Wonderful massage from the masseuses here at Elite massage school. Way better than massages that i've received at professional places. Came during covid for a couple's massage and everything felt clean and sanitized. There was a small form to fill out on the bed in terms of what kind of massage you're looking to get. They're located on the 2nd floor closer to the best buy end of the shopping center. I parked downstairs under the covered parking and that place always confuses me on what stalls are free to park and which are reserved. There were lots of ample parking stalls on the 2nd floor. The masseuses had just the right amount of pressure for me, i don't need deep tissue, but it was night and firm across my back, they also did some light neck massage and some foot massage as well. One thing i wish was that there wasn't a divider between the two tables. Their prices are super reasonable and I felt nice and relaxed after. I'm definitely coming here the next time i'm in need of a massage read more

I've been off island for the past 5 years and last week I visited for a week and a half. I called to make an appointment and guess who picked up the phone, Wendell! I use to see Wendell over 5 years ago and when I was about to leave the island, he was about to graduate from Elite academy. So I wasn't sure if I would ever see him again since there's tons of places that offers massage. Luckily for me, he stayed with Elite and I booked a 90 mins massage with him. Since Ward Warehouse closed down, they have moved to this new location in the Nimitz shopping center. They are on the second floor, above AAA, towards the beginning of the shopping center if you are coming from Costco's direction. Once up the stairs, they are on the right side. The door looks like it's for utilities or something but there is a sign that says Elite Massage. The inside is very tasteful in decor. Very nice wood flooring and trim. The massage areas are bigger than what was at Ward but still doesn't have any doors, just curtains to separate the different treatment areas. I think there's about 4 massage tables. There's a central sound system. I've gone twice during my week and a half stay and it was just awesome! The location is pretty convenient too bcs I Nicos is across the street for a quick lunch and then Costco is just a few blocks away. Could get a lot done in one afternoon. read more

Elite Massage Academy - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Note: Honolulu is in tier 2 which allows this business to open, get here while you can, never know if we remain in this tier. This is a great place for a massage in this crazy world. Got a gift certificate for a one hour massage from last year and never had got around to come here and then COVID hit. Tim was excellent, did a full body massage with the perfect amount of pressure. He is also very open and will ask if the pressure is the right amount. Part of the routine includes stretches on your legs and neck, it's truly a full body experience. Highly recommended, hopefully you will get Tim. read more

I highly recommend Elite, to anyone looking for a top notch massag at an affordable price. Jocelyn is absolutely the best massage therapist that I ever had in my life! She is super strong, and very thorough with her massage routine. Not to mention, really nice and down to earth. I could not believe that this awesome young woman was just a student. GREAT JOB! JOCELYN... you just made a permanent client... Mahalo, Kaleo read more

I went in for a massage before my flight home, they did amazing. It helped me to relax and helped my stiff back before my flight home.

This place produces some of The Best Massage Therapists on the island. If you get a student it's only $35, but you can also get a licensed massage therapist, which I believe is $65. Honestly most of the time I can't tell the difference between them. I like a lot of pressure and these therapists are the only ones who ever really do what I ask. I basically only ever come here now because you can't beat these prices and I always get awesome service! Located in the Nimitz Center above AAA, this place has tons of free parking. And if you need to have lunch afterward there are a couple of places downstairs - my personal fave is Siam Garden. Ask for Usher - he's fabulous! read more

Today was my lucky day because I got to come here for a great student massage. I only paid $35 but it was well worth it! My massage therapist (Thomas) paid attention to where my knots were and focused mainly on those areas. He also was very considerate to ask how me how much pressure I wanted. I felt like my massage session was a mixture of shiatsu, deep tissue, and Lomi Lomi massage all in one! I left feeling super relaxed! read more

Elite Massage Academy - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

From a client perspective, it was amazing to call on Tuesday and get a call back from Wendell on Wednesday for a booking Saturday morning of Mother's Day weekend. I was shocked there was even anyone available, but I'm so lucky to have gotten Wayne! My shoulders and neck were awful but I walked out feeling amazing and couldn't have been more happy with the outcome. Definitely coming back soon! read more

This was my first time at Elite Massage Academy. I was recommended to go by one of my co-workers to check this place out. I had the day off, so I decided to go in for a massage. The location is located right above AAA on Nimitz and there was ample parking. Finding the room may be difficult, but you'll see signs that will point you in the right direction. Once I stepped in, the ambiance of the place was awesome. They had music playing, very serene, and I was ready for a massage. I was having issues with my lower back from playing volleyball, so I opted for student massage ($35 for 60 minutes). Where can you find a good and affordable massage like that? My student massage therapist was Darryl and he was awesome. Without asking, he knew the perfect pressure that I needed and worked out my knots for the 60 minutes. I must say that this is the best massage I've had...EVERRRRR. He asked throughout the time if everything was okay and I fell asleep most of the time. He knew my pressure points and I worked on my back, which I am thankful for. Thank you Elite Massage Academy, and especially Darryl (#miraclehands). There is no doubt in my mind that I will be back. read more

This is a school, so don't expect everything to be tip top. I definitely fell asleep during my massage, which was cool. WAs it the best massage I'd ever had? No, but they were able to accommodate us with just an hours or so notice, and it was only $35. The massage area is a large room that's partitioned off into smaller rooms with cloth draw curtains. The massage therapist provides you time, but know that you'll be hearing the snoring for your neighbor (for reals this happened) and they yours. read more

About the location: Yes, they left Ward Warehouse. They're now at their new location, 1130 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, Nimitz Center. It's on the second floor of the complex, right above AAA office. You can either find parking on the first level (under the building or outside) and walk up the staircase by AAA, they'll be on your right. Or, if you park on the second level, just go all the way to the end where you see "Susan Page Modeling." Go to that entrance and you'll see the sign for Elite Massage Academy. Turn right, go all the way to the end of the hallway and they'll be on your left. When you go inside the door, the clinic is on your left, school on your right. Why am I taking time to write this review? Because, after my great massage yesterday from Wendell, I hope they succeed! I was a massage therapist for 18 years, so I know a good massage when I get one, and he has a true gift. He can tell the kind of pressure you need, can feel what's going on in your body and coaxes it to let go. You can feel in his hands that he genuinely respects and cares about his clients and loves the work, which is hard to find. I'm also a Reiki Master, and asked if he's been trained in energy work, was surprised when he said no. He's a natural, strong, peaceful energy. I made two more appointments with him and look forward to also trying the other therapists. Only $90 for a 90-minute massage ($55 for a student therapist) that was so much better than the expensive ones I've tried at other spas. But, missing a star because if aesthetics are important to you, the space is challenging...not gonna lie. The entrance isn't very inviting, I was a little worried to walk in, but once you're in, they're very welcoming, and there's a colorful mural by Emerald's Art Designs. That was a good call to put that there, since it adds some life to the space. There are only curtains between tables, so you can hear everything, although that's fairly typical for massage school clinics. The music was the free streaming that interrupts peaceful spa sounds with jarring advertisements. Maybe invest in an iPod. But I can tell they're doing their best. And the more customers who find them, the more they'll be able to do. Best of luck Elite Massage Academy! read more

See all

We've been coming to this place for a few years now and it's such a hidden gem!!!! I HIGHLY recommend booking a session with JON BASS! He is freaking amazing and knows the human body so well. He works all your sore spots and brings in some stretching into the session as well. It's like a mixture of Lomi lomi, deep tissue and sports massage combo all in one! The prices are SO reasonable and I make sure to tip a little extra given the massage quality and professionalism of Jon. We always make sure to book a few sessions with Jon when we visit Oahu! Trust me... don't waste your money on the spas in the fancy hotels cause the massages there aren't as good as Jon's. I've tried them all and there isn't a better massage therapist on island! read more

Elite Massage Academy - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Giving this place the full Monty. Here's why: Parking galore and a convenient location. Clean and comfortable massage table. I've been to more expensive massage studios with tables that are not as comfy. The face cushion was nice and soft, as was the table. Sheets were clean. Organic and yummy smelling lotion used in the massage. I got an apprentice named Guy who was 'The Man'. He had really good pressure and technique and seemed pretty in tune with my muscles, focusing rubbing and pressure on sore spots. He was very professional, and gave a better massage than people I've paid 2x as much to. He was very attentive and adjusted technique and pressure as I requested. He even gave my feet some reflexology. And a hand massage! Easy availability to book a session- I was able to get any time I wanted on a Saturday when I called 1 week in advance. They're also open on Sunday's which is nice. As reviewers mentioned, it's not the Ritz. There are curtains to separate the tables. My tip- BYOM- Bring Your Own Music. I enjoyed a deep house mix from Robot Heart and was put in a trance. No sounds from the other table to disturb my Zen. If you have the iCard, a 1 hour apprentice massage is $26!!!! I kid you not. $32 without. Best cheap pamper sesh I've had in a while. read more

I've been searching for a massage therapist for three years since moving to Oahu. I was fortunate to receive a massage by Tim. The professionalism was top notch. I've had many massages by many different therapist, this was definitely my top three. Tim is a gifted massage therapist with good use of various skill modalities and pressure. I plan on routinely booking with him! read more

$31.41/hr, cheaper if u have the I.D. Card. Yes, It is a school and you may hear outside noise as it is next to a bathroom. There are 4 tables separated by curtains. No, it is not Heaven on Earth but the price is heavenly. I had major shoulder knots and they were worked on. The students just need hours and really do know what they're doing. If you're looking for a therapeutic massage with no frills, come here. read more

Tim was great & very professional. I initially went to cause my shoulder was aching & he helped get to the knot & help relieve some of the pressure. Definitely will be going back for another massage! read more

Been to various massage places for a multitude of problems. Recently I have suffered with sciatica and upper back pain. Was greeted and offered water. I had the privilege of getting massaged by Roberta. She was not only fun and very catering to my needs but she was a great conversationalist. She worked out my kinks in my shoulder and always made sure I was ok. Andre stretched me out after service too which I thought was very nice of him. They went over and beyond and I was thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and caring nature! I will definitely be back. PS Now I can move my head whereas I couldn't prior to being massaged. Definitely recommend Roberta and Andre. They're great! read more

My mom and I came here to get massages by the students. My mom and I both had great experiences, from start to finish. They inquire if there are any specific problem areas you want them to focus on and will accommodate your needs. We left there feeling refreshed and relaxed. For $35/hour, not a bad deal! ATMOSPHERE: The place is very clean and peaceful. I felt calm and relaxed during the whole time. SERVICE: They were very professional and friendly. No complaints here. We will definitely be going back soon! PARKING: Free parking in the garage! read more

I recently got a massage here, overall I had the best experience ever. My massage therapist Tim Effex who is currently a student, was very professional and did a great job. He got rid of my knots, aches and pain in my lower back. I left feeling very relieved and very satisfied with the service. I will definitely return again read more

I've been to elite massage academy as a client many times and it's always been a positive experience. The students are great and the facility is lovely. I had a massage from one of the instructors, Wendell Asato. He was excellent, professional, and really took care to focus on my problem areas. The entire experience was wonderful and I felt so much more relaxed and much less tension in my problem areas. 5 stars! read more

I went to Elite Massage Academy today and it was great. This place is kind of hidden when I tried to look for it but I was able to find it. I want to give a shout out to Usher, he was the one who massaged me. Thank you for the massage. read more

Elite Massage Academy - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I first bet Jon Bass on a staff retreat where we got 15 min massages. !! He was amazing. Right amount of pressure and took his time. After that I purchased a GIft certificate from Him and gave to my husband !! He came out to our house and did massage. Very professional, kind & talented. Highly recommend. We will be getting another massage soon. read more

we went here because we got a coupon from our gym that Elite has a sponsorship with. I went with Adele....awesome name btw. the place was nicely lit and clean. I had a few knots in my shoulders I had intended them to work on, but it didn't sound like there was an option when we started. She gave a Swedish type of massage which was great, because i dosed off a couple of times. it was extremely relaxing. after, we found out that we could have asked for different types of massages, ie: shiatsu, lomi lomi, etc.... but the first experience was good enough. we'll be back and will ask for more what we are looking for and hopefully, update with a positive experience. read more

This review is a couple of months overdue. Fast forward two years, this place has moved, nicer facility same folks, so my review is not for the place or the people who run it but the person who gave me my massage. First of all, he seemingly did not have the strength to massage me properly. I kept telling him that I wanted deep pressure and where to massage but after about a minute or two, he would revert back to a Swedish type massage with hardly ANY pressure. I found this kind of strange as he relayed that he rode a bike to and from school some 12 miles away. A good suggestion would be when a student massages a client one of the teachers should step in now and then and ask the client how is the massage going. I wasted my money at this place. read more

My husband and I exercise regularly and work at desk jobs, so our muscles were feeling tight. My husband has tight shoulders and a very tight neck, whereas I have tight shoulders, a tight neck, and some lower back pain. I booked an appointment through phone, and we were able to be seen concurrently on a Sunday afternoon. Although we were a little confused about where to go (a Google search of Elite Massage yielded several different addresses + we got lost when we got to the plaza in which it's located, haha), I just called Elite to resolve the questions about the directions. I spoke with John, who was also my student masseuse, and he was super patient, warm, and understanding. He explained which location was the right place, and where to go in order to find the academy (through a hallway, etc.) The massage facilities are really nice! There is a beautiful mural on the wall right when you walk in, and it smells nice. Peaceful jazz music is playing on the background the entire time that you are there. The rooms are well-decorated and a create a good vibe, with nice natural lighting. My massage was AWESOME. It was super relaxing, and John really took into consideration my preferences. He knew where I was tight, and made sure to adjust pressure accordingly to sensitivity. John also incorporated some awesome stretching moves, that REALLY helped loosen me up. When I got back into the car to leave, I realized how much easier it was me to sit up with proper posture after the massage! It was totally awesome. My husband had Wendell as his masseuse. He said that he enjoyed his massage a great deal as well and that Wendell hit his target areas with good pressure. Both of us slept like babies last night because of how relaxing our massages were! For the reasonable price of $35 (not including gratuity, which the masseuses certainly accept, and we graciously provided for their awesome services), I will certainly be back!!! read more

Whenever I have aches and pains in my shoulders and neck, Elite Massage Academy is always my first stop. The massage therapists there have been great at alleviating my pain! I would visit the Elite Massage Academy back when they were located at Ward Warehouse. Their prices were slightly cheaper then (around $25-30). During my last visit, I noticed they had raised the price to $35 ... but it was still worth it for the quality of massage that I get. I definitely have a favorite masseuse there because she's pleasant, always asks about pressure/pain areas and areas to avoid during the massage. During the massage itself, she doesn't talk much and just gets right to work. She does an especially good job on my back, shoulders and neck, which are constant problem areas for me. Everything is pretty basic and straightforward (at least, I'm writing about my experience when they were located in Ward Warehouse): you put your clothes, belonging and shoes under the table and lay face down. Massages can be 60 minutes or 90 minutes. I've always done the 60-minute massage. After your massage is done, you are given a cup of water (with instructions to hydrate) and pay for your visit. Be sure to call in advance if you want to schedule an appointment, but I know walk-ins are (were) taken as well. I've always called ahead (usually because of some emergency pain) and was able to get an appointment within the next two days. If they ever had a cancellation, Elite Massage Academy was sure to notify me right away so I could go in earlier. I highly recommend them if you're looking for a great quality massage that doesn't break the bank. read more

I loved this place! Great deal, and I felt like the student worked REALLY hard to make me happy and give me exactly what I asked for - a strong massage. It felt SO good! I found the previous yelp reviews helpful, but I didn't need the earphones as some have recommended. The music was quite relaxing. The price was perfect. Great experience! read more

Got a massage from Jon today. Super awesome and super cheap. Definitely worth much more! I told Jon that I wanted to stretch so AFTER my hour long massage he stretched out my hamstrings n quads n chest good. He's a certified personal trainer too so he knows his stuff! Planning my next visit... read more

I got a great massage from Wendell Asato at Elite Massage. He had some very effective techniques for working out the extreme tension in my shoulders and neck, and knew the exact right amount of pressure to put on my sensitive leg muscles. He even did a great facial massage! The rooms had a calming atmosphere; I really liked the decor and his soft jazz music selections. Also, the place is kept very clean, (which counts a lot to me). I would definitely recommend Wendell and the Elite Massage Academy. Update: I got another massage today at Elite Massage and was AMAZED at the talent of student Andre Wills, who took me from stiff, tense muscles to a bowl of jelly. Awesome massage! Definitely will go back, and SOON! read more

unreliable and disorganized. initially I enjoyed the service when I started coming here early this year. and even after they raised the price i continued to come here. But in the past four or five months the services got worse and worse. if I can even call it that Because the therapists either didn't show up or did not write down the appointment. Thrice this happened. i even spoke to the management and he attributed it to the therapist being unteliable so he passed me on to anothet student therapist and got the same unreliable unprofessionalism service, forcing me to seek service elsewhere. read more

EXCELLENT hospitality!!! This was my first time there and I had previously tried the century center massage school couple of times, Big difference! So glad I found Elite Massage Academy even tho Ala moana was closer, WELL WORTH IT! Wendell was amazing. He is one of the licensed massage therapist. I did't say a thing about my fibromialgia or the fact that my last epidural screwed up my lower back. I just said my lower back and neck area are achy. Wendell knew exactly where the pain was and pinpointed it with perfect pressure. My back feels sooomuch better! The students fee is 35 dollars for an hour and the Licensed Massage is a bit more but well worth it!!!!!!! New location is on Nimitz where Eagle cafe is. The Academy is newly renovated with all wood floors and central AC. SO RELAXING, THANK YOU WENDELL! will be back again read more

Elite Massage Academy - Massage Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

As a former student, the knowledge and techniques they share here is phenomenal. The text book anatomy and physiology classes on the weekend is really in depth. The prices here for student massages compared to other spas and saunas is very reasonable. Great place to learn new things especially for veterans, they accept GI bill. read more

I was very pleasantly surprised with my experience at Elite Massage Academy. Called for the first time to make an appointment and talked to Travis, who scheduled my massage same day and he was also my massage therapist. Massage was AMAZING! He was very well communicative before massage starts, put the right pressure on my back and show me more than enough knowledge for a student therapist. I did massages in many different places in Honolulu and I want to say this was the best experience so far! Not to mention it's so affordable for an hour massage. Thumbs up! The place and location are not the most amazing experience I had, but for a massage academy, they are doing a great job overall. The only little negative point I would say, the massage beds are not the best I've been, could be better...but still deserves 5 starts for the quality of massages. read more

$30 for a one hour massage! Yes, this is a massage academy and the therapists are not yet licensed, however the therapists here have already completed their training, and they just need hours in order to get their license. What this means for you and me, is that we are able to get a quality massage for half the price! Located on the second level of the Ward Warehouse, the space is small and simple, with 3-4 stations separated by sheets. It is very clean and quiet. Nothing fancy, but very comfortable for a relaxing massage. Booking is easy via phone, and for the couple times that I went, I was able to get an appointment within 15 minutes. This is a great place to try if you love massages but don't want to break the bank getting them often. I highly recommend it! read more

For those of you who know a little bit about massage you know that how often you get work done is more important for things like chronic pain or occupational injury and deep tissue for body builders, than how perfectly it's done. So I can really appreciate the value of a place like this because the lower price means I can come back more often when I have a bad day or pull a couple double shifts at work that leave me stiff and injured. Getting work done more often is good for sports enthusiast too. Even though some of the worker's here are just students there is a certain level of professional oversight with the instructors that means you can count on a decent baseline of quality which is good for a place that has to give you a disclaimer at the door. I went with a friend on a walk-in basis and I think doing this worked out to our advantage because he got to spend time with the instructor who worked on his neck and I got some work done on my calves and ankles by one of the students. The teacher gave my therapist a little bit of instruction to get her going in the right direction and then went to work on my friend. My therapist did some good shiatsu work on my calves, ankles, and feet, and even threw in some different techniques of her own from what the instructor mentioned. I wish she would have branched out on her own a little more because when she was doing her own thing it was really great and relaxing. However it did the trick and at a price that I think I can come by more often for. At the very least, if you have 20$ to spend and some free time it's worth it to check it out and roll the dice. You might be surprised. Edit: I wanted to mention that if you get embarrassed about massages but you always wanted to try it out that this is a good idea because it's short and sweet. Just make sure if you are getting a shorter one to tell them a specific area to work on. This ensures a higher quality experience on that target area for your money. read more

I bought a one hour massage from here on Ohana Deals for $15...major steal!!! I gave the massage certificate to my mom to enjoy, but reminded her that since this was a massage school there was no guarantee as to how good a massage she was going to get. Mom didn't care because really who says no to a $15 massage? This school has a nice location in Aloha Tower and they will validate your parking, $2 parking makes me smile. The location is definitely convenient and finding the place was a breeze. In terms of ambiance this is a school so don't expect an upscale spa type of atmosphere, it is clean and massage areas are separated by large drawn curtains. When we were there it was quiet and relaxing inside and the scented massage oils permeated the space with wonderful fragrance. Mom thoroughly enjoyed her massage with Eve, and said she did a wonderful combination of deep tissue, lomi lomi, and shiatsu for her. The guy at the front of the school was very friendly and from Maui so he and mom had a lot to talk about, he made sure to let us know that if we wanted to return it was just $30 for a massage in case we didn't have another certificate from Ohana Deals. Three stars for a very good no frills massage and an extra star because this is such a great value. read more

Just had a 90 minute massage and I feel so incredibly relaxed! Jensen did an amazing job! I often have tension in my back and but he was able to massage it so well that I feel super relaxed now! They definitely know what they are doing! I have been to other massage schooling the mainland before and while they were not bad, they were nothing compared to this one! The students are so much better trained! Can 100% recommend their massage services! As other reviews have mentioned, it is next to a bathroom and only curtains separating, but the outside noise didn't really bother me. Other clients that keep talking loudly can be way more distracting! So please be courteous to other clients that try to relax and try to tone it down. read more

Stop, drop...then pants and take off that shirt. It is time for a fabulous rub down. I had a male masseuse and it was nothing short of awesome. I was equal parts relaxed, loose, and calm at the end of the massage. Please do not go and take my appointment times! This keeps me calm, Capitol 'K'ewl, and happy. read more

As a sponsored athlete at Elite Massage I really look forward to having the students give me a massage, Brian is a awesome teacher and friend. I bench press competitively all over the United States, and Elite has kept me on top of my game. I highly recommend massage for all competitive lifters to keep your muscles relaxed and pliable, you will get less pain and soreness when you get close to competitions. Louie Mansanas - 2013 IPL World bench champion. read more

I was.experiencing intermittent neck pain for a month and decided to receive a massage. I was able to schedule a same day massage with Wendell (LMT) and he did a superb job. I have no neck pain and his rates are affordable ($60/hr). I highly recommend Wendell @.Elite Massage Academy. read more