Hawaii Massage Clinic Waikiki — Attraction in Honolulu

I went into my massage session not knowing what to expect for the most part. These are students, and the price is just about half of what other places charge (as the saying goes, you get what you pay for). It might be good, might be bad....maybe somewhere in between.

As the vast majority of other folks have been saying however, I was very pleasant surprised. My lomi lomi massage was excellent. Even though the massage was provided by a student, this was one of the best massages I have had in a very long time! The student therapist made sure the pressure was on point, and overall I was just so relaxed throughout my 90-minute session. That hour and a half flew by; next time I just might book a full 2 hours.

When it was over, I thanked Yuka (I hope I spelled her name correctly), and explained that just a month earlier I had a Thai massage from one of the highest-rated massage businesses in Hawaii....and Yuka's massage was still better! I'm not exaggerating, that's how much I liked my massage.

The only negative I can think of, is that the room is not air-conditioned. So if the sun is out in full force, and humidity is high....it can potentially get very hot (and you have a blanket draped over you too). It was perfect when I was there, so I'm not complaining, just thinking of what might possibly be a drawback for this clinic.

But anyway, Hawaii Massage Clinic was an awesome find for me, and I will be sure to return whenever I can =] Thank you, HMC, and thank you Yuka!

Update: it has been about 6-7 months since I wrote the above review, and 12-14 massages later (I lost count LoL), and I would not change a single word of that review (except the part about the air conditioning; it was working fine today). The students continue to amaze and impress me! Yuka, previously a student therapist but who has since graduated, had given me the best massage I had in my life. My student therapist today as well as the previous time I came, Sammy, came pretty darn close to matching that! I left today feeling so incredibly relaxed. I don't feel the need to go anywhere else for my massages. I feel so blessed to have found HMC =D

Update: Yet another update. I've been here about 30 times now (in fact I just came back from a session), and my impressions of HMC are still incredibly positive. I've met yet another student therapist named Xiang Xiang, who has one-upped all the other previous experiences, and has given me, hands down, THE best massages I've EVER experienced in my life. I now get my massages from no other student except her, until she graduates (a day I won't look forward to, but will be very happy for her). I've come to her so often, that she no longer needs to ask me where on my body I need most work on. She does a pre-massage pressing on various areas, and knows right away. And then on top of that, she'll adjust the pressure and spent more time on the areas that are most tight and need work on, and go lighter and spend less time on other areas. And indeed, I never have to tell her to go lighter or harder. The pressure is so spot-on and perfect. To say that I am satisfied with HMC, is a huge understatement....and for what they charge, it's an absolute steal.

The reason I write these updates is because I really do want to give shout-outs to this fabulous establishment and their hard-working, professional, and proficient students and staff. I can't recommend...

I have been going to Hawaii Massage Clinic for several years now. I usually like to treat myself during my birthday with a staycation and a massage at the clinic. It's been maybe 4 months since my last massage there. I won the giveaway for a 90- minute neck and shoulder massage with a licensed professional. Before my massage, my therapist asked about my health history and if I had any injuries or surgeries. I am currently suffering from a frozen left shoulder and a tender right elbow. Although it was a neck and shoulder massage, she asked if there was any other areas that she could work on. I told her my middle and lower back is always tight. Asuka was my licensed therapist. She has really good strong hands. I like firm pressure. She had the table warmed up for me when I arrived. I started to get hot after about 10 minutes into the massage and asked her if she could turn it off which she promptly did. My neck and shoulders are ALWAYS tight from stress and lots of computer work. I also do crafts and make leis where i am always looking down while working with my hands. She was careful with my frozen shoulder and pressed on the acupressure points. I love how she stretched my neck, shoulder, and arms. She did massage the other parts of my body including my back, legs, arms and feet. My glutes are always tight also. I loved how she used her elbow to get in deep there. She was very professional. Checked if pressure was okay and it was so relaxing, I fell asleep! I caught myself when I snorted and woke myself up. Previous to this visit, I've only seen the massage students because it is more economical but I will book again with her as I was very satisfied. I would highly recommend Asuka on your visit. I visited the clinic first thing in the morning of Good Friday. It was a great way to start the 3-day weekend. I had a canoe race the next day I wondered if I would be tender after the massage but I was not as tender as I thought I would be. She really went hard on the tight spots but it felt really good to me. Now that the long weekend is over, I wish I could start it all over again with a massage by Asuka. When I win the lottery, I would like to have my very own masseuse who can massage me weekly if not daily. LOL. Mahalo again, Hawaii Massage Clinic. I...

I chose to get a 90-minute massage from a "student" at the discounted price. I have to say, I am extremely disappointed with the service provided.

The masseuse (I think her name was Shinobu or Shigeko) asked me when I first got there if I wanted soft, medium or hard pressure. I said I wanted hard pressure. I get massages at least once a month and am used to leaving sore but refreshed. She also asked if I had any particular areas I wanted her to work on specifically. I told her mainly my shoulders and lower back.

About 10-15 minutes into the massage, I asked her to apply more pressure as it literally felt like she was just lightly running her fingers down my back. She said OK, but I barely felt any difference. She also did not pay any special attention to my shoulders or lower back as requested.

I was actually more uncomfortable than comfortable throughout the massage overall and actually contemplated leaving in the middle of the session.

I was a bit hesitant to write this review as my intentions are not to bash the masseuse or Hawaii Massage Clinic. I totally understand that she is a student and my reasoning for writing this honest review is purely for constructive criticism. As a masseuse, I hope that she will work on building her strength and not only listening to what the client wants but applying that...