Don Marco Spas & Salons

3.5 star rating
30 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas  [Edit]

1111 Bishop St
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 528-3444
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Validated
Good for Kids:
No
By Appointment Only:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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30 reviews in English

  • Review from Joe W.

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    6/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I've been coming to see Don for about 2 years.  Don's the first stylist I've come across that I feel actually understands my hair.  I have thick, wavy hair that curls in some places.  Most stylists have made faces at the curls or made comments like "you have these weird curls... I'll try to get rid of them."  But Don works with it and makes it look great.  I've often let Don do what he thinks is best, so we've tried out a bunch of styles, each of which I've liked.  

    The haircut comes with a shampoo and scalp massage.  Don definitely puts in more work on my hair than what I think is standard because I have such thick hair.  He spends a lot of time thinning it out.  

    Since there's only two people currently working there, sometimes he gets backed up, but on those rare occasions I don't feel like I'm waiting since he offers me wine or champagne while I wait and he and Moon are fun to talk to.  

    His prices are very good.  $25 for a men's cut of this quality is a steal.  I'm definitely a fan and highly recommend coming here!

  • Review from Stephanie T.

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    • 8 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Ewa Beach, HI

    1.0 star rating
    1/8/2012

    I was in dire need of a pedicure and since my sister was getting a facial at Don Marco Spa and Salon, I decided to give them a go.  I must say that this was the absolute WORST pedicure I have ever received.  

    The spa/salon itself is supposedly an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu.  How very relaxing!

    I decided to indulge in the Basic Natural pedicure which is described on their website as:

    "A SOOTHING SOAK IN A WARM FOOT BATH, CALLUS AND DRY SKIN EXFOLIATED WITH A FOOT FILE, CUTICLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE FOLLOWED BY A POLISH FINISH WITH ADDED EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB WITH A DETAILED FOOT AND LEG MASSAGE.
    $45"

    The young lady who would be "taking care of me" was named *"Jaime."
    *Name has been changed to protect the unskilled.

    "Jaime" greeted me warmly on arrival and escorted me to a very dark corner in the back of the spa/salon to the pedicure area...

    WARNING!!! HATERADE ALERT!

    I was horrified (to say the least) when the pedicure station was revealed to be no more than a black computer chair on wheels and a Conair bubbling foot spa which by-the-by, retails at Wal-Mart for $18.88.  "Jaime" could tell by my blank stare that some explanation was required as she promptly rationed that they were "getting a spa chair soon." Hmmm, I thought this was supposed to be a salon-caliber spa meaning that they would have the basic equipment needed to perform their spa services.  Had I been told when I was making my appt. or on their website that this was their set-up, then I would definitely have gone to another establishment.  During the actual pedicure, I had to place my feet on her lap in order for her to work on my dainties.  The nail polish was everywhere on my foot except for my toe nails.  After 90 mins of this debauchery, I had to concede to the fact that my salon pedicure was not going to be amazeballs let alone, decent.  I left defeated with some funky feet.  

    Obvi, I don't think i will be back here for a pedicure or any other service any time soon.

  • Review from Vina Y.

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I got a certificate that gives you multiple services (massage, eyebrow wax, haircut, highlights). The certificate was like $60 bucks for all these services so I thought it was a great deal. I should've known better.

    I felt lucky that I was able to make an appointment with Don himself, but it was the worst haircut I've ever received. When I got in, he didn't wash or wet my hair at all and said the haircut would look better that way. I brought in a pictures, asked for long layers and for him to thin out my hair a bit. My hair looked like it had 3 different layers of hair. Top middle and bottom - not like a nice layered look. It was really choppy and days after I kept finding sections of hair that were several inches longer than the rest of my hair. I had to go someplace else a month later so they could fix it.

    I would give it a 1 star but I went back to use the massage and it was actually a really good half hour massage. I would rate that a 4, but the haircut was so bad, overall it's 2 stars.

  • Review from Bryce D.

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    • 6 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    11/24/2010

    Went to Don Marco's when it first opened a couple years ago downtown, had a great experience there. Now back in town so I figured I'd try them again. Called on a Monday around noon loking for a same day appt. They were busy but Don told the girl who answered the phone he could fit me in at 230pm, great!

    Arrived a few minutes early, Don and another girl were both busy. I had a seat and he let me know it would be a few minutes. I waited until about 240, which to me was acceptable since they were pretty busy from what I saw.

    I should note at this time that I was getting a Men's Haircut, which is only 25 DOLLARS. I called tons of salons downtown and the cheapest I found was $35, the average was closer to $40. So this was definitely the best deal I found for a decent Men's Haircut.

    Shampoo, scalp massage, conditioner, then off to my chair. Don did a great job of analyzing my current style and offering some suggestions. I took his advice and let him do his work.

    Overall did a fantastic job and a great value. New location is nice but a good deal smaller than the last place. I'd highly recommend to any male friends wanting a decent haircut downtown.

  • Review from Tanya M.

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    • 14 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    7/19/2010

    I had a certificate for Don Marco's, one of the services on my cert was a hair cut.  I usually go to the cheapo places to get my hair did but figured I'd give them a whirl, especially since they are right down the street from where I work.

    I called on a Thursday for an appt and they squeezed me on Saturday...SCORE.

    Bret was the lucky one who had to deal with my crazy hair.  OMG...he did a freaking amazing job!!!!  He cut a ton off the ends and did a fab job layering.  I didn't realize how much I loved it til I left.  

    I was driving home, getting double takes.  Say wha, you looking at me?  Next day, drove to the NS, same thing...getting all kinds of double takes...Thanks Bret, you rock!

    Super friendly too.  I hate sitting in silence when I'm getting a h/c.  We totally chatted it up.

    So ladies and gents, if you are looking for some fab hair...go see Bret at Don Marco.

  • Review from LEILANI H.

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    • 11 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2009

    My girlfriend and I had a great time here!!

    We got the special 50min Facial & 50min Massage (Kiwi) for $100 each!! =))

    We got our appointment on a Sunday and it was perfect, we were running a little late and they were awesome about it! We also had Kailani M. do our massage, we both agreed shes GREAT! And, Christal M. for our facials!! OUR faces FELT and LOOKED gorgeous! We had her examin' our faces and got additional services for $10 EACH!! (ex. peals, blackhead removal, sun spot damage, etc.)!! THATS A DEAL!! She also gave me pointers and I"M DOING THEM and FIND MY SKIN to be doing FABULOUS!!

    John R. (manager) helped us check out w/ champane, hes so nice & polite!! Will Deff go back again for their Massage/Facial Specials!! LOVE IT!! xoxo thanks for a great time!! - Ruthie & Jeanette!!

  • Review from Kirsten H.

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    • 27 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Livermore, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2009

    I took my mom her for mother's day and we did a bunch of services.  Here's my review of those services:

    Making appointment/reception: I dealt with John who was absolutely wonderful.  Not only did he help me decide what to schedule, but he helped me get the best deal possible.  He had no problem spending 30 minutes on the phone with me helping me chose, and was very patient when I called back 3-4 times to alter my appointment.  He gets 5 stars!

    Haircut & Color:  My mom got her haircut with the owner, Don Marco.  At first the color came out too light, but Don Marco didn't bat an eyelash about fixing it for her.  The second time the color was much better.  It faded to be a little on the light side a few days later.  The haircut was absolutely excellent.  My mom went on and on about how this was the best haircut she's ever had, and I have to agree it looks pretty great on her.  Plus, Don Marco only charged us for the color, so nice of him!

    Massage: My mom got her massage with a male massage therapist and said he did a really great job (she's a runner and had been having a lot of soreness).  The girl I had was very nice, but a little to strong for me, I had to keep asking her lighten up.  A couple of things she did with the hot stones was very nice, but otherwise I was in a lot of pain during the massage.

    Facial:  We had this done with Sheena (sp?).  She was nice enough, but something about her rubbed us the wrong way.  We couldn't quite put our finger on it, so it could have possibly been just us.  We also found some of her skin advice, which we followed up on, to be incorrect.  We had the  facials for sensitive skin, and both found ourselves with minor skin burns for a couple days after wards (mine on the neck, my mom's around her nose).

    Manicure/Pedicure: We scheduled appointments for this, but the new lady who does this called in sick with a fever, so our appointments were canceled.  We didn't find out about this until we arrived for our appointments.

    Some other PROS: We arrived about 10 minutes late, and John worked to rearrange out appointments so we could get our full time.  Also, we were immediately offered something to drink, which was nice.

    Some other CONS: It turns out that even though my mom and I scheduled facials at the same time, there was only one lady there doing facials.  Since we arrived late our appointments were rearranged so this worked out okay... but what if we had arrived on time?

    PRO or CON?  The atmosphere is very laid back.  If you're looking for a very professional, structured place, this may not be it.  If you're looking for a slightly laid back place then score.  This could be a pro for some, con for others.  For example, when we arrived the massage therapists hung out in the front chairs chatting with us until appointment time.  Lots of chatting as well during massage and facial.  While my mom really liked this, I wanted to relax and not chat as much.

    If you go to their website you can get a 20% coupon for your first visit on all services.  Very worth it.

  • Review from Sandy N.

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/15/2010

    The owner himself comments and validates my statement of his unprofessionalism, need I say anymore? Instead of retaliating, Don should accept and improve like a true business owner would. Now I don't feel so bad of my one star review (I wanted to give it no stars but one is the minimum).

    But I will go further into detail to elaborate on my experiences.  I went for my lash appt when the the staff forgot he had an appointment (first time). So I had to come again because it had to be rescheduled, which in that session he messed my lashes up (second time).  Don acknowledged it was messed up and told me he will fix it up but I needed to come back another day (third time) which was a waste of a trip because it still looked bad. After having to come three times out of my busy schedule, why in the world would I pay for that crappy service?  Don did inform me the lash guy no longer works there and he's going to train this girl to do it next time. So he said to give him about 3 weeks and come back. Hell no, I never did because why would I come back to get my lashes from an unexperienced person!!!  Never did I come back for my lashes again.  (I now get it done by Jacci from Wink Hawaii - awesome lashes!)

    So if he considers that a freeloader, that's pretty funny.  I'm a successful business professional who does not need to figure out ways to get free service - read all my fabulous reviews of restaurants around the country! Which is why I'm an elite yelper in which people respects the reviews I write. Thank you!

    Unfortunately I did have to come back because I had those damn gift cards. So then that's where the facial came in, and massage for my friend. Why the hell would I expect free service for a mixed up appointment?? I already accepted the fact that Don is just disorganized, incompetent, can't cut hair, and does not know how to run a proper business.  I just asked if I can use the gift cards towards the specials, he said no so that was fine. Why would I disguise (btw, why would I mention my name to ask a question) and ask again?  If you're going to lie, then make sure it makes sense. It's amazing how they would find excuses and ways of justifying their incompetence (just like how he wonders why the emails didn't get to clients of their new location).  Don is a joke!  

    Obviously there was not a single client in the spa besides my friend and I so hope they have fun keeping busy sitting around waiting for customers!  A friend told me to go to Sweet Dreams next time after I told my friends and workplace about Don Marcos.  

    How a business prospers is mostly contributed to word of mouth on this little island!!  And as a yelper I voice that quite effectively. To every business owner out there, Don is a great example of how not to be.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      11/14/2010

      I avoid writing negative reviews on small businesses but in this case I must divert.  I've had… Read more »

    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 1/14/2011   
    Happy thoughts Ms. San Jose California  Happy thoughts More »
  • Review from marissa l.

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    • 51 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    8/4/2010

    I like this place for getting my hair colored, but not for waxing. This woman named Jules ripped skin off doing an eyebrow wax. She's not bad but I wouldn't use the word good.  My skin is now peeling and I have to put eye cream on it twice at day.  (FC5 eye cream http://www.arbonne.com #16505454)
    Also don't see this young Asian woman sorry I don't know her name.
    I'm sure the haircut is good from them but my stylist at Colorcuts is at a better price.

  • Review from Alice R.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2008

    Don Marco is fabulous!  My best friend booked Don Marco to do my wedding hair for me and I can't thank her enough.  

    Don Marco did a beautiful job and worked with my long hair in an elegant half-up, half-down style.  He listened intently to what I wanted and took the time to create a look that reflected my wishes. No joke, he really is an artist and meticulous with every detail. And let me tell you, the updo lasted from morning until night.  My updo would have gone on partying until 3am if I let it, but I was done by 11pm which was pretty late considering thank you very much.

    Another thing to note is that Don Marco uses only the best products.  It was a hot and humid June day and my style lasted and lasted. But when I was ready to be done, I just washed it out and I was as good as new.

  • Review from Debbie R.

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    • 4 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2010

    Just came from a massage with Desiree.  She was professional and gave one of the best massages I've had. She found my problem spots in my neck, shoulder and hip and was excellent at loosening those up.  I'd absolutely recommend them. I've been there for a facial and haircut/style (both excellent).  It's a really great place.  On a side note, I'm not crazy about their new location, I liked the old one better, but I'm sure they had reasons to move.  All in all, thumbs up, all around excellent experience.

  • Review from H. R.

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    • 5 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    4/26/2011

    Love Colette for the waxing professional she is, also the downtown location makes things simple for the downtown workers' lifestyle.  Thank you!

  • Review from Eddie Y.

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    • 57 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    6/3/2008 1 photo

    Good news ladies and gentlemen! Now we have more choices in downtown area. You can experience what affordable luxury is. Great hair cut, hair color or pamper yourself  with soothing massage therapy, facials and body waxing.

    For gentlemen, ask for Becki for your hair cut. She has many years of men's hair cut experience. She'll give you great hair style.

    It's located between Alakea and Richard Street.

  • Review from D W.

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    • 16 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    7/4/2009

    Rating:  4 stars.

    The Good:  Visited Don Marcos for a spa package - 50 min massage and 50 min facial.  It was a really great deal (they have really awesome monthly sepcials) and the massage by Kaiulani was excellent!!  She really worked out my knots!  Probably one of the top 3 massages I've ever had - I think I've found a new masseuse!

    Came out feeling so happy and relaxed... plus the package included a glass of champagne.

    The Not-So-Good:  Unless you work in downtown, parking can be pretty tricky since you have to find a lot or street parking.  Also, had a bit of an issue with the appointment process - upon confirming the appointment the day before, I discovered they had somehow cancelled half of the package - so the time was an hour off.  Luckily, they were very gracious and were able to move back tieh time a little to accommodate the full services.  Additionally - as is the way with packages sometimes, there was a back up with the massage, and I ended up having about 30 mins downtime between the facial and massage.  Didn't have anything planned after my treatments so it worked out.

    However, the massage and facial were amazing and I would definitely go back!

  • Review from Food Find F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    2/28/2011

    Horrible! Thank goodness I had a gift card because there's no way in hell I would have paid $80 for that crap job. If I could give it no stars, I would!
    First, when I first got there,the mani-pedi girl was sitting in the semi dark. So dark that I couldn't even pick out a color. She said the lights were broken and she didn't know how to fix it, but said "she could see really good in the dark." WTF? When she actually started the mani in the dark, I had to politely insist that the lights be turned on. Next, I asked her to cut my long nails short because I had broken 1 and I wanted them to be the same length. She proceeded to file them! Ever so softly. So soft that it would have taken her 2 days to finish. So I asked her to use the nail clipper instead. Duh. Then she went back to her soft filing, but managed to leave them jagged, crooked and all the corners sharp. When she reached for the base coat, I had to stop her and file me own nails! At this point, I was exhausted and embarrassed that I couldn't correct the "professional" anymore. I sat there being tortured for 2 hours swearing that I would never come back - even if it were free!
    So now I sit here typing this bad review while sitting at the airport to go to a destination wedding with brush streaked nail polish! Wishing that I had just done it myself...    So the moral of the story is DON'T EVER GO to this hell hole!

    And let me not forget to mention that the salon is FILTHY! Isn't that rule #1 at cosmo school? Always sweep up the hair because it carries bacteria! Well, there was so much hair all over the salon floor that I was grossed out to walk in.

    EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH AND THEY PAID YOU TO SIT IN THEIR CHAIR!

    JUST SAY NO!

  • Review from Kimm T.

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    • 14 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    6/8/2010

    I do want to support small businesses in Hawaii especially when they are backed by young entrepreneurs trying to make a go of it. But only if they are deserving... Don Marco, you fell way short.

    My girls and I wanted to get our hair done for a wedding. We wanted to avoid the rush of getting dressed, putting make up on and figuring out what cute 'do to sport. I remember getting a haircut from Don Marco  and he was always decent and wanted to avoid the rush of Marsha Nadalin Spa in Kahala Mall. So I suggested they all come with me to Don Marco.

    Two of my friends went in before me and so when I came in one hour later I was shocked to see what was done to their hair. One girl had an updo with VERY messy ringlets pinned up. Her hair looked so rigid and dry from hairspray. It was as if she had tried to do it herself without the benefit of any talent and a 360 degree vantage point (I asked her just for measure to see if she did indeed do it herself, "No I did not." she replied). Ugh. My other friend was still in Don Marco's chair, apparently when she told her stylist she wanted a simple chic do, the stylist simply pulled her hair into a messy pony tail. Don Marco saw this and felt he could do better, which he did not: he did another pony tail and pieced about 4 pieces of gathered hair together above it with pins. When my friend left the chair her hair was shallac'd with hairspray and hair pins were coming out of her hair and haphazardly hanging out of her hair.

    I think my 'do was the worse (maybe as punishment for submitting my friends to such hair abuse). I told Don Marco I wanted a romantic half-up and half down do with a slight poof on the top of my head. He said he could do it. He curled my hair and my locks looked great, but then he proceed to shove pins in my hair and hair spray my head. I was so freaked out when he started to comb the top of my hair in such a way to bring out the poof. Much to my surprise the poof didn't last and the comb out was hairsprayed and looked like shallac'd mesh netting. MY HAIR NEVER LOOKS LIKE THAT EVEN IF I SLEEP ON IT AFTER A WINDY DAY AND AFTER GETTING GUM STUCK IN MY HAIR! He looked satisfied and I asked him if he'd pin it down and make it look cleaner (I had loose ends sticking out). More hairspray.

    My fourth friend faired better as she asked for curls after seeing all three of us come out and wanted avoid 1) hanging bobby pins, 2) crispy hair 3) HAIRSPRAY.

    Don Marco, either you need glasses or you needed more coffee that day. Thanks to this experience I will not be coming back EVER. My hair to this day is still dry from you hairspraying my hair and then submitting it to the curling iron. What were you thinking? I had hoped you'd be a lifesaver, but an hour before the wedding I had tears in my eyes trying to wet down the white flakes coming off my hair from the hair spray assault you subjected me to. Why'd you do us so wrong? The $68.00 charge was an added insult that I wish now I had never paid.

  • Review from jeannine s.

    Honolulu, HI

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/18/2010

    DMSS is closed. Walked by today and everything looks empty.

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    1 Previous Review:

    • 3.0 star rating
      6/24/2008

      A convenient, full-service spa-salon in Downtown Honolulu.

      Was this review …?

    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 11/1/2010   
    Sorry, We notified everybody that gave us their email about… More »
  • Review from Ro R.

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    • 7 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Waipahu, HI

    3.0 star rating
    5/12/2009

    i've had my haircut twice @ don marco & the gal that i see does an awesome job!!  as for the ambience and the rest of the staff, it's allright.  they're all not SUUUPER friendly, some don't even acknowledge your presence.  although, i do have to disagree with b i.'s comment regarding the Aussie.  she was very polite to me on the phone and was the only other person, aside from my stylist, who spoke a word to me.
    the price is great, my stylist definitely "makes it happen" & location is convinient for lunch breaks, but i don't think this'll be a "regular place" for me.  so if you have any salon suggestions, please let me know!

  • Review from Giovanni H.

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    • 42 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    7/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Don and his team always take great care of me.    I was looking for a place that cut Male African American hair without sitting for hours at the Wig Shop.  Alfred is from Texas and posses a myriad of talents.  From the first time you meet him, he greets you with a smile and you feel like you not walking into a salon (which for most men can be challenge) but you are at your local barber.  When I am in his chair he makes me feel like I really am the only customer he has to deal with at the moment.    So if you are like me and looking for a place to get a great hair cut downtown during your lunch break, stop by and ask for Alfred.  You wont be disappointed.

  • Review from Nicole B.

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    • 369 friends
    • 121 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/16/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Just went back today with a friend - we had the Valentine's special: a facial, massage and foot scrub served with a glass of champagne and a chocolate! Such a treat - we felt so pampered. And HOORAY! My massage therapist from last time took care of me again today...Chelsea is amazing! Love this place.

    Listed in: Pampering Places

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      2/4/2010

      After a particularly stressful week at work, I recently decided I was long overdue for a little… Read more »

    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 3/2/2010   
    Thanks Nicole it was a pleasure serving you.  Aloha More »
  • Review from Sandy N.

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    • 39 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    So usually I go to one of the cheaper places close to home, but since it was my bday, I thought I would try something a little classier and in town close to Heaven on Earth (where I got my massage). Bad idea. This was the WORST manipedi I've ever gotten. I feel bad writing this because the girl doing my nails was soooo sweet. BUT it truly was the worst. I remembered that I had a small chip in my nail before I went in - didn't fix it figuring whoever did my nails would take care of it. Well, the nice girl talked so much that I really didn't pay attention to what she was doing. Heck, I couldn't even remember if she trimmed my cuticles for my pedi! But then again, at that point it took so long that I practically ran out of there. Anyways, that chip was still in my nail the next day! I ended up spending about $70 for a manipedi that sucked. I know, I know bad on me for not saying anything, but I just didn't want to say anything because I was already there long enough! She already had to redo the first 3 nails she painted and I swear that took her 10 minutes alone (just to wipe of the polish and repolish). I was supposed to get a french manicure, but you can't even tell I had anything done. And the nail polish peeled the very next day. I'm telling you, do NOT waste your money here. Oh and to top it off, the girl doing my nails kept talking about how she wanted to work other places...yeah, that should've been my first red flag...she started saying that right when I walked in. Anyways, again the girl is really sweet, just not good at doing nails at all.

  • Review from annie b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2009

    I like this little salon! It has a neighborhood feel even though it's downtown.

    Kailani gives a really good massage, and the kiwi special rocks - it goes a long way toward the salon's "affordable luxury" goal. Services that aren't on special can be priced a little high but they do a good job, and they pay attention to the little things like privacy & peace and quiet in the spa area, things that add up to make a big difference overall. I didn't love the hair color from Don Marco, but he did a fab job with the styling, and he's fun.

    Parking is actually pretty easy - park at Alii Place on Alakea, which has public rates.

  • Review from joann f.

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    • 4 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Fullerton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/6/2009

    Don Marco is the best!  I will only let him touch my hair.  He is so nice to talk to, very professional, and amazing at what he does.

  • Review from jill b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2009

    Not chi chi, but not too basic; not really inexpensive, but definitely not breaking the bank; go for the specials and basic maintenance.

    They're wonderful at accommodating friends who want to come in together.

    I second what the other posters have said about the kiwi special and will add my two cents that I think the kiwi facial is better than the other special, the lemon. I work downtown & schedule treatments when I have room in my schedule, so timeliness is important to me, and they're pretty good at that.

    Overall, I think this is definitely the best downtown option and is also worth coming into downtown. Their hours are long & they'll do their best to give you what you want.

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    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 2/9/2010   
    Thanks Jill,   It was our pleasure serving you. More »
  • Review from Traveler N.

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    • 0 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    11/13/2009

    I had a haircut and highlights done by Don Marco. He did an awesome job. The color was exactly what I asked for.

  • Review from suzanne f.

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    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    9/12/2008

    I was so happy to find this place once i moved to downtown Honolulu, and since I found it, I've gone there for just about everything:  hair, nails, waxing, dye, massage.  The prices range from reasonably fair to Incredibly generous.  They offer amazing specials, including 40-50 dollar hour long massages on Wednesday, and $29 dollar hair cuts (i think that's just for this month), but a GREAT deal.  The staff is fun, artistic, and super friendly.  I've had great conversations with everyone I've met there, including Don Marco, Spiers (yup, two different people) and my favorite John, the super awesome dude at the desk.

    This place is worth your time and money and you'll soon find yourself becoming a regular.

  • Review from Dee M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2008

    Don Marco is such a good stylist.  He did my wedding updo, wonderful!  I also consulted with him days before my wedding.  He fixed the color tone of my hair with great highlights that really is complimenting my face and skin tone.

    The best of it all is that you get more than what you pay for.  With the best hair products they use, they charge very low.

    I would stay a regular customer before they get too popular.  ;)

    D.

  • Review from Lisa T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Ewa Beach, HI

    5.0 star rating
    7/26/2009

    Yesterday was my first visit to Don Marcos Spas & Salons and it was wonderful!  The spa is located at the back of the salon and entering that section is like walking into another world.  The atmosphere is one of complete relaxation.  Dimmed lights, soft music, plush bedding-- staff move silently and speak quietly--nothing breaks the spell of being wrapped in gentle indulgence.
    Kailani was amazing, she gave me the best massage I've received.  The whole experience was lovely and I walked out happy, relaxed and looking forward to returning soon.

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    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 8/4/2009   
    Thank you for your positive respond.  It was a pleasure… More »
  • Review from Renee D.

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    • 6 friends
    • 1 review

    Kaneohe, HI

    1.0 star rating
    2/23/2010

    I've gone to this place several times. The service is usually good.  One guy criticized me for waiting to cut my hair to let it grow out, which I didn't care for.  They do have really high turnover though, so don't expect to be able to keep the same stylist if you like him/her. They run a lot of promotions, including discounted "gift certificates" and most of their basic services regularly have some kind of discount, so the discounted gift cards aren't good on a lot of their services at any given time. You end up having to use the certificate on something you may not have been  interested in in the first place. So basically, this place is good so long as  you have the owner do your hair or don't care about having a steady stylist and so long as people don't give you their gift cards, which are a  waste of $$ at any price. They probably won't ruin you're hair, but there's also probably a better salon out there.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Donald Marco M. of Don Marco Spas & Salons 3/2/2010   
    Sorry I cannot double dip on the discount.   I am glad you… More »
  • Review from C Y.

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    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Aiea, HI

    1.0 star rating
    7/3/2009

    My personal experience with DMSS is a negative one. Prior to having Don cut my hair, the workers that they hired were awesome. Don himself, does NOT know how to cut hair! He left a huge patch on the right side of my head uncut and I had to cut it myself. He may to a good job with female hair, but for male hair, i would steer clear of having him cut your hair. In addition, the people there generally aren't very friendly and I had to wait a while to get my hair done, even with an appointment.

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