About
Leland Dao, DO, is a board-certified osteopathic physician with more than 20 years of medical experience. He grew up in Southern California, earned his BA in Biochemistry with a minor in Visual Arts from UC San Diego, and completed his Doctor of Osteopathy at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona in 1992. During medical school, he invented the Cleanblade Surgical device.
Dr. Dao completed his internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin Family Medicine Program and his residency at the University of Hawaii Family Medicine Program. He opened the Keena Kai Clinic in Haleiwa, Oahu in 1997 and maintained that private practice for over two decades. His passion for surfing led to a 22-year role as Medical Director for the World Surf League's Hawaii Triple Crown of Surfing. He provides medical care for touring professional surf athletes across Australia, Japan, Tahiti, South Africa, California, France, Ireland, and Mexico. He also developed and patented the SUPER Tennis Elbow Brace. At Akasha, he serves diverse generations of patients across primary care, sports medicine, and functional medicine.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry (minor in Visual Arts), University of California San Diego
Medical School
Doctor of Osteopathy, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA (now Western University of Health Sciences), 1992
Residency
Family Medicine Residency, University of Hawaii Family Medicine Program
Additional Training
Internship, Medical College of Wisconsin Family Medicine Program
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Dao right for?
Dr. Dao is a strong fit for patients seeking a primary care physician with deep sports medicine expertise. Athletes and active adults managing injuries, overuse conditions, or performance-related concerns benefit from his clinical background. Patients interested in functional medicine and root-cause approaches to chronic health issues will find his style well-matched. His broad experience across age groups makes him a good choice for families and multigenerational care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dao treats conditions across primary care, sports medicine, and functional medicine. He sees patients managing injuries, musculoskeletal issues, and chronic health concerns. His functional medicine training allows him to address root causes behind hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and metabolic conditions.
Yes, Dr. Dao holds board certification as an osteopathic physician. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathy at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1992 and finished his residency at the University of Hawaii Family Medicine Program.
Dr. Dao served as Medical Director for the World Surf League's Hawaii Triple Crown of Surfing for 22 years. He provides medical care for professional surf athletes competing across multiple countries. That experience gives him a practical, performance-focused perspective on sports injury and recovery.
Yes, as a board-certified osteopathic physician, Dr. Dao trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine. He integrates that training with his primary care and functional medicine approach to address musculoskeletal and whole-body health.
Dr. Dao takes a comprehensive approach to each patient visit. He reviews full health history and uses functional medicine diagnostics to build personalized care plans. His background spans conventional primary care, osteopathic medicine, and sports performance, and he draws on all three in clinical practice.
Dr. Dao sees patients across diverse age groups, from active young adults to older patients managing chronic conditions. He works with professional athletes as well as recreational sports enthusiasts. Patients seeking integrative primary care with a functional medicine lens are a natural fit for his practice at Akasha.
Dr. Dao completed his internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin Family Medicine Program and his residency at the University of Hawaii Family Medicine Program. He then opened the Keena Kai Clinic in Haleiwa, Oahu in 1997 and maintained that private practice for over two decades before joining Akasha.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026