Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy — Attraction in Honolulu

STUDENTS BEWARE!!! I understand the profound lack of choices of esthetician schools here in Hawaii. But you can do better than this. Don't waste your time and money attending this "school" The owner and a few of the instructors are not good people. The school is run very poorly. Here's why Very unorganized in every aspect. From the way theory is taught, to how the class room time is structured. The syllabus that is provided is a very loose guide of what you would be receiving; as many things are forgotten or overlooked. Frequently, the licensed instructors don't show up or are very tardy. Lots of miscommunications. Theory throughout the program is rushed and delivered without much care for if the students are actually retaining the information. The different teaching styles create a learning gap in the beginning stages, the owner and other instructors are aware, but make no effort to fix this issue. Unprofessional! On many occasions the owner would enter the classroom and interrupt lesson to rant and ramble, often times about her personal and unrelated issues. These rants would go on for long periods of time, sometimes even over an hour or two. Recent (and unlicensed grads) were given jobs and would "teach" lessons and assist with services on clients. Many times there would be only one licensed instructor and the clinic floor students would preform services on clients under the supervision of unlicensed recent grads. Bad Business practices. The rules were not enforced equally amongst the students. Students who were favored over others, were allowed to violate several rules and policies; while others were not. Instead of maintaining service supplies and products (which in this setting are educational tools that should have been covered with tuition) the owner choose to purchase unrelated and unnecessary retail clothing and beauty items. On several occasions the owner and instructors would cheat the time clock by allowing students to leave early and they would clock them out at the correct time.

The bottom line is, overall you don't get what you pay with this school. The owner and a few of the staff are not good people. Don't risk your money, time, and education. The other schools are better...

I really wish I could write two reviews, one from the client’s perspective, and one from the spa owner’s perspective. Unfortunately I can’t, so I will have to roll both of these reviews into one.

Let’s start with my opinion of this establishment as a loyal customer who received numerous facials and body treatments. I like how it is conveniently located right off Nimitz Highway. The front desk area is just beautiful and is better than most spas on the island. It definitely doesn’t have the feel of school. The front desk is usually manned by smiling and enthusiastic staff that makes you feel welcome the moment you pass through the door.

This school has individual single client treatment rooms for the clinical / practical part unlike most of the esthetics school on the island or on th mainland. I actually felt comfortable undressing and getting ready for the spa treatment. They use high-end spa products such as Skinceuticals and other professional lines, unlike other schools which use the cheapest brands for students to practice on. The service was professional from the first “Aloha” as I walked through the door, the staff offering me the drink, walking me to the treatment room, soft music playing in the background and the estheticians explaining every step of the treatment. I enjoyed every service that I received there and I even bought two packages of full body treatments which I love. I just want to add that when I bought services there I would always go incognito, without letting anybody know that I am the owner of a spa in Honolulu.

From the business perspective, as an owner of Honolulu Spa & Wellness I get really excited when I get to interview the students from Makana Esthetics Academy. The graduates of this school stand up during the interview process because they are more professional, nicer, and have better technique while demonstrating to me their facials during the practical part of the interview. I can honestly say that Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy really knows how to prepare its students for a real life positions in...

I booked services at Makana Academy. I never have a spa day, so I decided to treat myself. I received an under arm wax, Brazilian wax, leg wax, and ultimate facial. My esthetician was Kelci Flores, she was amazing. I would never guess that she is a student based on her skill set and technique. I have never gotten anything waxed before and the experience was incredible. Kelci made me feel very comfortable and I was surprised at how painless the procedure was. I really appreciate how Kelci took the time to explain in detail what the procedure entails, and she did a very thorough job explaining to me after care, as well as made recommendations for continued skin care. During the leg waxing, Kelci was assisted by another student named Paige, Paige was also very friendly, professional, and welcoming. Of course, nothing beats an ultimate facial at the end of your day to help relax. The ultimate facial was amazing. I was so sad when my time was up because I felt so relaxed and my face felt wonderful. I highly recommend the services at Makana Academy and to request Kelci Flores. If Kelci is not available, ask for Paige. I could not be happier with my results, I will...