I had not been in this YMCA branch in forever, but it was nice to drop by to see how it has changed. The swimming pool is still there. They do have a fitness room but it seems super small compared to the other branches. There are a limited number of weight machines and cardio machines. Parking is still all right for the most part. read more

Kathy's chair yoga classes are so enjoyable. She brings positive energy to every session and takes the time to greet the participants by name. Her program addresses the entire body. Trey at the check-in hut is great at his job! - friendly, professional, courteous and knowledgeable. read more

Ee soo Thank you for much ! For helping us today ! With getting my kids into child watch ! And two of your amazing staff in child watch today are so great with kids ! read more

Smaller Y. Gernerally kind staff. They told me not to open the locked pool gate, but I don't have a key so how could I have opened if locked? Probably a bigger issue of safety if the the pool gate can be pushed open when no one is attending and it is supposedly locked. read more

Was a YMCA Member almost 4/5 years ago Last week I finally decided to join up again for my health and well-being of wellness the process of registering again took a while since they didn't find my old records attending but I'm glad while waiting for processing l took liberty of looking around the gym notice there were all new equipment never seen before and tried some out and because of Covid equipment were spread out in three different areas with cleaning wiping hygiene supplies readily available thru out even notice water fountain with easily accessible bottle filling access next day l was planning to join chair yoga by Kathy every Tuesday Thursday at 8:25-9:15 but didn't make it but l also notice she has a class on Aqua Lite at 10:00 reasons why l wanted to join the Y program having pool access 5 minutes away from home l did attend first class Tai Chi by Limin at 12:45-2:00 Tue Thur she quickly notice this newbi putting me in the center since Tai Chi turns l did perspired though it was very slow motion of movements later l also stayed for next class Guided Meditation by same Instuctor Limin tho l was the only one in class she had others on Zoom told her later after class was very Refreshing to mind and spirit and thanked her Overall was very rewarding to meet new people there exercising for self-improvement Will continue on next week with Aqua classes read more

Stopped by the Kahala YMCA to pick up a class schedule. It is no longer the warm inviting place it once was. Greeted by a locked front door. You have to go all the around to the back. People did not seem friend at all and everything looked grubby and dirty. I would.I've the old place back! read more

I write this with a heavy heart, as the Kaimuki YMCA provides many great services and my child had fun here as a toddler. However, she's enrolled in the weeklong summer camp this week and what has been happening is shocking, and will keep us from letting her go to the YMCA again. Additionally, my wife and I are long time educators and we will be sharing this story. Basically, the summer camps disciplinary process is to have all of the children put their heads down, in time out fashion, when a small group of kids are misbehaving. Yesterday my child estimated they spent 40 minutes with their heads down, on a desk, even though the vast majority of children have done nothing wrong. It is clear the educators there are in over their heads, are understaffed, and are inexperienced. Any experienced educator or parent knows the quickest way to dow dissent and create more problems is to punish all children for the behavior of a few. Now, this is a cheap program, and we know the educators probably have their hands full with misbehaving kids, but this is the WORST way to deal with it. Additionally, my child commented that the educators don't say thank you, please or other polite things because they are angry all of the time. I'll take that with a grain of salt, and even my daughter recognized that there are many misbehaving kids, but we won't allow her to come. She's been in school for 6 years, full time, has been to many camps and classes, including the YMCA's own todddler classes years ago, and she's ALWAYS enjoyed any program where she's with other kids. She loves school. Right now, she comes home frustrated and angry everyday, as I'm sure the educators do. However, educators, DO NOT punish my child, or others, for the bad behavior of a few. This is the quickest ticket to more bad behavior, and there should be an experienced educator around who knows this. read more

I won't be sending my son to this summer program again. I'm writing this review to warn parents and alert the YMCA to what is happening in the summer program and the damage it is causing to the children and to the Y's reputation. I hope major changes are made so that other families don't experience the same heartache we have. My elementary school-aged son loves school and has attended various summer programs at his school, the Children's Discovery Center and the zoo. He has thoroughly enjoyed them all and has always been excited about going back. The summer program at this Y is however unfortunately a completely different story. As a mom and a long time teacher, it breaks my heart to have to send him here every day and to hear his stories at the end of the day. He was so relieved to be picked up on the first day just so that he could get out of there. Rather than talking about all the friends he made and fun things he did, he talked about how much the teachers shouted at them, all the time he had to spend listening to the teachers explain the rules (both in the morning and the afternoon), and how he had been made to sit with his head down in time out for 20 minutes even though he didn't do anything wrong. One day his whole group of 20+ students had to spend 40 minutes with their heads down in time out, even though only part of the group had done something wrong. The whole group is punished for the bad behavior of a few, and this happens multiple times every day. When I asked my son if he thought this was effective in changing the bad behavior, he replied that the bad kids are still doing bad stuff, and he thinks it's just making everyone, even the good kids, hate the teachers and hate the Y. As a teacher, this makes me so sad. Part of the reason I chose this program is that it is supposed to focus on the socio-emotional needs of kids. Socio-emotional learning is listed as one of the priorities of the program on the YMCA's summer day camp website. They claim to want to help kids "grow their confidence to be their best self" in "a safe place," but my son has literally dreaded going back here every day. The first thing out of his mouth when he wakes up in the morning is "I don't want to go to the Y today." I'll be so happy when this camp is over and I no longer have to send him here. read more

I'm only reviewing this as a YMCA member, not as part of classes or any other programs. Previously I've reviewed the Nuuanu YMCA with 5 stars, almost fan-boy like. But this YMCA is much much different. I went in the afternoon one day and while the office was already closed, I could not find one single staff member. This was my first visit and so I needed some orientation because when you first walk in you feel like you just walked into a very small school. After I saw someone with a blue shirt that worked there, he explained to me where the workout room was and how I needed to leave my card on the board when using the facility. The facilities themselves are something like what you would see in a high school gym in Hawaii, not a membership-paid gym. There's very few machines and they are all in one large-classroom sized room...maybe not that large actually. From other people I hear it can get incredibly busy with such few machines, but the day I went it was a ghost town. The locker rooms are high-school styled bathrooms and showers. Actually, no, my high school in Lahaina had much larger locker rooms. They are a bit further away than the other facilities so it does get a little odd at night. The reason I give them two stars instead of one is because they one staff member I encountered was friendly and helpful. I'm sure they all are, if I had seen them. If you can, go work out at another Y location. read more

This past Sunday, we went with my sister and nephew for his swimming lessons. His swimming lessons was at 3:00 pm and was 30 minutes There is a waiting area where there was a tarp to block out the bright and hot sun. Someday, I would love to take swimming lessons from this YMCA because I don't really know how to swim. read more

My husband and I have been members at the Nuuanu YMCA for 16+ years. My son has been coming to the Kaimuki branch on school and summer breaks since he was 5 years old. He's 11 years old now. We, as parents, love the child care programs. Their drop off and pick up times are very accommodating for working parents. This location is very small and the junior leaders are able to really get to know the children. If you are looking to workout here, there is a pool and a very, very small workout room with treadmills and bicycles. read more

I like this Y if I need a quick work out and if I'm coming from home and don't feel like going all the way to Nuuanu or Ala Moana because it's close. It is REALLY small though and you need to bring your own towel. There are 6 cardio machines and a few weight machines. There is only one bench I believe but a full set of free weights. I would recommend going in the morning or perhaps around 7PM. Idk how it is midday. 530-630 it's crowded. There are two connected parking lots, so if you don't find parking in the main one you can go to the one by the swimming pool. I've been to a toning and Zumba class here... the crowd is definitely middle-age ladies but I actually really enjoyed the Zumba class and now I make my mom come with me. I can only hope I am as fit as all these women when I have kids. I go weekly now teehee. Everyone has tons of energy, and isn't that what you need in an exercise class??? It spreads! Stay fit! read more

The young buck at the front desk, I think his name tag said Mr. Tom, was beyond helpful. I had issues with the shower and he got right to it! and even gave me a warm towel. glad we still have generous people in this world read more

the front desk worker, I think Tom, was the most friendly person ive ever met. he said good bye to me in not one, not two, not even 3 but 4 different languages. Walked in the next time... greeeted in 5 different languages. I also asked him how to get to the nearest bait shop and he taught me a backroad that saved me 9 minutes in my commute.10/10 Front desk worker read more

The swimming team coach Catelyn standing by the pool side and kicked my daughter on her back while yelling ," hurry up! ". After the class, I confronted the coach Catelyn why she used her foot instead of her voice or by clipping her hands. The coach Catelyn apologized but somewhat condescending. Anyways I said Thank you and left. Then I got a phone call today from YMCA Nickoma saying my daughter can't be continue on the swimming team. I'm contacting the management to file a formal complaint. I also heard the coach Catelyn struck another girl on the swim team and that girl's parent confronted Kate as well.. read more

Strongly recommend! 2 hours a day twice a week for $140 / month is adequate for my little one to slowly adapt to preschool. Everyone is friendly and patient to know about my sons and my need. While kids in class, I get to exercise which I habe not done before. This has improved my life as a mom of two children. read more

I am only reviewing their children's swimming program. Most of the young adult/teenagers who are teaching the young kids are really nice people. If your little aquanaut is naturally talented, destined to be the next trophy kid of this millennium, then you will probably be more than satisfied with their program. However, my children are the type who are more likely to sink like a stone in the water, and require a lot of repetitious instruction. The problem I noticed is that the instructors changed very frequently, so there wasn't a lot of consistency in the instruction methods. I wonder how or if the instructors themselves are taught/oriented to the swimming instruction program. To give you an example, one of the male instructors (who I had never seen before) yelled to my son: Instructor: Do you know how to do freestyle? Son: Yeah! Instructor: Let's see it, then. (Upon which my son proceeds to do an elaborate dog paddle-controlled drowning with style maneuver) Instructor: That's not the way to do freestyle! And that was it! He very correctly told him that he was doing it wrong, but didn't attempt to show him the correct way to do it! What kind of teaching methodology is that?! Is there a name for it? I don't know, because my degrees are not in education, but surely there is an official name for it. All I know is that it didn't work! So, although our kids had fun splashing in the water there, after at least a couple different series of classes, we decided the kids weren't learning very much. We subsequently put them in the Leahi Swim School, which was held at St. Francis School in Manoa. More expensive, yes, but there was more consistency in their instruction, and the instructors seemed much more passionate about encouraging the kids. Again, if your kids have genius IQ's, are already solving quadratic equations at the age of five, are hard at work in the lab working on cures for cancer at age six, not to mention playing Mendelssohn concertos on the violin for a sold out crowd at age ten, they may do just fine with very minimal instruction. Oh, and if your kids are at least three standard deviations above the mean in everything, be sure to mention all their accomplishments in the next holiday form letter or blog you send to all your friends! read more

I am a member here... I don't use it as often as I should, but the times I have gone, the classes have been fun and engaging. I mostly use their youth activities. Both of my kids go to their Before and After School programs. They also go to the summer and other intersession breaks. The staff are so kind and friendly. Ms. Ashley is the site manger for the youth program and she has been so good to my sometimes challenging kids. The summer program is expensive, but worth it. I did the math and it is about $400 than sending your kids to summer fun through parks and rec, plus an "after school" program and an additional 2 weeks of care since summer fun ends 2 weeks before school starts. This is a problem for me since my husband and I both work full time and we don't have any other family here. It is totally worth the extra money money for an additional 2 hours of care in the morning and the great field trips the kids get to go on! The youth swim classes are also great! There are somethings I wish they'd get on - I am hardly ever able to reach anyone via call and usually leave a VM, and the line at the customer service window is almost always long... but other than that, they're GREAT! read more

I am reviewing the school age camp. The camp staff is more concerned with making sure the parents know when there is an early pick up the day before a holiday then they are with the kids well being while at the camp. The staff freely allows bullying of younger kids by older kids. They don't care if a kid has a partner or not for off campus field trips. And they just don't plan enough supervised activities (1 activity per an 8 hour day), so the kids are just hanging around bored and picking on each other. And btw it's not cheap! If that sounds like a fun day for your child then this Y camp is for you. read more

We got the membership here for the family swim access. The pool is heated and comfortable. My kids tend to get cold fast in other pools so they like the warm temperature of this pool a lot. Usually the life guards and staff are friendly. But some life guards don't want to set up the lane dividers. Just laziness I guess. Also there are some members (the old timers) act like its their pool. One old lady who came after us told us we have to get out of the lane because its her lane. She has been coming here for a long time, she said. When I complained to the life guard, she just shrugged her shoulders. But over all, this Y is good. Lots of stuff for kids sign up. The location and the price are good too. read more

I'm going to edit my review since the Central Y on Atkinson shut down and again this will only apply to the workout room. With the closing of the Central Y this already small workout area has become woefully overcrowded and parking which was already an issue, has become terrible with having to find street parking at times. Maybe with the millions the Y made in selling prime Waikiki real estate they could perhaps upgrade the most neglected Y on island? As stated in other reviews, this Y caters to the geriatric and retired crowd who often tend to talk instead of actually using what limited machines they are sitting on. The teens from the after school programs using their phones while working out, are at the other end of the time wasting spectrum. In short, if you want a quick, efficient, workout with lots lifting options and plentiful parking this isn't the place for you. On the other hand if you enjoy waiting for machines while teens and retirees chat, like cold fans blowing on you (don't want to actually sweat), scented air, and delight in looking for parking, by all means you've found your gym. The lone star rating is for the friendly staff. read more

Love this small and friendly Y!!! I agree. This is not for everyone. Great if you are a little older or younger. Except for mornings not crowded. Staff is friendly and helpful. Nice atmosphere. read more

I've been here when I was a small kid time, spending my afternoons here as a part of an afternoon program during the summer. I remembered this since I was in a group with a group leader doing all sorts of team activities with a goal of building team unity and making friends along the way. The problem with that was, I wasn't all much of a team player back in those days. We played games, ran around the landscape, and just tried to be kids for once. That didn't really happen with me. During what I remember then, we didn't use the swimming pool - or at least I didn't use it since I was too darn chicken to swim, so I just entertained myself while the other kids played and splashed in the pool. This was back in the mid 1980's, when things weren't really a concern - as they are right now. Things were pretty good back then, but I knew better. Nowadays, I've heard that they are doing Zumba classes here and a friend of mine told me about how awesome Zumba is, so I was like, ok, one time and check things out. So, I came here not really knowing what to expect. I have seen those Zumba commercials on tv, but not participated in a live class before. I even don't participate in group X classes at 24 Hour Fitness and prefer to work out on the cardio equipment and lift heavy dumbbells like most guys do. I have seen some guys work out to Zumba, but I never have thought I would be there doing it too. The entire facility and what they want to accomplish is entirely two different concepts. They're probably surviving on the child care and after school programs for the kiddies. The Kaimuki Waialae YMCA is located in Kahala, the gateway between Kaimuki and the rest of East Honolulu. Diagonally across from the Kahala Mall Shopping Center, they have a private lot here for parking, so you can use that. For me, catching public transportation suits me just fine. Route #1 bus goes from town and out to Hawaii Kai, stopping at Kahala Mall area, so you can easily get to the YMCA from there. There's also route #22, which comes from Waikiki and out to Hawaii Kai as well. Two options for a good deal, but like anything, it's the time spending commuting that makes the difference in what you are saving in $$. There's also on street parking in the nearby residential areas too, or you can also park at the Kahala Mall Shopping Center. I really don't think they check. With all that said, the Kaimuki Waialae YMCA is a pretty good facility for those who need day care and after school programs for their kids. While my experiences as a kid was probably not in the norm, I probably would have made better use of everything if I was more extroverted and not be to myself all the time growing up back then. Oh well, that's life. As far as the Zumba class was concerned, I don't think Zumba is the right combination for me. While it is a good place to meet and socialize with other like-minded active individuals, I feel like I'm not really getting in a good workout. Almost feels like a dance, but for me, I rather go running and see places and things, instead of being cooped up in a room and listening to other people. That's just me. The staff here is friendly, which is a good thing. I enjoyed my time here and loved to reminisce about old times as a kid, but I'm unsure about coming back here. I know they have a workout room - similar to a gym of sorts, but it does seem to be not up to my standards. For what it was worth, the Zumba class my friend brought me to made me more sociable than what I am doing right now. But I rather just put on my running shoes and explore on my own two feet. Sometimes, just staying active no matter what methodology you use is awesome. Just gotta stick with it and you'll see results. Often times, it's good to change and switch things up to keep things fresh and interesting, but never ever quit. I did check out this place and it is expensive to go here and do your thing, so be advised if you sign up. The facilities are not adequate for what I aim to do, so be aware of what you are getting yourself into. Overall, I probably wouldn't be back, especially when I have a membership to 24 Hour Fitness already - which is already stocked with ample equipment and plenty more chances to mingle and socialize with people. They do have certified instructors and personal trainers on site, but sorry. While membership fees are island wide and relatively cheaper than 24 Hour Fitness, I rather go to a place that has value for the money. While this YMCA fits budget friendly people and families in need of such services, it's really not for me. Even when it's realtively close to home, I feel better going to 24 Hour Fitness or just lacing up my running shoes and going out for a nice run around the neighborhood. Support local! C- read more

YMCA Pre-K program is great. My daughter loves it. Although it's only twice a week, it helps my daughter a lot. My daughter is always looking forward to Monday and Wednesday just to be in school. That tells you something. I pay $135 a month which is not bad. read more

I like the idea of the YMCA, but the more I try to use it these days, the more frustrated I get. It is too small to use reliably. If you come around 8-8:30 the parking lot is full, the pool lot is full, and the basketball lot is full of cars. Come back an hour later and the Precor machines are all in use and have people on the waiting list. Give up and come back at night and the gym can be absolutely empty like last night or every machine in use like tonight. You will waste three hours trying to get one hour of exercise in. It is absolutely frustrating. The employees in the Healthy Start room are mostly great. Helpful and friendly. The front office can be frustrating. There is a window up front and the line is often long and slow moving. When we were signing up under the Kaiser plan there was much confusion on their part about the plans and pricing. This can be frustrating to newcomers. Overall the people are good and the instructors are nice but it is just way too utilized and too small for its purposes. If you are signing up for access to a pool, don't. The pool access is very limited. There are classes going all the tine and the time slots for family swimming is inconveniently for an hour or so during the day and then for an hour or so late at night with absolutely no family swim time during the weekend because they are booked full with classes all the time. Furthermore swimming at the end of the day after very heavy use isn't much fun because the water isn't as clean. Again, I love the Y and want to make it work, but it is so hard to use because it is overused. I waste more time trying to use it than I actually spend using it. I am giving it three of five stars because the small Healthy Start facilities are nice and well-kept and the staff that I deal with are nice and the service is free through the Kaiser plan which stipulates you are refunded your membership as long as you utilize it. If I had to pay for it I would rate it two stars. I know this sounds harsh but it is truly frustrating trying day after day to get an hour of a workout in and being stymied every time. In today's busy world this just doesn't work. read more

This review is only for their camps during school breaks. My son went to Kahala Elementary for the winter intersession and loved it! (It helped that his good friend was also there, in the same group!) I was surprised to see that they were broken up into little groups. I suppose it's easier to keep an eye on the kids that way. There weren't as many excursions as Kama'aina Kids does, but they were more organized and creative. I saw the kids doing different activities onsite and was very impressed. My son also liked the lunch provided by Sweet Doughs. He said there was more variety like bentos and mac n cheese. I'm thankful that I now have a few options so that my son can go to different places :) read more

Took my money for swimming classes and never delivered nor returned the cash. Avoid at all costs!

I joined this branch in the fall and just re-upped my membership for 2018! I realize these facilities are not for everybody, but they are perfect for me, The weight room is small, but it's bright and airy and almost never crowded so a lot of the time it feels like I have my own private gym. The weight equipment is new, they replaced all the machines in Dec. The staff are terrific and every one of them has a depth of knowledge and experience that is quite impressive. I normally don't seek out help at the gym, but these people are so good I'm trying to think of questions I can ask them. Plus I like that they always say hi and remember my name. Wow. I also like the open grass area for stretching. In addition, this branch offers an advanced tai chi class that is very good. I've been wanting to learn tai chi so it works out great for me. There is a small swimming pool that's not very impressive to look at and I haven't tried it yet, but when they offer lap swimming you sign up for your own lane, that's pretty cool. It doesn't seem crowded, so I intend to try it one of these days. read more

Good YMCA!! While my younger son was in preschool, My husband and I worked out. No need to be YMCA membership to enroll in preschool. My older son joined 5-week summer camp. He liked it so much asking me to send him again. The summer camp was 9 weeks long. It's full to continue. We like kid swimming lessons. Facilities and people are friendly like family. read more

This rating is for the Keiki swimming classes they have at this location (waialae/Kaimuki YMCA). The aquatics department has the worse communication skills. My child started swimming classes here about 5 years ago. Within the pass 6 months they have been slacking tremendously. This pass session they had 3 different teachers in the whole 8 week period. There was no communication to the second teacher where the first teacher left off and that went the same way for the 3rd teacher. The 3rd teacher at the second to the last class said that all the kids will have to repeat the class because she is unable to do the complete the paper work if the child has passed because she just started working with the group for 3 weekends. These classes are 80 dollars for 8 weeks. I will never enroll my child and do no recommend this place for teaching your children how to swim. From the way they operate here is terrible and unfair to the children and parents. If Yelp allowed me to put a no start rating. I would have definitely chose that. read more

A small-ish "Y" but a great heated pool. Usually busy with open swim and the classes fill up pretty fast. Come early to get your gear. The workout room is small as well, but the machines are pretty new and clean (depending on who's working). A great close knit staff read more

my son had three swimming lessons so far with a group of three other children in the beginner class. First when I called to schedule his lessons, the girl I talked to told me that they do allow rescheduling if the child is sick or something comes up. So today I wasn't aware there was no swimming lesson and I decided since I was there anyways that I would reschedule one of his scheduled lessons because he has a eye appointment on one of his swimming days. The young girl was not so nice in the office saying no we can't reschedule because they filled the class and if we don't come then you loose that class. She asked me if it was a private lesson or group lesson. I said group and then I asked do you offer private? Because when I called last week, the girl on the phone told me you don't offer private lessons. Anyways so I would like to know what's true. Is rescheduling allowed? Also I'm giving his swimming a chance at this YMCA because his first lesson my son kept going off the steps and if he didn't know how to doggy paddle then He would have drown. He kept going under the water and no one was there to help him. Ok so second lesson didn't Count to me as a lesson because they played on a "boat". So I said we will see how the 3rd lesson goes. I almost yelled MY KID IS DROWNING! My son and another kid was standing on the step with no floater. The teacher was busy putting a floater on another child. My kid went off the step with NO FLOATER and NO ONE saw his head under water trying to swim back to the step. Ok so I kept him here for about three months and twice I never got emails so I could reserve days for future lessons. I called, the girl said oh the email will be sent out this week. When I got a email response from ymca the lady who wrote I to me said the request for lessons got sent out almost a month ago. Ok so the girl I talked to on the phone was wrong. I wasn't in the email list. Ok so then after his last class one day all the kids got evaluation letters to parents. All kids got one but mines. I'm so over this place. Bad bad bad. I gave a bad evaluation when I got a email to evaluate the YMCA. Maybe they know it's from me and don't want me to be there no more that's why I didn't get the emails, but hey they need to know that they need to watch the kids with no floaters cause someone will get hurt one day. Oh yeah and if there's thunder and rain they will not reschedule a make up class. read more

I had the opportunity to intern at this branch this past summer and it was amazing! The staff was very welcoming and accommodating during my internship which made my experience better than I ever imagined. I learned so much from the staff and its incredible members. I would highly recommend this branch to anyone looking to be a part of a supportive and welcoming community. read more

The Aquatics Dept and the Front Desk/Receptionist Staff do not CLEARLY communicate and give parents/members wrong information. My son was to participate in a swim meet. I called that day to reconfirm the time. The FD confirmed the time BUT the swim meet was to be held in WAIPAHU! Needless to say I was totally inconvenienced and that was the FIRST time. Second, I called to confirm swim lessons and the FD staff confirmed it BUT there were no lessons that day but they were to start the following week.....we left a wedding EARLY to make it to swim. Last, the YMCA confirmed the dates for PRIVATE swim lessons and then cancelled my sons lessons for lifeguard classes for two weeks. The ONLY reasons why I come back to this location is bcs my son loves Coach Nick. The Aquatics Director also needs to take a class on how to handle customer service. With everything that has happened all she did was pass the buck and not take any responsibility. If I could give a negative rating - I would. Good thing my son loves his coach bcs I would have left months ago. read more