For my daughter's birthday she wanted to get her nails done. For weeks, she scoured the internet for inspo pics and decided on a sunrise shell design. I looked for a nail salon located close to the UH Manoa campus and came upon Nail Story. Nail Story had great reviews on Yelp and I liked that I could make an appointment online. The prices of the services was also available when you make your appointment. We arrived a little before 5pm and had to wait awhile before a parking spot opened up in the lot. My daughter showed her technician the design and she was quoted an additional amount of $46. The technician then went to work and when it was time to do the design, there was a lot of back and forth as the technician had not done a sunrise shell design before. My daughter wanted it just right and asked her to redo it several times. I was surprised her technician didn't take offense, but also happy that my daughter was making sure she was getting what she wanted. The technician was great and stayed patient as she tried to replicate the design as best as she could. Finally, after what seemed like the fifth time, my daughter gave a big smile of approval. Thank goodness! | was getting hungry! My daughter loves her nails and I also had a great experience with my pedicure. read more

Everything went amazing. The ladies are extremely great at what they do!! No disappoints here and I'm glad that this is my main salon.

I have at least ten Pedi Pampering check ins here and I confirm, the service is consistently awesome! Walk ins are welcomed here and they are quick to schedule an appointment if you call ahead. There's adequate stalls in the parking lot and they validate your parking stub so be sure to see the lot attendant before you enter the pretty nail salon. On average, there's at least five friendly faces that welcome you. Everytime I've been here, they are expeditious in getting me to a massage chair for pedi pampering. Consistently, the basin is clean and dry with sanitized nail tools opened in front of me. As with any salon, they have a menu of different levels in service. I feel they are reasonably priced and most times I request Deluxe pampering....although I have done the Royal pedi pampering a few times and loved it :) Unlike another nail shop in Kahala by Times who was rough and rude, THIS nail salon is so gentle. The technicians do a great job and I always leave feeling refreshed! The salon is clean, the employees are polite, and I enjoy watching an hour of K-drama on their big TV while being pampered. Thank you so much Nail Story! See you again next month :) read more

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Been coming here for about a year and a half now. They do really well overall especially with nail art. To be fair I usually ask for designs on the more complicated end but they're always very honest about whether it is within their skill level or not. Went in today for nails for a trip I'm going on and for the first time got hit with a length charge. At the end the lady was really struggling with the design and I asked her to redo two nails. I wish she had just told me at the start she couldn't do the design so I could have found a different one. Came out okay but I'll have to go somewhere else to get some of them redone since they don't look too great. There's a $5 fee for stilettos and I have to sharpen them myself since they're quite dull. Honestly really disappointed this time around. read more

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I will only get my nails done here. I get gel X and they last up to four weeks (until the growth gives me the ick). My nails always look amazing and they know me there Best nail salon in the Waikiki and I always feel welcomed back. read more

Update: I wrote this and had my nails done 20 days ago, look at them today! All 10 nails still on!! Awesome quality. read more

Nail Story - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I had some free time and walked into Nail Story for a pedicure. Emily was my nail tech, she is friendly, professional, and easy to talk to. She suggested gel, but I prefer regular polish since I like to switch it up, and she was totally respectful of that. I own a salon and have done nails for years, but I usually keep that to myself when I visit other places. I'm not overly critical, I get that everyone has their own way of doing things. I only leave reviews when someone really stands out, and Emily did. She was detailed during nail work and gentle for the callus removal, but surprisingly strong during the massage. Honestly, probably the best massage I've had during a pedicure. I'd absolutely recommend her, especially if my own salon is booked. read more

Helen! Yes!! Walked in for a pedicure and thankfully they had time. I'm very particular about my nails, but Helen knocked it out of the park. Cleaning 10/10 Paint 10/10 Massage 10/10 Customer service 10/10 Got here right after work and was starving. Asked if I could eat a snack and she said it was ok. She was even sweet enough to offer me water when I was done. I stand all day so my feet get pretty gnarly. Right now they are pretty and bonus points, because they feel amazing. My feet will be back for more pampering! read more

Yall know I would never steer my yelp gorlies in the wrong direction! True to this not new to this and they're still my go to spot. Call ahead of time to book or if yall wana do a drop in. I normally do an acrylic nail fill on my real nails with gel for my mani and my pedi I do deluxe. Update: 6% off for cash only Parking: lot can get full. Don't forget for after your appointment to ask for them to validate read more

Nail Story - Acrylic fill on real nails with gel polish. Feb 24 - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Looks like the cleaned up the shop a bit & prices have increased! $65 for a Full Set w/ Gel Acrylic Currently doing a promotion this month for 10% off or 20% off if paying cash -- I paid cash so it came out to $53 + Tip read more

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First time at Nail Story. A five + star experience. Experienced a wonderful deluxe manicure. I felt welcomed and pampered. Convenient validated parking with a helpful lot attendant. read more

Nail Story always does an amazing job on my nails. They take their time and I appreciate it very much. I've been getting builder gel and it always turns out the best here (and lasts the longest!) read more

I've been coming here for months & never had an issue... til I got an acrylic fill on 7/12. Just a few days later, 2 of my nails chipped. I'm an honest person so if it was my fault, I wouldn't mind paying. This is the first time this has happened to me in years and I know it was due to a rushed job since the polish on one finger was already peeling in just 1 day. I understand service isn't always perfect so I wasn't mad. I requested to get my nails fixed on Booksy along with a polish change (that I would've happily paid because that's on me for regretting the color I chose). They DECLINED my appointment lmfao. Now I'm annoyed. That feels shady. Sucks. Seems like Nail Story would rather lose a returning customer than take accountability / fix 2 nails free of charge. read more

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I've been coming here for a few years now. I love the cash discount, easy scheduling on the Booksy app, wide range of services and colors. My mani pedi typically lasts 4 weeks which is a great value. They always are showing K drama on the screens which I love and they just remodeled and got new pedi chairs. I almost fell asleep during my pedicure, the massage was awesome. Treat yourself, you're worth it. read more

Nail Story - Cat eye gel polish! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Pedicure in Honolulu, Hawaii... It's been a while since I had my nails done. That means it's almost desperation time! I searched my Yelp app and read many reviews by my friends. I finally decided on Jolene's and Amara's recommendation: Nail Story Located in University Square, the shared parking is actually a paid lot. I think the attendant felt sorry for me and let me park for free. She probably paid attention to my strong dislike for paid parking! Haha! I told her I was just going to be there for about an hour. I did phone prior to arrival, but my call went to voice-mail, which suggested booking an appointment online. Uhh... I'll just try to walk in. Luckily, there were a couple of empty chairs on a Wednesday afternoon. The staff were speaking Mandarin. The gal who worked on me had limited English, but understood me enough. She did a good job and was very gentle and thorough. The shop was clean, cozy, and decorated appropriately. The soaking bin was lined with plastic, which seems more sanitary. I enjoyed the massage chair, leg scrub, thick moisturizing lotion, and leg massage. I noticed that a scrub mitten was used! I'll be back if I can get free parking again! read more

Made appointment for my significant other for a mani-pedi. She was very impressed with the quality and service by her technicians. Being lunar New Year, the place was packed but she never felt rushed or mistreated. Finally, a nice nail shop she likes!!! Mahalo! read more

I've gone to Nail story and only Nail story since i moved here and have always had great experiences. I went in on november 18 or the 19th with my sister and one year old daughter. A younger lady did my nails and they came out beautiful. they were really accommodating for my daughter , giving her a stand to hold my phone for cartoons, gave her a banana as a snack and picking up toys she dropped. unfortunately the reason i gave them four stars and not 5 is because the lady who did my nails accidentally filed my real nail beds too much and now they're super sensitive after removing the acrylic nail. I don't remember the lady's name but just wanted to leave this review so she knows to be more careful with filing! read more

What a special place this is. I came with a very special person to have a pedicure and the pedicure and it was a great time to relax. I was thinking about how Ainty, my attendant was so wonderful and gentle. I like the way that it starts out with a c*** and the usual leg wash with the abrasive problem they save probably sugared creams on your legs to clean the pores and then they come back to make them feel amazing and and that's included with your pedicure. Personally I thought my treatment was very calming and relaxing and she was very gentle. read more

Nail Story - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great experience! Other shops close to our hotel near Waikiki were booked. I called Nail Story ahead of time and they let us know they could get us both started in 15 minutes which was accurate. We loved our pedicures. Fast but thorough and quality service. The leg and foot massages were top tier. Clean environment. Would highly recommend for walk-in nail service in Honolulu! read more

My go-to nail salon! Kelly is the best. Every time I got a full set the design I wanted was spot on and I was never disappointed. They can get busy so be sure to make an appointment! I also enjoy how they stream k-dramas so you can watch while you get your nails done. If you pay with cash you get a slight discount for the credit card fee. read more

Nail Story - Full set - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It's a Korean owned nail salon and every time I go they always have such great service. I usually just call when I'm on my way to make sure there's an opening and knock on wood I haven't been turned away yet. The massages are the best! Great quality work and very quick. The only issue is parking - it's a small + busy parking lot so sometimes you have to wait/pay. read more

Got a simple gel manicure for the first time here after a long week. The staff are very friendly and as soon as you walk in they try to find chairs for you to sit in. Nail salon is new and super clean. My nail artist was Lee. I love how she shaped my nails and painted the colors so nicely and evenly. Can't wait to come back here for another nail session worth every penny. I'm usually not into getting my nails done but this place changed my mind. After getting my nails done I got a little hand massage and shoulder massage as well. Anyways will do an update on how long the gel nails last for me :) Update: The gel still stayed on and hasn't peeled yet. It's been about 3 and half weeks. Look at the pictures ! No chipping or peeling whatsoever! read more

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Acrylic nails !! Good and fast service , reasonable price . Loved the design and color choice read more

Nail Story - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My husband and I went in for pedi. Clean and inviting environment. The service was okay and we are satisfied with the results. It was fast and we went out happy with the outcome. read more

Made an appointment for 11:15am on a Sunday. Came around 11:10 and they were full. I relayed that I had an appointment but everyone was with a customer and they kept telling me to "just come back later". Frustrated, I left because I felt hurried/rushed out the door. No one even asked my name or told me an ideal time to come back. In hind site I could have asked but again, I felt rushed out the door. Thankfully, the salon is a 7 min walk from my house so I was able to come back. If I was a customer that made an appt and had to drive to come here I would be extremely upset. I came back around 1pm, hoping they could take me. I was seated and the lady started on my nails. About 2 min into my appointment they asked me to get up and leave because customers were coming in that had appointments. I relayed the same information that when I stated I had an appointment earlier, no one could take me and I was told to come back. One of the ladies told me I "took too long" to come back in. I understand other customers had appointments but when I had one earlier on, no one seemed to blink an eye. I was again, ushered out of the salon. I called and went to LILYS NAIL SALON the next morning with an APPOINTMENT. They did the same quality work for a cheaper price. I am upset because I liked this salon and it was convenient for me to walk there. I will not be coming back as they do not honor their appointments. read more

Hard gel French tip by Tina. I love it! Definitely will come back again. Easy to book via booksy and close to where I live so also convenient read more

Nail Story - Hard gel French tip by Tina. I love it! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Thank you Nail Story! I have happy feet! Mimi was amazing keep her on staff please. This place is professional and great nail place. My girl only gets nails here. read more

Nail Story - Royal Pedi the best in town! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I will only go here to do my nails! Nancy is absolutely amazing and I have never gone to anyone better. I am very very picky about how my nails get done and she knows exactly how I like it. She leaves them looking completely clean and natural and they last for weeks. read more

Called on Tuesday to make an appt for Friday for a full gel set for me and a regular mani pedi for my friend. We parked right in front and they just have to tell the parking dude we are there so they don't give us a ticket or something. When we first walked in the air was an overwhelming smell of acetone it made my friend gag because it was too much. I do wish they had some kind of ventilation. Or even just keep the doors open to air out the place. I do love how my nails turned out but for $70 I would hope they wouldn't be lifting on day 4 of having them. Quite unfortunate, but it did it's job as it was for when my bf was proposing on Friday. I believe my friends mani pedi was $58? read more

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They do a wonderful job. I had my toes done. They made my legs feel brand new. They spent a lot of time massaging with hot rocks, wax, getting rid of ruff feet especially the heals. Highly recommended. read more

Nail Story - Feet and legs feel great!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Called in last minute to spontaneously get our nails done and I'm grateful they took us in! They were a full salon when I walked in @ 2pm so definitely call! I wish I got the name of my lady but she was really meticulous and detail oriented. I never usually have good nail service where I was really happy with the results until today. I wanted a simple French tip (gel only) on my real nails. I was pretty picky and tried on 2 colors to find my perfect nude and she was super patient and helpful. I paid $57 ($42 gel, $15 French tip) + tip. We were in n out of there in about 1 hour. Thank you for your quick and great service! read more

Nail Story - $42 gel + $15 French tip - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The BEST nail salon in town!! I really recommend getting services here! comfortable and makes sure your satisfied!Thank you！！ read more

Nail Story - The BEST nail salon in town!! I really recommend getting services here! comfortable and makes sure your satisfied! Thank you！！ - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hey Yelpers' it's been a while I know. If you've followed any of my post in the past you know how I am about my feet. Well I decided to let you guys decide for me this time and I was not disappointed. This service was great. I had Zoe she was nice and asked often if I was ok. That seems to be a lost art these days in any service. I got the basic pedicure $30. Surprisingly it came with more than the usual. The leg massage was Amazing! Most times they rub some stuff on you and the hot towel is there before you skin can absorb what they put on. My skin dries easily. Most times when I leave a pedicure I rush home to moisturize, but not today. That was a plus. While I was being massaged by the chair I looked over and saw some customers being physically massaged when they were getting manicures. Wow! I'm not a big manicure person but that definitely made it more appealing to me. The prices are reasonable and the service was great. The only set back was the smell. It's sooo strong. I did have a slight headache from the chemical smell. Luckily while my toes were drying one of the employees opened the door while she was cleaning. If they could do something about the strong chemical smell, this would be my go to spot. If it doesn't bother you, it's a great No Frills , great service nail salon. Oh and make sure you tell them where you park when you come in. They'll give you some sort of pass for your window, and If you pay cash or use Venmo, it's tax free. I hope this was helpful . Bye y'all read more

I recently watched Promising Young Woman and LOVED Carrie Mulligan's nails (& outfits & hair) in the movie! The shop was so kind and took me in just before closing, because my work schedule has been crazy. The girl who did my nails was super thorough and detail-oriented. I really appreciated her effort to make it look nice and symmetrical. I got gel nails, no manicure. It was $30 (+tip). Great service, nice quality results, very reasonable prices. Thank you Nail Story!! read more

Nail Story - Basic gel nails, no manicure---soooo cute!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Had my deluxe pedicure done by Wendy last week. It was awesome. Thanks for the great job.

I came here due to the 5 star reviews, and it didn't disappoint. I was able to get an appointment for two people through the phone pretty quickly. Gel manicure: $39 (with cash) and they didn't charge me to remove my old gel mani. Service: Nice and friendly. The nail techs engaged in conversations with my friend and I when we were discussing the Taiwanese drama in front of us. Payment: Cash is best (4% discount), Venmo, or credit card Parking: There's a paid lot outside since this location is in a plaza, but luckily we got dropped off Best part was the surprise free hand and shoulder massage. I'll be back! read more

Nail Story - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had some concerns about my manicure last week Wednesday. I noticed my nails were not very straight so I asked her to file them and nail tech was telling me that she couldn't. Her reasoning was that my nails were too short. There was room to file but she just gave me the vibe that she didn't want to do it. As the place was small and others can overhear conversations I did not want to say anything. This had been my go to nail place for a while. The ones I have had before were usually very good at hearing my concerns. This time it was very dismissive. Maybe it was about off day but it is enough for me to not go back. I want to relax when I get my nails done. This was not the case. read more

Kelly is the best!! I definitely have had some challenging requests & she pulled thru! 10/10 recommend read more

Nail Story - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great and friendly staff. My nails last a long time every time I get them done here with very good quality but they make quick work of it. They take walk ins too and people usually don't have to wait. My favorite part is the shoulder/back and hand massage that comes with all manicures. read more

Mahalo Helen! I'll be back! My new go-to spot in town. I LOVE that you can book an appt online and the quality of work is great. Showed Helen what I wanted and she made it even better. She was very friendly as well, even offered me water. read more

Nail Story - 2.5 weeks later - still going strong!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii