Ka Hale Ola Massage

Mom and I used our gift certificates this past week for massages that would soothe our tired and kinked up muscles. Came home relaxed and spiffy ready to dig the grass, (only I didn’t). If you’re looking for a great massage, come and see Aran as you won’t be sorry, he knows his stuff and is totally capable of taking out your knots and soothing your tired muscles.
Thanks Aran, you’re worth the drive from downtown Honolulu.

SHOULDN’T I AT LEAST KNOW YOUR NAME BEFORE THE HEAVY BREATHING BEGINS?
Walking through the door, I wasn’t greeted, only to verify my name and told me to fill out a form. He didn’t introduce himself, so I wasn’t sure if he was just the receptionist and we were waiting for the therapist, but then he stood up and pointed to the room I would be in. The room was not dark nor comfortable. It was full of sarongs which were used to cover the windows (not very good at blocking out the light) and to line the massage table and another small one to cover you. No fresh white sheets and towels. The sarong was barely big enough to crawl under to cover my body.
He came in the room, and the heavy breathing began– it was heavy and loud, almost as he was winded after a workout. Although his massage technique was solid– strong deep tissue — I found it extremely hard to relax because all I could hear was his breathing. I tried my best to focus on Kealii Reichel’s voice in the background music, but it was useless. Although I told him where my pain was on my lower back, he spent a large portion of the time on my shoulders and neck, hence the breathing was even louder as he was by my ears. Then he did some weird stretching with my arms and my legs which made me very uncomfortable as I could feel the small sarong that was covering me fall off, exposing me. I really just wanted it to be over.
When it was done, I got dressed and went outside. I had money in my hand to tip him (to be nice) but he didn’t even look up from behind the desk. I said «thank you» and still, no eye contact. So I put my money back in my pocket.
I still have no idea what his name was.

Staff were so rude, wouldn’t recommend at all. Didn’t feel at ease and was counting the minutes until it was over.

Great massage. Aran is a really cool dude and knows how to loosen you up. He has ridiculously strong hands but in the end, I never felt looser. Came here from a car accident and he certainly handled all the problem areas that I was having. If you’re looking for someone with strong hands who knows what he’s doing, this is the place to go. He waste no time of your massages and goes straight to business. And the prices aren’t anything crazy either. Especially on this side of the island. I highly recommend you come here for a massage if you’re looking relieve some stress and some pain.

If you want a massage that will really fix you this is the place! I was going through so much pain and suffering and Aran was a lifesaver!
I don’t consider myself a massage whore (you know trying out tons of massage therapists) but I had quite a few massages throughout the years and I can definitely say my massages at Ka Hale Ola are the best hands down! My pain decreased, my posture improved, and I felt great after each session. I can’t say enough good things about that place.
Definitely try them out, you will not be disappointed.

My husband and I purchased vouchers via Amazon for massages here. Over a week of trying to call the merchant with no answer we have given up and cancelled our vouchers. Very disappointing.

I’ve been a massage therapist (here in Hawaii) since 2003 and have received many, many massages. Found Aran last year (2012) and will continue to see him. He truly knows what he is doing. He always asks me what’s bothering me most and focuses on that area yet covers the other areas as well. Knowing I am also a therapist, he did a little extra on my arms and hands. Much needed, thank you!!! :)
If you need pain relief, see Aran. His office is clean, cool, and comfortable. It doesn’t have that Day Spa ambience but he gets the job done. And that’s what I need.

I have to write this honest review in hopes that they improve their service. I had a $ 25 groupon and had booked an HOUR massage with jan. I requested for deep pressure and to focus on my shoulders. I got a swedish massage that lasted 40 mins. 43 if you include my changing time. Very vert disappointing.

Mixed bag…
4 stars for Aran: My husband had Aran who was awesome. Trained in medical massages and physical therapy work, Aran knew how to work on an old injury and work out some major knots. Husband came out feeling sore, but refreshed. ASK FOR ARAN if you go to Ka Hale Ola Massage, you won’t be disappointed!!!
1 star for Jan: I usually look for the good in experiences, but after being through many different types of massages, this had to be the least favorite massage experience I have ever had. First off, Jan did not listen to what target areas I needed work on (despite filling out the work-​up form and conveying to her several times). It was as if she was afraid to work on what I really needed done and instead focused on my back for about 90% of the time. Most of the time she was rubbing my skin, not deep tissue type massage (as I had asked for). Another drawback was that she TALKED the entire time about her life history now. A little less than an hour (she must have counted the time for me to undress/​dress), my massage was pau.
I am really happy that Aran continued to massage my husband for another 10 – 15 minutes. This massage gift was for my husband. :) THANKFULLY, this was a crowdsavings deal, so my loss wasn’t too great, while my husband had an awesome deal!
Every experience may be different and possibly Jan just had an off day. Another reviewer said Jan did target their problem areas, so it may just be hit or miss. If you are paying money though, a hit is always expected in business (whether you have a deal or not). We did tip them both $ 10 each though (especially being that the $ 25 for 1 hour deal was awesome). As I said, I am basically a positive person and understand that people have ups and downs. Hopefully YOU have an up if you have Jan. :)
Parking: Pearlridge/​Sears side ground level.
Tip: Ask for Aran or be really assertive with Jan about what you want and don’t want
Look for SPECIALS on crowd savings, groupon, etc… so you don’t pay full price.

My sister and I decided we needed to unwind during a day of running errands. So we decided to make an appointment to get a massage. Ka Hale Ola Massage is a small place with two private rooms for massages. I had Jan and my Aran, we are SO happy we decided to get massages! Jan found ALL of the areas I really needed work on and my sister said the same of Aran. We enjoyed our massage so much, we are going to try and make it a regular appointment. The prices are very reasonable too! Enjoyed our massage and the conversations we had! :) Will definitely return! :)

Got a massage with Aran. He was very bad. I wish I could have seen review by Malia S. before I went because she was pretty much correct on all the points that she made about him. No technique, weird pinching, etc. I didn’t feel relaxed or anything at all when he was done. I would’ve asked for a different therapist.
BTW Malia S. review is in the filtered section (at the bottom of the review section there’s a link to filtered reviews), which apparently doesn’t count towards the rating for the business. I think that’s wrong ’cause Unilocal kinda hides those reviews as if they’re not important but they are. It makes me trust Unilocal less.

Same experience as Malia S. Went today and therapist didn’t greet me, introduce self or gave a worthy massage. He didn’t ask about previous injuries or medical history. Therapist had sweaty hands with not not enough massage oil which equals to stinky hands rubbing your skin. Heavy breathing and yawning entire time was not just rude but kind of creepy. He had no technique to his massage and what was suppose to be 60 minute massage ended in 45 minutes.
Needless to say, won’t be visiting this place again.
Update — 2 hours after the «massage» my right ear, head and neck began to hurt. Felt like an ear infection so I gently massaged around the areas and took aleve. Still sore the next day, so continued to massage head/​neck. Today it feels better.

My friend and I went in today with a tipper deal. It was great!
Nothing fancy with the place but the quality of the massage was above and beyond.
Jan was great and targeted my problem areas.
Cost without the tipper deal is still really good. I also like the fact that they aren’t all the way in town.
This will be my new go to massage place from now on!!!

Since I can remember as an adult, I have battled a massive knot in my right shoulder that, at it’s peak, can make my arm a bit numb and ruin my day. This happened to me two days ago, and right in the middle of my visit home! Talk about making my time with family miserable!
My first intention was to just find some quick kiosk massage place at the mall where you sit in their chair and they massage you for 15 minutes, so I hopped online and stumbled upon Ka Hale Ola. Most of the reviews were positive, and the citations were consistent: Amazing price; even more amazing massage. This was it! I fired off a quick e-​mail request and went to sleep. I got up, checked my e-​mail and was impressed that Aran had e-​mailed me back overnight! Due to a schedule conflict, I wasn’t able to get in until today, but talk about great communication!
As other reviewers have noted, Ka Hale Ola is not a spa-​massage venue. It is a straight forward, simple and very clean massage clinic where quality massage at an affordable price is the attraction. I met Aran and much to everyone’s opinion that he’s not friendly, I beg to differ. He was personable, funny, and lightened the mood. More importantly, Aran did a quick assessment with me before he started to find the problem spots. And man, he found them!
I got the hour massage and lost track of time once Aran started. From the get go, he identified and targeted my critical stress areas. Muscles and spots I didn’t know were problem areas were quickly and effeciently dispatched. It’s like Aran knew exactly where to go and he did so with the right amount of pressure. He’s strong; make no doubt about it, but he uses the right amount of pressure to effect the maximum result. When we were done, that spot which had plagued me for years felt like it was reduced to a level I’ve not felt before. I was relaxed, and had some sensory overload as everything was feeling better and the world seemed brighter.
Aran took the time to let me know what to do for follow up when I flew home to Seattle, and gave me a quick lesson in what to look for when selecting a massage therapist. His prices are more than fair, his office is clean and well appointed without being gaudy, but most of all he is amazingly knowledgeable and knows how to massage. I’d pay double next time; it was that good!

This was my first massage and I hope it’s not my last. Somehow I think Aran spoiled me for my first massage because he is going to be the gold standard by which all other massages will be measured! I come home yearly and just like going to the beach and eating ono grinds is a requirement, so is visiting Aran for a quality massage at Ka Hale Ola. Mahalo nui loa for a great experience. Worth every penny!

Thanks to my job, I’ve been building up all kinds of kinks and knots. After trying to ignore them for a year, I hit my max point when I hurt my neck and finally began the search for some help. My friends recommended I get a massage to work out the collection of ouchies I’d been housing in my little body. Unilocal led me to Ka Hale Ola for its location (so convenient and close to home!) and price. Made my appointment by way of voicemail and text message (I’m a texting fiend, so this works for me). Showed up for my appointment and saw Aran, who was seated at the front desk, looking disgruntled. I have to admit, it was off-​putting, and I wasn’t too stoked… but once we started talking, he opened up and was one funny and talkative guy. Being that this was my first massage, I was feeling awkward and a little unsure, but once Aran started his work, I was sold. One hour flew by, with Aran’s strong hands doing absolute magic on my poor aching back and shoulders. As time went on, we talked story more and I was able to relax and enjoy, and we even had a bunch of laughs (big plus for me!).
I was so apprehensive about going for massages, but this experience has changed it all for me. I’m feeling SO MUCH better, that horrible kink in my neck and shoulder has dissipated, and I’m excited! Awesome massage for a great price!!! I just wish Aran would be a little more friendly at first meeting… SMILE, man! ^_​^
Addendum: 10% off for first time customers! Sweet!

I got a massage by Aran, who was really good! The only gripe I had was that he was really chatty kept talking, talking, and talking. it was just a little hard to relax cuz he was talking to me so much. even when I stopped talking back, he’d still keep talking! I never had a therapist who talked so much, but I didn’t want to be rude, so i didn’t say anything.
But it definitely won’t keep me from going back. you can beat their prices! I also like how you can just text their number for a massage (which seems easier than calling because many times no one is there to answer!).
Cash only, very simple atmosphere, easy to book, central location near pearlridge, very affordable! :)

Excellent massage at an affordable price is what you get at Ka Hale Ola Massage.
I’ve been going to Aran for massages for about three years now and I always leave happy. He works out whatever knots and kinks I have — and they are usually numerous! He’s receptive to my needs, and usually starts with my trouble spots so I know he’s listening. Also a plus — I find it convenient to schedule an appointment — you can email, FaceBook message, or send an IM.
A previous reviewer complained about the music; just ask them to turn it down.
All in all, I definitely recommend Ka Hale Ola Massage!

I’ve had massages everywhere, at random fancy spas, paying upwards of $ 120/​hr. I have always left feeling disappointed, and unsatisfied. A huge deal for me is, why ask where my problem spots are, if you’re not going to focus on it anyway?
So I came here, with great expectations based on other Unilocal reviews. I wasn’t disappointed! I had Jan, and she was very friendly, and talked up until she started the massage. BIG PLUS, I do not like to be talked to during a massage.
So throughout the next 90 minutes, I had one of the best massages I’ve ever had. She’s strong, but not to the point where it isn’t enjoyable. She concentrated heavily on my feet, which is exactly what I requested! Never in my life has anyone actually listened to what was hurting me and made an effort to fix it. Usually they do their normal massage routine and that’s it. She also did a facial massage, which was something I’ve never had before. The scalp massage was a bit too much pressure, but overall the entire massage was satisfying.
This place is not a spa, it’s just a simple space with 2 massage rooms. I don’t need the frilly surroundings of a spa, it’s not like I keep my eyes open during a massage anyway! Although, I felt like the music should have been a bit quieter, and the lights turned off since there was a bit of sunlight coming in from the windows anyway. These things would’ve made it a 5 star experience for me.
I paid $ 65 for an hour and a half, that’s unheard of, so I’m very satisfied and will definitely be returning! My body felt like jelly for the rest of the day, extremely relaxed!
My bf on the other hand, left in pain! And he said it was way too sore, and is still hurting now. He should’ve said something though, so I’ll keep my review at 4 stars! :)

The. best. massage. ever.
I’ve been to the frilly, frou-​frou spa places, and yeah, the experiences are amazing… but the drinks, plush robes, and zen water fountains are all un-​necessary in getting the knots out of my shoulders.
I was immediately greeted by Jan and she automatically made me feel like we were old friends catching up. She made it a priority to know where I was hurting and of any medical conditions I had. She made sure to get out all the little knots in my neck and shoulders and also did a little face/​jaw massage which made my TMJ/​jaw feel like I had a 1 hour laser therapy session. I felt like a million bucks.
One thing that I am grateful for is educating me. Of all the massages I’ve received, no one has ever told me to hydrate well so I can pee out the toxins. They provide water there to make sure you get a head start.
Definitely coming back here again!

I love Ka Hale Ola. I go there for a 90 minute prenatal massage about once a month. I’ve read some of the other reviews and am very shocked. Especially Maryam, I don’t think you should be writing a review until you’ve actually been to the place. I’m also not sure where on the mainland you are from but standard in California for a massage is $ 60 an hour, + 20% gratuity. My 90 minute prenatal massage costs $ 70. They don’t take credit, but they do take checks, and all this information is posted on their website.
My husband as a bad back and goes semi-​regularly too. Ka Hale Ola is not a spa, and is compariable to Massage Envy, a chain on the mainland. As people who live on the island and dealing with going into town or to a resort for a Spa Massage is just dumb. I highly recommend Ka Hale Ola for any local joe looking for a good massage at a good price.