Manicure and pedicure in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii...
A couple of Yelpers and I were discussing businesses with their names and joked that we were part owners.
For example: Dan's Dive Shop
Ward K. pointed out "Nadine Hawaii" and said he'd go with me. I'm glad he didn't because the name of the business changed to Aqua Nails about seven years ago.
I had booked my hour and a half appointment the day before by phone.
The first lady that I spoke with couldn't explain the parking situation - I think English was her second language. I left my phone number, and Ben called me back to explain where to park.
After parking at Ross across the street (2 hours free with any purchase), I made my way up the elevator (on the side street: Lauula Street) to the third floor where the sign read: Aqua Nails. Inside, I asked if this was "Nadine Hawaii".
Yuko, the owner, explained the name change. She saw my disappointment, and offered me an out, but I decided to stick with it since she probably wouldn't be able to find another customer to take my place.
The pedicure and manicure were very basic. There's no massage chair, lotion, exfoliating scrub, leg/foot massage, pumice stone, hand soak, nail brush, arm/hand massage, etc.
This is a "no frills" place. Only cuticle oil was applied to my fingers and toes. Instead of pushing back the cuticles, an electric file was used. The electric file was also to remove the gel polish from my previous Mani/Pedi. My nails are thin, so, I feel like the UV light went right through them and I could feel the heat on my finger tips.
I sat in a plush chair for the pedicure. It was like a recliner that didn't recline. My feet were soaked in warm water in a plastic tub - the kind that you can buy at Walmart. Just plug it in, add soap and water, and it bubbles. The foot rest was like a wooden horse - the type that carpenters use - with a cushioned towel on the top.
For the manicure, I sat on a cushioned bench with pillows for my back. I rested my wrists on elevated pillows and switched my hands under the portable UV light to dry my nails. (My feet alternated, too, under a larger portable UV light machine.)
I appreciate Yuko's technique (and over twenty years of experience) in applying quality gel nail polish. She used two coats of color besides the base coat and top coat - it should last a month! She offered me the new tinted colors, repaired my cracked nail for free by adding extra gel polish, and she added a lighter color to the nail tips for an ombre look.
This small business probably caters more to the tourists in Waikiki. There's a menu in Japanese on their website. I heard Ben and Yuko speaking Japanese to another customer, so, Japanese tourists would feel very comfortable here. Also, cat lovers will enjoy the cat decor!
Honestly, I think I could get "the works" for half the price. I paid $49 for the manicure, $49 for the pedicure, and $10 for the gel polish removal. My total bill without tax and tip was $108.
Yuko is a very nice person. She is experienced, careful, and has good advice. She encouraged me to get a lightly tinted pink gel instead of clear. I'm grateful for her patience and kindness! read more