Ho’ala Salon and Spa

I have jumped from salon to salon and have never settled on one to come back to, but I think I just found one! This salon was fantastic! I went in for a simple hair cut and I kind of felt like a princess. She started off with a head massage (which was fantastic) and when she washed my hair I got a hand massage at the same time!
I came in with long and overly processed hair and was ready and determined to chop it all off. I had the pleasure of meeting Luna and she gave me EXACTLY what I wanted. This was the first time I have left a salon 100% happy. I would absolutely recommend this salon to everybody and go see Luna

love love loooove my hair turned out so healthier looking & great scalp, neck, hand massage services I got!
& with a such a convenient location
totally coming back

I took my boyfriend’s mom with me got the world I got my facial and I was not impress at all I had the hour and I time myself and I got only 45mins then got my hair done got a excellent hair stylist Vince I was impress with his work I can’t complaint at all but when he was my hair every client got a hand massage I did not got one at all no one even came ask they did my bf mom they did the ladies prior to me so with that I was really disappointed in fact we spend $ 600 between my FB mom and me now I am thinking will I come back and I love Vince

My friend recommended that I book an appointment with Auntie Terri and boy was she right on. This woman is AMAZING! I highly recommend her if you are in need of a great massage and in the Ala Moana area.
Thank you Terri!!!

Sooyun gets 5 stars. She was excellent — really listened to my concerns, and my cut and color turned out so beautifully.
The review doesn’t get 5 stars overall because there is just something unprofessional about the environment of the salon. There were stylists and other employees hanging out in corners and making noise, gossiping, etc. I can’t imagine it being very peaceful as a spa day.
It is pretty expensive, too. I got my hair cut and colored for ¾ of the cost on the East Coast and the haircut was just as good and the environment was better. Guess it’s the Hawaii high price thing or something.
All in all, remember this: I DEFINITELY recommend Sooyun.

BUYER BEWARE!!!
One of the absolute worst experiences I have had having my hair done. I called to make an appointment for highlights and a haircut. This was my first visit to a salon since having a baby a few months ago, so it had been around 8 months since I’d last had I last had my hair done. I was told that I was being scheduled with an «elite» hair stylist named Blanca, and I was quoted a price of $ 250 for the cut and highlights. This was fairly steep, considering that didn’t include tip, but I went ahead and booked the appointment because I wanted to get a good cut and color to begin with, and I could always go somewhere cheaper for maintenance.
On the day of the appointment, I met Blanca. First, she pointed out that I had a lot of hair, but I told her I was planning to cut several inches off, which she could do before starting my highlights. She did this but was constantly checking her watch throughout the foil process, telling me multiple times that I have a lot of hair. Yup, got it. Thick hair. Got it. She then took me over to the sick to wash out some of the foils, but half of them weren’t finished, so she left me with my head line on the hard bowl of the sink while she disappeared. She came back and removed the foils. I had read online that a scalp massage was supposed to be included; however, I got nothing of the sort. I did get a hand massage from another employee that was nice but very, very brief. She next cut my hair. I had asked for an inverted lob, but she pretty much just cut my hair straight across at my shoulders. When she began drying my hair, she continuously checked her watch. I hated the cut, but I was too afraid to ask her to fix it as she already seemed put out by my still being there. I decided to just pay and go somewhere else to get the cut fixed. I checked out, and they told me that the final cost was $ 251.30. I left a tip and left. When I got into different lighting in my car, I saw the disaster that was my highlights. My highlights are WHITE. Not the sunny blond I’m used to from the 50+ times I’ve gotten highlights in the past, so mixed with the strands of my natural hair color, I have a nice skunk effect. Additionally, on the sides, which was the last hair she foiled, I have chunks of white hair and chunks of my natural light blond. You can tell she got lazy and the results are shocking.
As I was driving home, my phone started ringing with and 808 number that I didn’t recognize. I answered, and it was the salon telling me that they had forgotten to charge me for my haircut. I was confused as the price I paid was what I had been quoted. The receptionist told me Blonca put a toner on my hair and needed to use extra haircolor because my hair was too thick, which both cost extra money. So, the price I had been charged was for the highlights and toner alone. I was never told by Blanca that she was needing to use more color that was going to cost more money, nor was I told that the toner was an additional costas well. I have had my hair done many times at my salon, and the toner has always been included with highlights. The receptionist told me that I owed an additional $ 65 for the haircut. I told her that I was never told of the extra charges, and if I had, I would have asked for fewer highlights and may have not considered the toner. I was livid, and I think the poor receptionist could tell. She nicely told me that she would check into it and call me back. I’m still waiting to hear back from them and obsessively checking my bank account to ensure they don’t charge my card without my consent.
To be fair, several women came and left in the time I was there, and their hair looked wonderful. I would just avoid Blanca if you do want to give this salon a shot.

I made an appointment for a well needed massage & added an exfoliation treatment on 9.20.15. I had the stress-​fix massage, which is a new menu item, which was amazing & so relaxing that I fell asleep. My masseuse, Miyuki, explained that this type of massage mainly focuses on your head, neck, shoulders and back (where most tightening from stress is) with additional massage on your arms & legs. Miyuki’s skillful hands worked wonders on the knots in my neck and shoulders. After my massage I have a body elixir (body scrub), also performed by Miyuki. I was massaged with fragrant essential oils then scrubbed with salt. After my treatments, I was so relaxed & could have fallen asleep. I had to redress & return to reality, leaving my spa bliss as I exited the doors & returned to the mall. I will return for the stress fix massage by Miyuki again.

I really want to give the spa a 5. but there’s just something missing for the price I paid for the services.
Ease of Appointment: I was able to get a same-​day appointment for mani/​pedi and a massage very easily. This is pretty rare for an Aveda salon. but def a bonus.
Waiting Area & Women’s Room: I like the individual lockers and lush bathrobes. The locker room is also filled with Aveda products. Lemon & ginger infused water is provided in a big water container for self service.
Mani/​Pedi: my manicurist was really nice and meticulous. It took 2 hours for the basic mani/​pedi. It’s by far the BEST mani/​pedi experience I have gotten in Hawaii. The lady treated my dry cuticle with tender loving, not harsh pushing and cutting like they usually do at other places — I don’t like feeling pain when they push back my cuticles… sometimes manicurists could push too hard. But mine today as super gentle, and she took care of my nails with painstaking focus.
Massage: Diane was great! Very attentive to my needs, and even brought out tissue when she heard me having the sniffles mid-​massage. She applied a great mixture of hard pressure and gentle strokes. She really worked on my knots on my neck and back, and I was able to walk out of the treatment room feeling lighter and relaxed.
SO what is missing? My mani/​pedi job looks just ok despite 2 hours of intense focus. It looks like something I could have done myself. The treatment room for the massage was also a bit cold — I guess I could have spoken up about it. And for a «spa», it really doesn’t feel like a spa. Maybe the energy of the mall overpowers the tranquility a spa should have. BUT overall, I enjoyed my experience and will definitely come back again.

First off I’ve been a loyal customer specifically for their massages. There system also keeps track of their loyal customers. Now I’m not sure if they’ve changed management however this is the first I was unhappy and extremely unsatisfied with my Aveda experience.
Aveda is a high end salon and spa and because of their steep pricing point people expect high standards and consistency. I was asked to wait in the waiting area and was not offered tea or water. The host helped all other customers around me and initially ignored me. I genuinely felt discriminated considering that everyone came in after me and was helped before me and went to their appointments before me. Eventually I was helped after a long wait.
The massage was good although I expected the customer service to be significantly better as it is part of the experience.

True confession — I hate shaving. When the hair grows, it’s thicker (meaning it’s darker hair) and it feels like like mini razor blades attached to my legs and underarms. So, I tried waxing… and I am a believer! I will never go back to shaving. Not only does waxing pull out the entire hair, so you have smooth, nonhairy legs and underarms for longer time period, but when it does grow back, it’s finer hair.
The first and only place I go for waxing is Aveda. All the employees I’ve seen for this service have always been friendly and easy to talk to (this helps as a waxing can take 30 — 60 minutes depending on the service you get. It can be a long, semi-​awkward time period if it was just in silence and you were just on your phone, on Facebook or playing tsum tsum or whatever other app you are hooked on, the whole time). Aside from the ability to talk story with the employee, the other big factor is how good they are at waxing, which is more about their technique on pulling off the strip (imagine pulling off a very long big band aid that is really stuck to you). Technique and speed really mean the difference between pain that lasts a few seconds and pain that just lasts. The employees that I’ve seen here are very good, so it’s not as painful as I can imagine it could be. The past two waxings, I’ve seen Junko amd Cindy — both are amazing and I’d recommend seeing either of them.
Another thing I considered when looking for a place to go for waxing is the environment. I would want to go to a place that is clean and relaxing (I’m already signing up for what is known as a painful experience… I don’t need to be stressed looking at the place). Aveda is definitely the ideal environment to go to, not just for waxing, but for a spa day or a massage. It is a spa and salon, and you can tell by just looking around the place. As soon as you enter, you can smell aromatics and it instantly puts me at ease. You can also look around and you will know this place is maintained well and it all looks so polished and clean. I wish my bathroom looked like their bathrooms, with beautiful sinks and soft, comfortable robes hanging from hooks. It truly is a gorgeous spa.
I hope to one day try their spa services… I always say I need a massage.

My review is based (26 year old surfer lol) on someone who does not frequent spas often.
I had the opportunity to book a 1hr facial in July. The grounds of the spa is very nice, and the service was great.
You first start off by refreshing yourself in the beautiful spa restroom (non coed) here you are able to shower, use different lotions and scents. Restroom itself is small but also private. This is the area in which you change into a robe, you are not obligated to take off all your clothing. Just enough for you to feel comfortable.
After you are guided into a small secluded coed area in which you are able to lounge in a darkened room with lavender aromas etc. A staff member will scrub and clean your feet prior to your service.
My facialist then escorted me to the room. You disrobe privately and go under a bed of warm sheets. I then was treated with different massages on my face, shoulders and feet. Which included using different lotions and oils to cleanse my face.
Overall the experience was awesome. My facialist was very kind, nothing was awkward and everything was so great, that the time went by fast. Definitely would try them again.

First time here my hair came out uneven. had to come back to get it fixed. The workers and the stylist was very kind and helpful. They didn’t make me wait long, which was very nice.
Color is a bit brighter than I wanted, but it’s growing on me.
I don’t think I would come back for hair services, but I may come back to check out their facials and massages :)

Attention: if you’re a men 35 years old or younger, I wouldn’t suggest you going to this place. First, it’s very expensive $ 70 for a haircut + $ 15 tip = $ 85. Secondly, the hair stylist are mostly not updated to men’s trendy hairstyle. I asked for a simple Caesar cut and my hair ended up like someone from Fantastic cut did it.
The worst part is having to deal with your friends and family teasing you how stupid your hair look. I’m so disappointed and won’t be coming back here anymore.

AHHH. This was my first spa experience and it absolutely will not be my last! Thank you Ho’ala Spa for making our Mother’s Day treat so amazing!
I don’t even know where to begin… Everyone that works here is really sweet and friendly (the girl who did my nails was a little less friendly but nothing snobby). They really understand that you came to relax and do everything they can to make you feel it!
We got the Mother Nuture package which was $ 162 before taxes and tip. It comes with a massage, treatment, pedicure and make up touch up (honestly they can leave out the make up touch up part cuz all they do is brush your face with powder and apply lipgloss). I’m pregnant and I was worried they wouldn’t let me substitute for a different massage but they accommodated me with no problem!
The facility is clean, relaxing and refreshing. When they offer you tea, grab it. Every. Single. Time. Grab it! The tea is so delicious it’s like crack!
I think you definitely get your money’s worth with the package and I can’t wait to come back again!!!

I generally have a difficult time «relaxing». Relaxing makes me nervous for some reason and I’m currently working on embracing a more peaceful pace. All of my friends have been getting facials because I guess it’s a good idea to do that since you can’t get a new face (well, you sorta can but it’s not pretty sometimes).
I booked an appointment for a Perfecting Plant Peel Treatment to do something about my neglected skin. While I initially thought the «15-​minute check-​in» requirement was a bit pretentious, I’m glad I arrive on time. All services at Ho’ala start off with a foot bath and rub. It was so nice! As I sat there in the most delightful aroma getting my feet rubbed, I realized why people do this… It’s SO nice. All of my worries from the past few weeks melted away. Come early, it’s so worth it!
Masako, my aesthetician, was so gentle and patient. I had such a wonderful experience and will definitely come here more regularly. I’d definitely recommend Masako. She is amazing!!!

Had a wonderful experience with Junko. When they ask water or tea, GET THE TEA! I love Aveda tea and ended up buying some to take home. It feels like a spa in your mouth. Ahhh!
They start your service by having you place your feet in a bowl and rub them over the salt for a quick scrub. It gets a nice soak and rinse then you are off to your experience. For a soft spoken woman, Junko had some superhuman strength! Massage was heavenly! Should have gone for the 90 minutes. Love the use of aromatherapy during the service as well.
Unfortunately the steam room was not working when I visited so I did not get to try it out.
Mall location makes parking convenient, plus you can shop/​dine before or after your service. Will be back!

I recently called and spoke with a manager about my horrible hair experience and the manager was very friendly and understanding. She told me to come in and they’ll redo my haircut free of charge with a different person. I was really excited and appreciative that they were able to do this for me.
Although the manager said over the phone that she would meet with me when I came in to my appointment, she did not show up or is she was there, she did not make herself known to me. This isn’t much of a big deal but I just thought she would want to follow up with me.
Vince cut my hair and he’s absolutely AMAZING! He was very friendly and took his time to cut my hair exactly the way I wanted it in the first place. Unfortunately, my hair is a lot shorter now because I had to redo it but I know when it grows out, it’ll be nice. The awkward part is that the lady who first cut my hair (from my precious review) was also working and her station was directly behind Vince’s. Every time she would walk by, she would give me a stink eye and glare at me. Very unprofessional and uncomfortable. I would come back here to get my hair done my Vince again but I don’t want to have to deal with Blanca’s glare every time I walk in the salon…

Wonderful… Def a must if you are looking for a spa day :) 50 min for $ 110
Went with a gf post a crazy week of wedding festivities.
Excellent service from Manami and love Rene at the front check in.
I go to the spa often in Colorado and love the Avedas :) i also like the added foot exfoliate/​scrub before the actual massage
Plus the waiting area is so peaceful. Puts you in a tranquil mood even before you go into your room for a massage.
Def make reservations and if you have the time after your massage def take 10 – 20 min in the steam room.
Plus don’t forget to book a wax and make it a true spa day :)
For parking there is always space near Neiman Marcus :)

I’d give this place 4.5 stars! I rarely get to come here because of the cost of things but my friend treated me to a facial for my birthday. What a treat!!!
I checked in 15 minutes ahead of time as requested. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a very friendly gentleman who led me to the counter to check in. He then led me to the waiting area and got me a glass of water. What a great start to the evening!
Shortly after drinking my water, I was taken to the locker room to put my belongings and offered a robe. I was then given a quick foot scrub. It went way too quickly in my opinion but it was the first one I have had there so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. Are they usually that quick?
Now on to my facial…
After getting comfortable under the covers, the table was adjusted to the most comfortable sleep inducing position. I NEED one of those at home!!! Everything about my facial was perfect; the music, the aroma therapy, the products being used right down to the pressure she used on my face. What an awesome experience! I did get a «scolding» for not exfoliating though! LOL tsk tsk tsk
If you get the chance and have the money, I’d definitely recommend coming here for a facial. The one I got was only 50 minutes which went by REALLY quickly. I hope to be back before the end of the year.

The BEST Salon and Spa on Island
I went for a 9:30 am appointment this past Monday and was in for an unexpected treat. My stylist was ANJALEE and her assistant was CORY. This team was more than a man could ask for.
I didn’t know what I wanted in a hair style though I knew I wanted something that would look good for my upcoming trip to Tokyo this fall. ANJALEE and I decided to do something where I could paste the top in a bed-​head style with short sides. Sounded great to me.
I was met by CORY who was her assistant. She began with a selection of 3 oils which I could choose from for a head and shoulder massage. I chose the «Relaxing» oil. Let me say this with authority from many past experiences with salons and spas… CORY was the best. She warmed the oil and had me take 3 deep breaths. Next she massaged the oils into my scalp and that was heaven though I had a really tight neck and left shoulder from being online all the time. She worked them into butter. This wasn’t a 2 minute massage of careless disregard. She put that «extra touch» into it and then that was just the beginning. CORY took me to the washing area where she continued to massage my head with shampoo and felt as if she was working on it for hours. During this time I received a hand and forearm massage.
After the stress melted away, I had a hair coloring applied and a hot towel applied to my face. I rested in that position for a relaxing 10 – 15 minutes and then the hair coloring was rinsed by CORY with yet another massage. By now I’m ready to sleep.
By the time ANJALEE returned I was ready for my style. She took over 40 minutes in making it perfection. Snip here, comb there, trim here, snip again. It was magic. Was this the end? No. I was returned to the washing area where I received the most relaxing wash and rinse again with the magic fingers of CORY.
I returned to ANJALEE where she dried and touched-​up my hair again, then applied a paste to the top and when she was done I HONESTLY looked and felt 5 years younger. The gray was gone, the sloppy hair I came in with was replaced with a current, modern style.
The entire process took just over 1.5 hours. The care and attention to detail, the massages, coloring, washing, and yes, the style were stupendous. I left a new man. With a $ 40 fee, I left a very generous tip of honest gratitude for both CORY and ANJALEE. I was told to return in a few weeks for a complimentary «touch-​up» before my next appointment. I will return for a final style and coloring before my trip though I wish my hair would grow faster… I want to return again today!
When you go to Ho’Ala Salon and Spa, ask for these professionals and tell them Joe sent you. If you like my review, please select «Useful» below so I know I helped someone. Cheers!