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The Massage Specialists
Rating Details »
1750 Kalakaua Ave
Ste 512
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 941-8101
Ste 512
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 941-8101
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Private Lot, Validated
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
22 reviews for The Massage Specialists
Price is good - $50 per hour.
Go there if you can afford and if you cannot find another cheaper way to alleviate your stress. Relaxing sensation.
5 stars for the quality of massage minus 1.5 stars for the roughness.
I was assigned to one lady and she manhandled me like no other. She looked like she took off her anger and frustration on me. Take it easy tiger grrrrrhhhr...Worth the manhandling and the kink in my neck is just the evidence of how a massage can be too good. Try IT.
The idea of a stranger mandhandling me has always been disturbing and has prevented me from getting massages. Plus, it seemed wrong to pay someone when there are people who would usually do it for gratis. However, three months of internship has started to take it's toll on my muscles. Horrible tension in my neck, shoulders, and especially lower back and hamstrings. I needed a professional to take care of these knots, and after careful perusing of Yelp massage reviews, I decided to give myself over the very capable hands of the Massage Specialists.
What an experience! I was really hesitant to pay $50 for a full hour thinking that it would be way too long, but that time was over in a flash. I had Riley who worked his magic from head to foot, and I could have easily gone for another hour. He did a combination of deep tissue and swedish massage, gave just the right pressure so that it was a good hurt (yes, there is such thing) and was very professional and respectful. Plus he wasn't chatty, so it was all very relaxing. I may have to eat out less so I can come here more often...
Check out their website, it's very useful.
Great place for no frills but excellent massage service. Sort of clinic setting but once the therapists understands your needs and he / or she will definitely work on giving you a worthwhile massage.
I ended up with Riley. He did a deep tissue massage and man did my neck and shoulder area totally loosen up after I walk out of there.
It's definitely worth the cost and venue. Well organized set up. I'd go back the next time I'm there.
Comfortable and relaxed setting, this place will not make you uncomfortable at all. Just enjoy your massage!
Ouch! This was the most painful massage I've EVER had! I felt sore and bruised. She dug her fingers into my eyelid and the back of my skull and elbowed my butt. I asked her 4 times to go lighter but she just said "oh, I'm too strong?" WTH! I couldn't wait to get out of their! The price was $50 for 1 hour of torcher! Never again will I visit this place.
Excellent! I have finally found a substitute for Fuji Shiatsu in SF. This is another good, no frills massage clinic where you aren't overpaying for all the inconsequential BS. The place is unbelievably cramped, but it doesn't matter once you are getting your massage.
Since I can really only review the therapist that worked on me, this review is directed at Paula who was simply fantastic. The world is filled with good, decent, and strong therapists. But very rarely do you come across one that has intuition like Paula. She's strong, confident, and her technique and understanding are the kind forged through years of commitment and experience. When I told her about the pain I was having in my hip/psoas area, she didn't pass the buck at all like so many therapists would. She went for it and cleared the blockage. Was I sore for a couple days afterwards? You bet. But at least it's finally getting better now after weeks of discomfort.
I simply must return.
Great Price with the quality of the facility they have! Guess I am used to think paying little means you don't get much on the decorations of the place.
But not only they give good massages, the place is clean and has separate rooms instead of curtains.
For only $10 dollars more than Chinatown, I would go there every week if I live on the island!
The only problem I had was that the specialist didn't spend as much time as I would like on my problem area which is my neck and shoulder. But overall it's a very relaxing message!
Thanks for fellow yelpers, Great pick!!
I WISH I had gone here before I paid $140 to get a massage at the Ihilani Spa. The Massage Specialists are no frills, but it actually was nicer than I anticipated. It's in a business building and you still get a private room with peaceful music and you can't beat the price! $70 for a 90-minute lomi lomi massage! Tashi was a great masseuse and I definitely feel like I got my money's worth. I'm not usually the type to lounge in a spa all day anyway, so if you are like me, save your money and go to the Massage Specialists instead of an expensive boutique spa.
So I was satisfied last time when Linda wasn't in....a nice korean lady named Young helped me. So Linda wasn't in again today...and so today Darlene a local looking lady manhandled me today. She sure didn't know what she was doing..and that was sad since she seemed like a nice lady...i still have this kink in my neck. It's so sad....=(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/14/2008
like everyone here says its well worth the money...you do have to try it out and see who's style you… Read more »
If you want to get a quality massage and pay a lot less than the usual spa rates, I'd definitely recommend Massage Specialists. You do get what you pay for, though, this is definitely not a luxury spa with candlelight in the background, essential oils in the air, pretty bathrooms and showers, buddha statue someplace with Enya playing in the background. All that stuff, you will discover (or probably already know) costs a pretty penny.
If you can get past the chipped paint, not so clean shower and retro/vintage-y decor, the weird location in a mostly residential building, and the pretty audible chitchat of the masseuses (complaining about "who the hell was it that cleaned out the fridge? My effing salad dressing is missing, what the shiz")...then, this place is for you. Because if you look past all that weirdness, the massages by themselves are just as good as the ones at the spa if not better.
I got the reflexology/all over massage and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. To be fair, though, I had to dock my rating by one star because my masseuse started on me about 15-20 minutes past my appointment time.
Overall I'd recommend this place only to someone who is on a budget and doesn't want to spend $100+ on a massage. Just don't expect the pretty surroundings, exotic tea and lavendar scented robes.
Brent is the best. When I used to live in Honolulu I'd go to him all the time. Excellent on pressure you can tell him harder or stronger. He works out the kinks great on your lower back and on your butt. If you aren't wigged out by that, it's great!!!
He's a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu, and Thai massage. It's excellent, you get the rubdown of the Swedish, the pressure from the Shiatsu, and the stretching and flexibility with the Thai. $45/hr or $65/90 min. It's awesome.
The rooms aren't fancy, but they're clean, they play some music in the background and the massage is relaxing. Parking is a dollar, you pay for the massage on the 5th floor, and they may send you up to the 23rd floor, but it's all good.
On my trip out last month, I made a point to go see him. It was nice, you can't get anything that inexpensive in San Francisco unless you check out Fuji Shiatsu in J-town.
Ask for Tai!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tai gives euphoric deep tissue massages. She's available only on the weekends, I think. She doesn't talk while massaging too, so you can truly relax.
OMG.. This place.. i think it's $45/hr. all the time.
I love going here.
They also have a VIP loyalty card so make sure you ask for one
So if you live in hawaii, or are planning to visit..
I highly recommend!!
Nicole gets a 10!!!! One of the best massages - I really like it when people give harder massages and am usually disappointed - not so here (I wish she'd move to the Bay Area but I would hate to take her away from the people and tourists of Honolulu!) I think going our first day in Hawaii added the relaxation equivalent of 3 days to our vacation. Prices were very reasonable and she also gave us some great restaurant and hiking options!
Soo--why only 4 stars? I knew about the changing floors part in advance, and it didn't bother me-- in fact, it made for one of our memorable vacation moments when one of the guys in the elevator, after we dispelled his "I really want to know why they are all wearing robes but I don't want to ask" look with the spa explanation, was disappointed because he thought he was missing a really great party on a Saturday morning!
What I didn't know was that my sauna experience was going to have a soundtrack of one of the waiting therapist's problems with her on again off again boyfriend who, among other things, invited himself, through her mother, to her family's Christmas dinner- I know more about her relationship from her conversation outside the sauna at the reception desk than I do about marriages of some of my friends. If I'd wanted that kind of dysfunction, I would have gone to a taping of Jerry Springer.
SPA......relaxation.....quiet......lack of drama......still, overall a great experience thanks to the amazing Nicole! I'd do the sauna again too...with earplugs.
I don't get very many massages, but this was as good as any I've had, and you can't beat the price. Plus you get free use of their dry sauna. I'd give it 4-5 stars for those alone, but ...
The changing rooms and massage rooms are on different floors of an office building, and they aren't even in the same elevator bank. Walking all that way wearing nothing but a thin robe was not very comfortable.
Also, we enjoyed thedry sauna before our massage, but the receptionist was chatting fairly loudly right outside the door the entire time. It did not promote relaxation.
This is a great massage place if you are looking for a massage. This place is by no means a SPA, but it is the best massage place you can find. You can get a one hour massage for 1 hour. I've been going here every other month for about three years now. Find a good person, and stick with them! I loved Gerald, but he no longer works there. Roxy is great for a REALLY strong massage. Lei is the best at Lomi Lomi, and Fuki is great if you're looking for a male therapist. AND you can make same day appointments for those looking for more instant gratification.
We came here twice (twice!) on a vacation after Yelping around to find an alternative to high-priced hotel massages. Bingo! Somehow, they manage to only charge $45 for an hr or $60 for an hr and a half (tho I saw a sign indicating prices are increasing by about $5 or so starting Aug 2007). And as others have noted, it really is more like a doctor's office than a day spa, which isn't a problem at all unless you're into the whole fluffy white robe experience. All in all, a perfectly fine massage, though nothing earth-shattering.
One idea: we had checked out of our hotel at 11am and hit the beaches, so were a little bit grimy before our 10pm flight out. We booked a massage here in the early evening, made use of their free showers, and then went to the airport fresh and clean...
Oh my! If you like deep tissue massage and don't mind going to a not-so-fancy spa then go to Oretha in Honolulu.
Oretha gave a FANTASTIC massage. She has a unique technique that makes you melt. Her hand massage made me drool ... literally. We chatted a bit during the massage (I was initiating the questions) and she said that in the 10+ years she's been doing massage therapy, she's received many, MANY marriage proposals from clients. That's how good she is - seriously.
Not only that but she's quite inexpensive. When I was there (Nov. 2006) prices were $45 for 60 minutes, $65 for 90 minutes ... and she even does a 2 hour massage for $90!
The location is great - I could walk from the hotel I was staying at, and if you have a car you can park in the garage there for free. It's located in a big building - what i think is a combined work-living building - called The Century Center. All locals know the building if you need to ask for directions.
Plan on arriving 15 minutes ahead of time because you need to check in with the receptionist and pay first (you can tip the therapist after your massage), and you may be redirected to the 23rd floor where they have additional treatment rooms.
For anyone visiting for the first time, you should know that the facilities are not new and fancy. To be honest, the "spa" reminds me of an old doctors office from the 70's. The space is kind of cramped and the walls between the rooms aren't real walls - they are divider walls that don't reach the ceilings (there's about a foot or two of space) so you can hear sounds easily through and over them. But the space is clean and the massages are inexpensive, and I swear that Oretha's massage makes up for any of the missing amentities that you get at higher end spas.
5 solid stars for Oretha!!!
I was so happy to find this place! A wonderful 90- minute massage for only $70! This would cost around $200 where I come from (NYC/NJ).
I lovvvve Michiko!! She gives the best massage! Close second goes to Fiona. I like a deep massage and these two women are amazing!
They validate parking.
Awesome massage for a good price. Tini was tiny but oh so strong. The only downside is all the oil they use. They do have showers but I didn't think or ask to use them.
Not a fancy place but the price is right. Starts at 30 minutes for $35 to 2 hours for $95. That is awesome! They have a website for all the details.
Don't forget to get the VIP card and get it stamped. When you get it filled up you get a free massage.
I was in Honolulu for my wedding. With so much to plan and do I didnt get a chance to book a spa appt. On the morning of my wedding, I woke u with the worst cramps and thought I would have to be in bed until my ceremony. A friend recommended Massage Specialist and especially Sandy. I am the luckiest bride! Sandy was available and she was AMAZING! She took away all the cramps and aches from my lower back and MORE. She was super warm and friendly. The most important part was SHE WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE about my massage therapy and the body. I usually don't write reviews, but I have to because of Sandy. She saved my wedding day and I can't say enough of how great she is. What she doesn't know is I own a Spa in New York. She's one of the best therapist I've had. THANK SANDY, my ANGEL!
I came here based on the reviews from yelp because I was looking for a place that was more medical/hard core deep tissue. The last thing I wanted to do was pay $120 at a high end spa to get a swedish/fufu type massage.
Let me be really honest here as well. I already knew before hand this place had thin walls, and believe me, they are thin! You can hear the laundry machine, therapists in the break room, and of course the clients in the next room. Relaxing was not my number one priority because I had rotator cuff and lower back issues that needed to be worked on. The whole experience was like going to a clinic or physical therapy session.
And come on, for $50/ hr - what do you expect???
Less 1 star because it was a rat race looking for the office. When booking the appointment, the receptionist didn't tell me about the changing elevators. I had to go to one elevator and check in on the 5th floor, pay in advance, then go to another elevator towards the 23rd floor where there was nobody to assist you. It was really tricky because the two elevators do not take you to the same floors, so if you enter the wrong one, you're stuck until you hit the ground floor again. It's really an inconvenience if you're trying to be early or on time for your appointment.
Fiona was my therapist, and she's excellent! She was 15 minutes late for my appointment but she didn't cut my time short, which I really appreciated. Fiona is sooo tiny, but strong, and she really knows her trigger points! I would definitely come back and see her!
Not the prettiest of places to be in. It's in an office building on the 23rd floor. But my massage was 90 minutes of pleasurable pain. I got my first deep tissue massage and i was worked on beautifully, which made me not care what the room looked like. My boyfriend in the "room" next door can hear me. There wasn't a wall...it was more like a sturdy panel. I'll go back for sure.
I had to rate this with one because yelp would not allow me to post without atleast one star. Technically I can't give a review to this company because of some very disappointing news. Due to the rave reviews on Yelp, I have referred some friends to the Massage Specialists. I have not actually tried them myself, but most of the companies who received rave reviews on yelp, turn out to be excellent to me as well. (sorry for any poor grammar). Anyway, being that I had referred people to a place that I had not tried myself, I decided to go this past Sunday with a friend of mine. We had made reservations Sunday morning for later that afternoon. The lady who took our reservations asked us to spell out our names as she entered us in their schedule. During the day, we were attending a party which we had left prematurely so we could make sure we were on time for our appointment. When we arrived, the receptionist looked us up in her computer and replied "umm, nope your not scheduled - sorry". We explained that we had made the appointment earlier and she replied again "sorry- you are not scheduled". And, that was basically all she said. She never even asked if we wanted to re-schedule. And, at the least she could have offered to accomodate us with a complimentary1/2 hour on another day. Anything would have been nice. Well, we weren't angy, we simply walked out. I felt embarrassed as my friend looked at me and said "wow, this place sucks". "Where did you find them? " That really got to me, so I went back in and talked to the same lady. She said that the manager would be coming in in an hour and she would have her call me. She wrote my name and phone number down and believe it or not.. The manager never called. hmmm.... Oh, I almost forgot, before we left, I asked the lady at the desk if she could validate our parking and she said that we "shouldn't" have to pay. I said "shouldn't?" Can you validate it to be sure. She said you wont have to pay. Guess what happened!! Well, unfortunately I did have to go back and explain what happend to the people whom I had already gave referrals. Because of the price and yelp reviews, I was very excited to try the Massage Specialist. Unfortunately, because of this experience my friend, two other referreals, and myself will never have a chance to rate this company on our own....
