for your child and space is available.
Pay It Forward
Some families need support but can't afford it right now. Pay It Forward gifts go into a fund that covers sessions for local keiki whose families are struggling. Every dollar goes toward sessions for those families.
Tell us you'd like to give, and we'll text or email you how to send it — Venmo, Zelle, Square or cash.
SAAI is a small business, not a nonprofit, so gifts are not tax-deductible.
Need support but can't afford it right now? Choose "Request Pay It Forward support" as your rate on the 1:1 support form. Requests are kept private.
Plan Ahead
Drop-in is open Monday–Friday, 7AM–3PM. We're closed weekends and on the holidays marked below. Please text to confirm your slot before coming.
🦃 Closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. Mahalo and happy holidays! Check back here for any updates.
Reserve Your Spot
Available Monday through Friday, 7AM–3PM for ages 2–6. Choose your day, start time and how long. All sessions require advance registration — we confirm based on availability. 🌺
Mon–Fri 7AM–3PM · We confirm within 24 hours
We'll confirm your spot within 24 hours via text or email. 🌺
Your Trust Matters
How we collect, use, and protect your family's information. Last updated July 2026.
When you register for a drop-in session, join our ABA waitlist, or reach out through this website, we collect the details you choose to provide — such as parent or guardian name, email address, phone number, your child's first name and age, and any allergy, medical, or special-care notes you share so we can care for your child safely.
We use your information only to respond to your inquiry, schedule and provide services, keep your child safe, and communicate with you about SAAI Developmental Play Lab. We do not sell or rent your family's information to anyone.
Forms submitted on this website are processed through a secure third-party form provider and delivered to us by email. All information shared with SAAI Developmental Play Lab is strictly confidential and will not be shared without your written consent, except as required by law.
SAAI may photograph or record activities for use on our website, social media (@saai.playlab.kihei), and promotional materials — but only in line with the photo permission level you select on your enrollment forms (full, limited, internal-only, or none). You may update your preference at any time in writing.
Any information about your child is provided by you, the parent or legal guardian. You may review, update, or request deletion of your family's information at any time by contacting us.
The Developmental Play Program is a developmental enrichment program and does not constitute clinical ABA therapy. Insurance-based ABA services are planned to begin in 2027.
To access, update, or delete your information — or to ask any question about this policy — please contact us:
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you — no pressure, no commitment. Call or text us with any questions, or just to say aloha. 🌺
🏫 Schools & preschools: staff training is available. Email us to learn more.
📍 310 Ohukai St, Suite 314 · Kīhei, Hawaii
