MK
Milton Kawa
Jun 29, 2024
Hawaii Massage Academy
I was experiencing severe pain in my shoulders from a recurring injury from training at the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The pain was so bad that at hard time sleeping at night.
I saw an ad on Facebook for a massage academy in Waikiki. When I looked it up, I also learned about Hawaii Massage Academy. I started with student massages and both academies.
One day I was fortunate to have Corieamber, a licensed massage therapist and the chief instructor, massage me at the student rate. She was sooooo good! She uses her elbow and hands to slowly stretch out the kinks in my shoulder and back. While she is petite, her power is not. She has really strong hands, and I had to tell her to go a little softer. Each time I go and she asked me what would I like her to work on today.
Tips:
1. If you can afford $10 more, just ask for Corieamber she’s worth every dollar.
2. If you’re on a low budget, start with the students and rotate a different student each time you go. After you had a session with each, chose the two you like best. Students require 420 of hands on massage to get their license.
3. At the beginning of each session, tell your therapist where you are experiencing pain and what you would like them to work on. When my shoulders are real bad, I tell her to spend 100% of the time on my neck and shoulders. When there’s no pain I ask for a full body massage.
4. Communicate with your therapist to press harder or softer throughout your therapy. Over time they will learn the correct amount of pressure to apply for you.
5. Tip generously! The students at the Academy do not get paid they live off of tips. I give $20. Besides, you’re getting such a good deal compared to the average rates:
Four Seasons $225 for 50 min, Kahala Hotel $225 for 60 min, Turtle Bay $265 for 60 min, Heaven on Earth $78 for 50 min, Google: Average rates on Oahu $50-$150/hr