Hale Aloha Nani nails and salon — Local services in Honolulu

This place is a total scam and an absolute disgrace to the beauty industry. I was charged $240 USD for a manicure and pedicure that were poorly done, riddled with hidden charges, and handled with zero transparency or professionalism.

I came in asking for an infill with a French tip design, which I was told would be $85 USD. What I got was a choppy, uneven French tip with no base color — and at the end, I was suddenly charged $130 USD for it. No explanation, no warning, just a bigger charge. It looked rushed and messy — nothing close to the quality you’d expect for that price.

I then asked for the basic $50 pedicure and requested a solid white color — and was flat-out ignored. She did French tips instead, and when I questioned it, she talked over me and didn’t listen at all. She upgraded me to a deluxe pedicure without consent, then started pressuring me into getting flower art I clearly said no to multiple times. She insisted and said, “I’m doing it.” I finally said fine — but only if she removed it if I didn’t like it. She drew it, I didn’t like it, she wiped it off — and still charged me $20 USD for TWO flowers that weren’t even there.

On top of all this, I was never given a receipt, there was no breakdown of pricing, and I was left completely confused about where the charges were coming from. When my parents returned to confront them, the older man at the counter lied, claiming he had “walked me through everything” — which never happened. When my parents called him out and told him they also run a business and know exactly how this should work, he changed his story instantly.

They then had the audacity to play the “we’re a small business” card as an excuse — but let me be clear: that is NOT a free pass to exploit customers, especially young ones. I’m a teenage girl from Australia, and I was alone. They clearly saw me as vulnerable and took full advantage. This same service would’ve cost no more than $150 AUD back home — I was charged nearly $400 AUD for garbage service and a deeply unprofessional experience.

And if you’re reading their responses to negative reviews and starting to feel bad for them — don’t. Their replies are defensive, unprofessional, and full of excuses, not accountability. They refuse to take responsibility for what they’ve done and continue to gaslight unhappy customers.

Avoid this place at all costs. They are dishonest, pushy, manipulative, and completely untrustworthy. Especially if you’re young, alone, or not a local — they will exploit you the first...

I saw the 3 star rating and still decided to go here. It was the worst decision I made while on vacation. Unfortunately this was the most expensive and worst nail salon experience I’ve ever had. I asked the nail tech multiple times how much it was for gel and she wouldn’t answer me directly. She said she’ll show me the ‘menu’ soon so I let her do my nails. I chose from the menu not knowing that this did NOT include the extra $30 for gel alone. While doing my nails she tried to persuade me to get my eyebrows done saying it’s crooked (even tho I had just gotten them done from my regular salon). After a rough job on my nails the nail tech kept persisting I get a pedicure after I told her many times no thank you. She kept insisting saying I’m on vacation so I gave in. I then asked for normal nail polish on my toes and she kept insisting to get gel because it dries faster and I wouldn’t have to wait longer, so I gave in again. I advised her multiple times that my feet are very sensitive and my podiatrist cuts my toe nails so please don’t cut them, just shape/buff. She proceeds to cut one side of my toe nail, I reminded her again not to do this so she finally listens. The total costed $117.28 to my absolute Horror. I said to her that I asked her many times how much gel was and she replied by saying I didn’t understand??? I told her there should be signs up with all their prices. She just smiled and nodded like she didn’t care at all. At the end she still had the confidence to ask if I wanted to tip. I gave $120 and let her keep the change. I was so frustrated that I just walked out and said bye while facing my back. I am now back home and left with an inflamed toe on the very side that she cut. I’m not one to write reviews, but I feel so strongly about this and am still upset even after my vacation that I had to write one. Extremely unhappy with this service! P.S - not looking for any justification or excuses from the nail salon, thank you. I’ve been seeing all their replies to other...

After a wonderful morning in a tour I realised that I had broken 2 nails jumping from a rope into a river as part of our morning activities. Having only had my nails done a week before we left Australia, I just wanted them repaired and a new colour. After walking in they were very happy to see me immediately and I asked about the repair. They could do it straight away. Then the lady looked at my feet and said, “you need pedicure.” I said “no Thankyou I’ve only just had one.” But they persisted so I gave in. Thinking maybe they had a rough week after all the rain with limited business. My husband was asked if he wanted a pedicure because, yes her certainly needed one. He opted to say no and had a beer at the beach. I did however persuade him back because I thought it was a nice thing to do together. That then turned into a manicure, then the paraffin wax came out for both hands and feet for him (we weren’t asked). Extras were added to mine, flowers on ring fingers nails which I thought were a lovely touch but the cost was never mentioned to me (which would have been good business practice). I discovered they were $20 US each. So our GRAND TOTAL CAME TO $431 US DOLLARS, plus tax (had no idea this was added) then a tip was expected. WE ARE FROM AUSTRALIA … this equates to over $700 in Australian dollars. We tipped them $10 each. They were so lovely but obviously very hungry for the extra $$$. I really don’t know what else to say but BUYER BEWARE and ask for clear costings for everything! The added flowers were AUS $34 each. That’s just ludicrous… I felt sick afterwards and into the night… HATING myself for giving in yet again to try to be nice when obviously they know their prices are high and yes take mercy on “fresh tourists” for more $$$. I feel totally disrespected and still ill. Back in Australia I pay AUS $55 for a refill shellac service and a spa pedicure with all the extras is $60 AUS. Do the maths…...