Nate and Jay provided excellent, professional service! Highly recommend. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our couples massage (with student massage therapists) for only $70 total (without tip) in May. Rates will go up on June 1st. The staff are super friendly! Be sure to bring cash! I will be back--hopefully more frequently--for individual sessions. read more

I enjoy the affordability Hawaii Massage Academy offers. Massages vary as students are in differing periods of their studies and experience. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's just ok, but you can't beat it for the price! They also generally have parking available that's affordable, which is always great. If you're looking for a straightforward, affordable massage, then you should try this place out! read more

This is my go to place when in Honolulu for many years. Over time I have had some decent massage therapists but recently I hit the pot of gold and so fortunate to have Asami a license massage therapist provide services for me. Asami greeted me with her wonderful and welcoming smile :) and friendly persona in a very open but professional way. The massage....WOW! she is kind of petite but her hands and massage techniques was out of this world. Good strong pressure and knowing where the kinks and pressure points were, and also knew how to handle my foot cramps. And, like magic her hands and fingers became warmer and warmer and so soothing the further she went into the massage. If you want to get someone who knows how to handle her clients with a golden smile :) and then get a great massage with total relief, then please ask for Asami the next time you are looking for a professional massage. Asami is the best! 5+ Etoc read more

Detailed review as a former student in their Esthetician program! Hawaii Massage Academy is also known as Hawaii Cosmetology Academy. Why I enrolled to this school for my Esthetician license is that I want to expand my skill set and services so I can create my future freelance spa business. (My spa Instagram @Waifuspa.co) *Location* The class is located at the Century center on the 30th floor. When you walk out of the elevator, the door to your left will have a sign that says Hawaii Massage Academy. Remember to take off your shoes once you enter. *Parking* For students, I don't recommend parking in the building because it will cost you $12 per an hour so I recommend you parking around Don Quiote or around the street near the building that's not a tow away zone. *Tuition cost* Compared to other esthetician schools on this island, Hawaii Cosmetology Academy has one of the most affordable tuition that will not put you in debt. For this program if you choose to do their Eyelash extension and Brazilian wax specialty classes you will pay $7000 for tuition which includes books, student kits, and class training. But I chose not to do those classes so my tuition was $4555! If you have a hard time paying in full, you have to discuss with the principal about a payment installment plan (which I did). *Program* I enrolled to their Evening program that starts from 5pm-930pm Monday-Friday for the January to July 2024 term. Our evening teacher Samantha is a sweet old white lady that really cares for her students. She's very understanding so when you come to class late due from traffic, she will not deduct your hours. The textbook work and tests aren't hard and the hands on training has a lot of repetition so you'll be able to learn the techniques quickly. Dinner break is around 630pm or 730pm and it's usually 30min, there's a break room with a microwave and fridge so bring your home meals or buy plate lunch nearby! The first 2 months will be Monday-Tuesday textbook days and Wednesday-Friday hands on training. The 3rd month and onwards you finally start taking in your family and friends as your clients for facials to finish your 600hrs. You're also required to do 35 facials to finish the program. You will have to talk/text to the receptionist and schedule which days you want to come in to do your facial shifts. Sadly there's no class graduation since we all will have different hours and amount of clients taking in so everyone will finish at different speeds. You can even finish the program within 3 months if you can take on a lot of clients and or have your family/friends come multiple times. But it's also okay to take your time but you have till the 7th month to complete all 600 hours. My only complaint is that they don't offer more specialty classes like hydrafacials, microneedling, lash lifts, etc. So you may have to take these classes elsewhere. I hope my review gave you the confidence to enroll and to pursue your Esthetician dreams! read more

I always come here to get a massage done by Irene! She is a licensed massage therapist and she does an AMAZING job! She seriously works out the knots and any tension I have. She'll always ask if there's a specific place you want her to work on and takes her time to work out the tension. She is STRONG!! Be prepared to feel pain and relief at the same time. I recommend Hawaii Massage Academy to everyone. The prices are great! I've had massages from the students as well and have no complaints. Very relaxing and they all do a great job. read more

It's always a wonderful experience when I'm on the island enjoying a much-needed massage after a long day filled with hiking, cycling, swimming, and playing Pickleball. Today, I had Stephanie, and she performed exceptionally well, focusing on the key areas, leaving me feeling very relaxed and relieved at the end of my session. read more

Finally we came back for a massage. It's been over 4yrs since we been here. Today's was beautiful n felt n feel great. As a former student here, you can't go wrong with the price n for the student working on you. I had Sujin with very strong hands n she worked me great. She knows what she's doing n gets in between the muscles. Her pressure n techniques are awesome. I felt great after she was done with me n will go back to see her again n again as long as she there. Like I said ... when you find the right one .... it helps big time. See you soon read more

I've been here twice and haven't been impressed with the quality of the massages I got. Once with a student and once with a licensed therapist. They teach/ use a lackluster technique IMO. The first time I went I had an older gentleman who was a student who had hands that were soft and limp like a little child. It was not enjoyable and he did not (could not?) apply more pressure when asked. His breath smelled like rotten teeth and tuna fish and I cut the 90 minute massage short bc it wasn't a good one. I was happy when it was over. Next time I went, I had a licensed therapist so I figured it would be better but again, she was older and her hands were limp and technique was not effective. I tried to give her tips and let her know what she was doing wasn't doing anything for me but she didn't adjust anything. The other thing about this spot is the setup. You park, but you need to ask for a specific stall number pass, then you drive up to the 4th floor and take 1 (very slow) elevator to the lobby and take another elevator to the main office and then pay and they send you to another office to get your massage on a different floor. So you need to arrive about 20 minutes early to deal with all the elevators (4 rides in total) and bouncing around the building. Not very relaxing. Then you pay $2 (cash only) with validation on the way out. Overall it's nice to have an affordable massage place ($30 for student 1 hour and $45 for a license therapist for 1 hour + tip) but you get what you pay for here. read more

Excellent massage school . We did 60min Masage / facial Mia and Shizuka was excellent licensed and student we had great treatment . Student are great and $10 cheaper than licensed person . I can not believe it's only $35 or $45 . We rebook for 2 days later we want try " back facial " too ! この、マッサージの学校は日本人の校長先生であり、日本人のマッサージの学生さん達も大変マッサージが上手です。余りにもホノルルは高いスパが多いのと、学生さん達はプロの様に上手なので安心してトライして下さい。お勧めです。ワイキキからLyft か、Uber か、タクシーで5分くらいです。great facial also . read more

See all

One of the best bargains in Honolulu. I really benefits from regular massage and Hawaii Massage Academy makes that possible. And the massages I've received have been awesome. The students do a fabulous job! read more

Good massage except it's a little too noisy, it's hard to fully relax. The facias are super noisy on the 30th floor. There are makeup class going on and the students are talking and giggling with no regards the there are clients trying to enjoy a quiet moment during their treatment. read more

Ami and Aya were our massage therapists. They are more than qualified to give a full body massage and you'll leave there refreshed. I've tried 3 others but Aya displayed the best techniques. My wife had Ami which she thoroughly liked. Sadly Ami will soon be leaving and she'll be missed. We opted for the 90 minutes massage and the time just flies. It's over before you know it. This review should have been written months ago and my apologies. Try Hawaii Massage Academy, you will not be disappointed. read more

Shari was amazing! Hit all the right spots and I walked out feeling like a million bucks. Booked my next appointment already! read more

You get what u pay for. Student massages are cheap & $30/hr hit and miss, I've had some that were great and some not as great. But hard to grumble for the price . There used to be a LMT in staff if u prefer someone licensed but cost about double read more

Sean Valentine is my personal trainer and I have had several really good FAKTR sessions with him in the past, so of course I am going to support his massage learning journey. Just to be clear, this review is only for Sean and not the massage school as whole. By the grace of great Oden's thumbs, this was a bomb ass massage!!!!!!! This was my second massage with Sean and again, it was absolutely awesome. I told him exactly which areas were tight and troublesome for me and he put the perfect amount of pressure to get the knots out. I had been having issues with a pinched nerve in my neck for a few weeks and immediately after my session I could move my neck as though the nerve had never been pinched. Regardless of which type of massage you are going for, you will undoubtedly experience relaxation as well. I like really strong pressure massages and Sean was able to knead my knots into a pliable, smooth dough at the same time as creating a relaxing experience to boot. Sean is the whole package in a personal trainer and can actually fix for you anything! Make an appointment with him ASAP to get your body right! read more

You can get a Swedish massage by a student therapist for $30 for 60 min or $45 for 90 min. They also have licensed massage therapists for $45 for 60 min and $65 for 90 minute. I had a massage with a student once just because of availability and hated it... i do not recommend getting a student massage at all unless you just like relaxing whilst being gently touched. It felt like a massage for patients in hospice. I kept asking her for more pressure but she wouldn't do it. The thing I would suggest this place have is feedback sheets for the students. I've gone to a massage school clinic in California and that's what they did. Otherwise, how will the students know what to improve on and be competent therapists when they graduate? I do however recommend going with a licensed therapist here. It's only $15 more than student price and well worth the extra money. They do personalized massage styles like deep tissue, sports medicine, etc. The price is REALLY good compared to other massage places and they do a way better job!! I highly recommend going here for a massage with a licensed therapist. I go to Irene and she is awesome. I've gotten gift certificates here and recommended people book with her. read more

There's always a first...and this was my first facial & quite frankly, I don't think this will be my last either. I had been referred by a student, Cynthia, to try out their facials. I had been a little hesitant, only because I was not quite sure how my skin would react to the products. But upon entering the establishment, I signed a consent form & was ushered to a downstairs room. I had been instructed to change into a comfortable spa attire & lay onto the massage table. The facial massage had been very soothing & relaxing. The background music pleasant & soothing. There had been a steamer that kissed my face during the facial. I had responded well with the facial products. No itching, no breakouts. Bonus, I got a massage down my arms & calves! Oh yeah! This seriously won't be my last facial. I left there feeling refreshed & ready to tackle the day. read more

From Akane at reception to Ami's warm, intuitive, and healing hands, probably the best massage experience I've had here in some time. I always feel like my money and time has been well spent, but today my tired/sore shoulders feel rejuvenated and issue free. Amis hands warm up like Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid lol, guess that stuff works...or maybe it was finally treating myself to the 90 min session that's got me heading out on cloud 9!! read more

$30 for a *very good* hour-long massage, what more can I say. Sure, they're students but everyone's gotta start somewhere. I've been here twice and both times left feeling rejuvenated and so relaxed. I think it's a massage school mostly marketed in Japan: [http://www.hawaiimassageacademy.com/index-j.html] but no complaints from me! My petite therapist applied enough pressure to work out all the knots and kinks in my shoulders - not an easy task. 4 of 5 stars because the office space was kinda small and felt like a school. When I think "massage," I think of Heaven on Earth or a high-end resort spa. You know...the fancy-shmancy ambiance. Hawaii Massage Academy is not fancy, it's...down to earth. I like that. It's not the typical massage company but for it's economical pricing (and awesome service/product), I think you'll like it too. MAKING AN APPOINTMENT: Call a few hours before you want a massage. I think the school is on the 30th floor and the massage office is on the 21st. The receptionist will also assign you a parking stall when you book your appointment. PARKING: Awesome. Secure (gated access) & cheap ($1). HOURS: Not sure. I think its open 'til late (around 11 p.m.). I went after work, 6:30 p.m. and was out by 7:45. read more

Hawaii Massage Academy - Photo from Hawaii Massage Academy Website - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Last couple of times have received good student massages. Parking, sometimes the parking pass they assign you has been given out to someone else, no fault of HMA, it's the parking garage attendant. They now have a rewards card, ten 1 hour massages gets you a free one. or seven 1.5 hour massages. read more

I have attended the school and the atmosphere is awesome. great school. excellent teacher and overall a fun experience.

I have had more than 100 massages in my day and this one was no different. My therapist was very good and you cannot beat the price!! Just like any new place, there may be good and not so good. read more

This was such a pleasant, fantastic experience. The quarters are tight and unassuming, but man, Sean Valentine is incredible! First, he communicated his style and asked good questions about what my needs/concerns were. He thoughtfully did a pressure check before he started to make sure we had the same definition of "light", "moderate", and "firm". THANK YOU! The massage was fantastic and I really did not want it to end! Clearly he's used his experience as a personal trainer to understand the body in a really comprehensive way. Sean is a really strong guy, and he made me feel comfortable immediately. I cannot WAIT to return back for another massage. (and not to mention that it's actually affordable to do so...!) Sean, you're awesome. Thank you! read more

Talk about never wanting a massage to end.. Had a massage today with Sean and he was awesome. H did a pressure test in the beginning of the massage to make sure we were on the same page with the depth of the massage. He did a great job with the pressure and if one spot was more sensitive than another he would lighten up. Sean is a personal trainer as well which gives him an advantage because he already knows a lot about muscles and functional movement. He also did a good job of concentrating on the areas I needed the most work on which is very important to me. Thanks Sean!! read more

Been here before and was always pleased with their services. This time around came by again cuz my former fellow Coach Sean Valentine decided he wanted to get into massage school, he's an awesome Personal trainer so I knew he would also be a great Masseur. FYI: don't be fooled by how tall & serious looking he is, this guy has a great sense of humor and personality! Where do I even start?! Just had my 1 hour massage with Sean and as I'm writing this review I'm still feeling pretty darn awesome in a trance mood from when I left the clinic and that was 3 hours ago! Sean worked on my problem areas which was mainly upper body. As a trainer being hands on with majority of my clients and working on mobility with them, I definitely needed some TLC myself. Sean on point found those kinks on my shoulders, traps and neck, just the right amount of pressure. 1 hour flew by quick but those knots and stiffness I felt on my upper body went away. Like the saying "a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders" that is exactly how I felt after Sean did his thing! read more

I've come here a few times and have always been impressed. I gave it 5 stars because, for the price you are paying, it's 5 stars! $30 for an hour long massage, $45 for 90 minutes and they now offer $40 for an hour long facial! You can't beat the prices. The students are very good (you just have to tell them what kind of pressure you want). I've had some that are amazing and some that are just good... but the price makes it worth it no matter what! The facial was nice. Lots of shoulder and neck massage included. She cleaned my pores but not too much that it was painful. The facility could be better. It's hard to find the parking spots, but that's not the massage schools fault. The actually suite where the massages are is clean and has good views but it isn't spa worthy. You aren't paying for the location though. All around, I'm a huge fan of this place. They are good with getting you in last minute and usually have plenty of openings. If you are looking for a fancy spa with a spa like atmosphere, then this isn't the right place for you. But if you are looking for a good massage, nice people and a great price, this place is perfect. read more

Haven't been here in a while so tried to get a massage from them again. Called in the morning and got an appointment for 1:30pm. As I'm pulling into their building at 1:20, I get a call from them saying that they have to push my appointment back to 2pm. I told them no, I'm already in the building and asked if there was anyone else that could take me. No one was available and they only offered me to come a littl before 2, and maybe they could take me (in my mind, that means I'll still be waiting til 2pm). So I just cancelled it. I don't know what the problem was, but with the other Massage academy in Ward shutting down, I guess they don't have much competition so they don't have to care. read more

This place is really cheap with a lot of students. It got four stars because four out of five times you will get a good massage. But what can you expect, these are students. What I really like is that you can get a 90-minute massage and you have the option to get a massage by a licensed professional as well. I have been here more than 20 times and if I ever need a last-minute massage I would come here if I'm not in pain. read more

This place is amazing ! First of all I just want to start by saying they are super accommodating. I treated my husband to a spa day and we fell a little behind schedule and showed up to the massage parlor 30 mins late , but were still able to get our full hour massages. The masseuse was very professional and I know I fell asleep about 5 times lol. She didn't apply much pressure, but she did ask if she was doing an ok job which I replied yes to so I'm sure if you wanted more pressure you could have that applied . My husband said his massage started off rough and there were times when it hurt , but his masseuse quickly rectified it so he was happy. All in all $60 for an hour couples massage ? What is there to complain about ? read more

I thought $30 for an hour long massage, you can't beat that even if it is a student. But, I definitely WON'T go back for the following reasons: -the student hardly spoke English, which I don't have a problem with...but I wasn't able to get across what kind of massage I wanted! In the end I just agreed on Swedish, because she wasn't understanding me. She was very nice though...she was trying her best. -the massage itself wasn't bad, but just alright. At the end, the student twisted some strands of my hair and pulled them very hard. I was like what in the world?! How is pulling my freaking hair part of a massage?? -if this place is truly a school, where was the instructor?? No one was there to critique the students technique...I'm beginning to wonder if they just call it a school when its really not. -the secretary/desk clerk girl who answers the phone has such an annoying high pitched Minnie Mouse voice, and it sounds like she talks like that on PURPOSE. Why the hell would you want to talk like that....I know thats a silly thing to complain about, but since I had to talk to her for a bit longer than normal because I didn't follow the vague parking instructions, her voice just got to me! -I was kind of scared because I went on Christmas Eve at 5pm and I was the only customer...I was thinking to myself 'shit, my husband doesn't know where I am...what if I get drugged and kidnapped or something crazy!!" And, if you're having thoughts like that go through your head, then it sure ain't worth saving money to come to a place like this....next time, I'll just go to a spa and not be so frugal. Basically, DON'T go here. - read more

Be ready for what you pay for.... as you know you will be worked on by students- there are good students (but I have not found any) and bad students coming there to learn there thing- and they have not learned it mostly... Again - if you have $30 purely burning in your pocket - go for it and don't leave a tip as they are students if you really want to be mean- or you can go in there and suggest something that would help them as a student or go and be up front and find out who to talk to if the need arises- find out the name of the student that worked on you and give a constructive criticism. Just know what you are going for and try your best to get what you need worked on- shoulders for example and say please work on my shoulders. read more

Yeah, it's a hit or miss with this place. I agree with Rania L, you think you can't beat somebody massaging you, even if it isn't "professional" . But it can be hum bug. My husband complained that the gal who worked on him, couldn't speak much English either, was so tiny that even when he asked for more pressure 2x she was physically incapable of doing it. So he just lied when she asked, "Pressure okay?". But they are super, super nice about it that you don't have the heart to say anything more and to her defense, she massaged his scalp and head very good. Mine was good, can't complain for the price, although I did mention I wanted my shoulders rubbed down more and she didn't....not sure why either. To recap: Pros: -Cheap -Private rooms (you're not in one big room with screens) -Location and parking -Scheduling secretary is really good at trying to get the times you need and want Cons: -Hit or miss with the service and/or technician -Not all English speaking technicians, communication can be difficult read more

YOKO. If you remember nothing from this review, remember that name. We came here on Saturday for an early mother's day treat. I'd never been before, but my aunty comes here pretty regularly. When I first walked in, the students are all sitting against the wall and I felt a little strange, it seemed like how the movies portray "that kinda" massage parlor. You know what I mean. That was a terribly wrong assumption. Anyways, when they "announced" who I was "assigned to," my aunty exclaimed "LUCKY!" so I was pretty excited. Omg. Yoko is a petite Japanese girl, so I'm like hmmm idk how much I'll get from this. Wrong assumption number two... I'm just doing a terrible job haha. She is AMAZING! She did an amazing deep body massage and found a lot of tightness that I didn't even know was there. I would definitely come back to see her again. I'm not sure if you can make requests of who you would like to work on you, but I will definitely try, and I would suggest you do as well. I was very, very happy and came out of my massage on cloud 9! My grandma didn't seem to have as pleasant an experience, though. I can't attest to her experience, though, so it does not affect my review of Yoko in any way. She is so sweet, and so good! It was such a treat! :) read more

My husband and I went for messages this weekend to celebrate Valentines day. Scheduling was simple and they were even able to push our time back the day of. We both received wonderful messages. My husband had a room with a view of the ocean outside. Other than that this is really a no frills place. However, I have always enjoyed the message. Students are well trained and in tune to the guest experience. A great place to go for an affordable message. read more

It's been a little bit since I visited this place. I wasn't going to post anything out of respect for the business but it's been several months since my massage here and I'm STILL PISSED about it... I don't remember the girl's name who massaged me and yes, I know she's just a student, but it really hurt. I don't think she's ever heard of the word "friction", and she hasn't, because she hardly spoke any english. When I asked for more pressure, I could see her brace her feet against things and puuussshhh... but I didn't feel anything. I know she was trying, evidenced by the grunting in my ear, but still, nope, nothing. They were super polite and validated our parking stub, but when I got to the exit, the rude attendant yelled "$9 dollars!" at me. I told him, no, it's validated. There's a sticker on it, and he proceeded to tell me that it was not an actual validation. I sucked it up and payed. But I parked around the corner and called the front desk for the place and asked about it. The woman was so damn rude. She copped a huge attitude about it and then HUNG UP ON ME. Needless to say... well. You know. DON'T. GO. HERE. read more

MASSAGE WAS AWESOME! Use the Groupon offer and save more money! I'll be going back when in Honolulu! My therapist was an elder lady with strong and skilled massage hands. Had to tell her to calm down on pressure only once and afterwards it was blissful!!! read more

Let me preface this with 2 caveats: 1) I *really* wanted to like them. I really did. They're students, and learning, and I was ready to give them a lot of leeway. And 2) I've worked in a spa before, so I do know the difference between great, good, and not-so-much... On the plus side: -They answered the phone pretty late in the evening. I called on a Wednesday (at about 7pm), to schedule something for Thursday. Got a live person! Granted, she was a little hard to understand (yeah, the Minnie Mouse comment is pretty accurate), but she had no problem repeating anything I asked her to. Got me scheduled, yippee!!! -Parking is guaranteed! And it's only a $1. That gives them a definite advantage over anyone else! -The price is a ridiculous bargain. $45 for 90 minutes? Heck yeah! I can't go out on a date for that price---and dates last longer! In the middle: -My therapist wasn't bad. But he wasn't great either. He asked me about the pressure at the start, and I told him he could go a little deeper. He did, but then backed off after a while. (He was from here, which didn't present any language issues.) -While parking is free, you need to make sure you understand exactly what do, so pay attention when they give you directions! On the con side: -It's in the Century Plaza, so you're walking in to a residential building. It makes the layout a little interesting, because there's apparently no place for the therapists to wait in between clients. (They were all in the "office" where you go to check in--having conversations with each other.) -They asked me to pay beforehand. And if I wanted to add a tip on. Don't get me wrong, I'm a generous tipper, but I was very put off by the fact that they wanted me to pay ahead of time. If I had known they were going to ask, I would've been prepared with cash to hand to the therapist afterward. -Because of the layout, the rooms are not soundproof. Made very apparent when I heard: a washing machine, the therapist knock on the door next to my room and ask his client if she was ready, and the numerous people going up and down the stairs. Overall, yeah, you do get what you pay for. And I understand it's a school, so there should be some slack. But I think I'll splurge at a spa next time, and know I'm going to get a great experience rather than one that's just "eh." read more

I went to the massage academy with no real expectations at all because I knew the students were doing the massage. Much to my surprise, I had one of the best massages I've ever had. My massage was done by a woman named Aoi. I would refer her 100%. I will definately be going back and telling everyone I know to get there. It was only $45, plus a great tip, because Aoi deserved every cent of it. If you are looking for an amazing, relaxing massage that will relieve all your tension and knots, see Aoi!!! LOVED IT!!! The parking situation was also very easy. They give you a numbered spot to park in and validate your ticket so the cost is $1 and hassle free! read more

You can't beat it for the price! I came in without expectations so I definitely wasn't disappointed. Parking is relatively easy too. The stalls aren't marked well but you will be able to find their assigned stalls. I highly recommend Takako. She was really all about making sure you have a great experience. She greats your with a smile and leaves you with an even bigger one. I like my massages firm and she was able to adjust to my liking. read more

Great deal! An above par, hour-long massage for $30! You really can't find much better than this. Service was outstanding, as all the staff were all very polite and were able to accommodate me on very short notice. Also the parking is awesome. When you call they give you a stall number to park in and only pay $1 on exiting. The only reason for a 4 vs. 5 star would be the first impression. It's more of an office space upon entering but the rooms are clean, quiet, and relaxing. read more