Supporting small business in Honolulu's Chinatown... Taking a leisurely stroll around Maunakea Marketplace (because I had free street parking on a Sunday) my friend and I paused in front of Instyle Hair & Nails because the place didn't look busy and I had some time. There were a couple of staff sitting outside, taking a break, so, I approached slowly and said, "Pedicure?" I was cheerfully greeted and shown to a massage chair. The nice gal, Deb, placed a new plastic liner in the basin and started the warm water. She asked if it was too hot and adjusted the temperature. She started to help me (telling me the difference in price between regular polish for $30 and gel polish which lasts longer for $45), but another customer asked for her, so she switched me off to someone else. It's okay because the new gal (didn't get her name) was very careful and thorough. She took her time and did a good job! I sat for a couple of hours because I haven't paid attention to my feet for months. Haha! (I'm kind of a last minute, busy person and will get moving if I can't stand it anymore.) Anyway, here are my observations: Greeting regular customers is a good sign! The four female workers were cheerful and kind to everyone, especially kupuna! The hair stylist asked (in a nice tone of voice) how a certain customer wanted her hair cut and told her that next time - don't cut your hair yourself because you can't see behind your head (she cut her hair to her scalp!). The hairstylist explained politely to the customer about her unique needs and showed her options on how to style her own hair! That's good service! Another example: A little girl came in with her mom. The staff treated them really well. The mom asked for gel polish for the daughter and the staff said they cannot do it because it might burn her daughter's young skin - plus, her fingers and nails are still growing, so, it's not a good idea to put strong chemicals on the area. Wow! That's being responsible and honest! I think I spent over two hours here because the technician paid attention to my dry cuticles, cracked nail, and other issues. She verified the color of gel polish two times before application. Thank you! I was just going to give four stars, but after hours of hard work, the worker still gave me a mini leg/foot massage and brief hot towel to wipe off excess lotion on my legs! She didn't use pumice stone on me (maybe I didn't need it), but she did repeat the acetone/cotton/foil treatment to the stubborn nails several times - instead of using the electric file technique. I appreciate the gentle approach and will most likely return on a future Sunday! read more

See all

Oops I forgot to write a review for this place. We came here a few weeks ago and this is my favorite place to get a hair cut. I've been here a few times before but was so glad to come here recently. It has been so hot my daughter and I wanted to chop off some hair. They did a great job on my daughter's hair first, cutting off all her dead ends and "thinning" out her hair since she has so much of it. They then did the same for me, mine was much shorter though. Since we both have very wavy hair, they took the time to straighten our hair to make sure it was even which took a lot of time for them. I only paid $70 for both of us, considering how much attention they paid to us I do think that is a very fair price. Will be back in a year when I get tired of my hair again lol! read more

Instyle Hair & Nails - Storefront - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Love their service fast and with quality,not like rushing everything.recommended when you wnat to do your hair rebonding or nails.top service!!!! read more

I wanted to give 1 star however I'd been going to this place for manicure and pedicure. I was satisfied the service and happy. But today was very disappointed. I called for 1 pm appointment for manicure and pedicure. They pretty knew me because almost every 2 weeks i go for cleaning and simple clear gel. I thought the regular staff did my nails before will do it because I was her regular and I specifically told before that I only wanted her. Today, it was the new one and I thought she just prepping the water. I gave her a try since I have other commitments besides they're busy. But struggle and have to point some area of toe nails that needs to fix After my pedicure, I waited and have to ask for manicure services. It took more than 4 hrs to finish and more than 5x I told her that it hurts. 3 of my fingers noticeably has cuts. I just wanted to be done and leave. I asked for Gel and repeated I want the same "clear gel" but she still did regular. Then have to remove the polish because it was deform and smudge. Very upset and teary eyes of disappointment. The owner did not do or say anything to the new staff every time , I reacted from The pain. Not for this place. read more

Instyle Hair & Nails - Paid for polish but have to remove. - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Our family has been visiting the same nail salon in Hawaii Kai for decades, but I wanted to try something different for my girls and I manicure and pedicure while on the island (we primarily reside on the mainland). We are very satisfied with the quality of service, care, and honesty they provide. We will definitely continue going to them in the future and recommend them to family and friends who are on the island or planning to visit. read more

Walked in here cause the reviews didn't seem bad, and we were in Chinatown so I thought welp must be pretty affordable. Anywho I had gel nails and I seen their price list and thought gel nails $35 yeah that's a good price. so as she attempts to take it off please tell me why it takes her OVER AN HOUR just to remove my nails. Has another lady use the electric nail file and she ends up hurting my nails several times it started to burn. Like catch a hint please. The main reason why Im writing this review is if you don't know how to do something just be honest. She said removal is only $5 and manicure is $17 then charged me $23 again taking over an hour just for removal. At that point I was hungry already and said I'll just pay for the removal and yup got stuck paying $23 not even having done much Do what's right or don't be in the business read more

Instyle Hair & Nails - Photo of removed gel polish she charged $23 and said it was a mani no polish,massage,top coat - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Don't mind the rudimentary and clutter decor. The stylists here are professional. I came to this salon by way of my wanting to explore Honolulu's Chinatown. Away from the Waikiki bubble, I found authenticity in Chinatown area that is lacking in tourist Mecca of Waikiki. Back to the salon, the stylist were precise in their cut and color. Elsewhere, I would have paid 3x for the same cut and color. Really worth the trek if you're visiting Honolulu. read more

My husband & I were just walking around Chinatown today. Saw Instyle hair & nails and decided to give it a try. I told Tham (my hair stylist ) that I wanted layers my hair and have bangs as well. They have magazines so you can choose your hair style. Tham did a great job ! It looked like a $100 hair cut. But it was only $30. They located at Mauna Kea Market Place ground floor. Easy to find and I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how great you'll look at just $30 bucks ! read more

This is a long over due review. Been coming here for the last 2 to 3 years for a short haircut. The owner I believe is the the lady who cuts my hair and it's AWESOME!! I call a head of time and they are so accommodating!! I come all the way from Pearl City so the lady( my bad --never know her name .. Tran??) she does a really great job of cutting hair. She takes her time and comes very close to what I ask for. The price is fantastic!! $20.00 for a haircut!! Don't let The small place fool you. They are better than your Salon who charges $85 to $100 haircuts plus the tip. This is a GEM in Chinatown . Great place Nice ppl!! read more

I came because I wanted a pedicure to be done professionally.It was near the food court an checked it out.It was busy so had a short wait.Tam took me and from the warm foot soak made me comfortable.She did a good on my long over grown toenails that looked gross.If she was disgusted she was good at not showing it.Tam did a good job on my toenails,they never looked better.She even removed the fungus under my toenails that I have tried for years to remove.Tam told me it was from wearing my work shoes all day.After scrubbing my feet she massaged my legs and feet with lotion. For years when going out I wear shoes because wearing slippers exposed my badly do it myself at home job.I left feeling better.I gave her a good tip so she would remember me.On my next visit she didn't remember my name an called me Uncle.I didn't mind because at work everybody calls me Uncle. Sometimes Tam is busy an can't see me because she has appointments for the rest of the day.She says the other lady's are just as good but having tried others Tam is number one choice.Tam said to make a appointment with her an that's what I do to make sure of having Tam for pedicure. read more

A small friendly neighborhood shop staffed by some very professional ladies who know what they are doing. My wife and I come in here about once a month for pedicure and a haircut for myself. I have had haircuts from Tam and Nanni and they were both very skilled. It is in the Chinatown shopping center and if you have to wait there is plenty to look at and eat nearby. If you want a good solid affordable pedicure this is the place. I suggest for men you try also to the haircuts...these ladies know how to cut and style. Try them you will see. Mike & Linda read more

Prices are affordable and great but the first lady that did my nails, I'm not exactly sure if she's new or something because she did a very bad job on doing my gel nails. I didn't get her name but Winnie fixed them! She's great and she was the one apologizing on behalf of the first lady whom I'd mention to that I wasn't satisfied with what she did but still she didn't do anything about it. Well maybe she did as she started to speak her language to her co worker after I mentioned that I didn't like it. Rude! Next time I'm making an appointment to see Winnie. read more

Most people come here for nail service, so I was a little hesitant to come and get my hair cut, but I was desperate and really needed a cut. I just went for a quick haircut and I didn't know any particular hair stylist, so luck of the draw, Kevin had helped me with the cut today. He's a little soft spoken, but very patient with my hair. Normally, stylist would say how much hair I have and how hard it is to cut the waves in the back, but not one word from Kevin. He tamed my crazy hair and did a terrific job. $25 for a haircut is a good price. Granted you won't get the salon experience, but it's an economic way to go. This place might be my regular now. read more

This user has posted this picture (http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=hBNKOmzoZYWo_-RDMSDIFw&userid=JZ0pGkW9KLZFnw1kKLmBMw) as one of their nail designs on from this location as well as another nail salon in Mililani. These were MY nails done at CITY NAILS back in 2009. This is MY picture that I posted on the tumblr.com (blogging website), where tons of people stole it and claimed it was theirs. I do have proof that this is my photo ; I have multiple photos of me with my face as well as nails of this design. Please stop taking credit for other people's work. It's a huge disappointment. read more

I usually come here when I get the chance. I think I get better service mainly because I speak the language and most of the girls and quite friendly and usually because I tip better than 20%. I can only imagine how hard it is to have to deal with women's nasty and gross feet all day so I try to sympathize and help out where I can. I'm pretty easy to please it's rare I'm displeased but once in awhile you get a girl who's kinda lazy and then you gotta remind her that she gets a tip cause she deserves it not cause she's owed it! My girl today was pretty cool. My feet feels so clean and refreshed and rejuvenated! She took her time to wash my feet, shave of my much needed cuticles and though was a bit rushed cause the store was closing and I felt a bit bad so I gave her a bigger than normal tip than normal cause everything was closed and she did an exceptional job on my French pedicure! I didn't ask for her name but I took a photo of her so I could remember her next time! Definitely recommend her if you come here to get your nails done! read more

See all

The women here are so sweet!!! I needed a last minute manicure and style, and they were able to take me right away. They did an amazing job. Plus the atmosphere is great! read more

Time to find a new place, this one has gone downhill on the last year. I caught fungus from my last pedicure as they used cold water to soak my feet and no sanitizer or disinfectant. Long waits too, they tell half hour and it turns out to be way over an hour. High worker turnover, tells you a lot about their business. read more

I love Instyle!! I've been going for about a year and my nails have never been more strong or beautiful. The customer service is great as well. Winnie is great with my nails and she is very sweet when helping me pick out colors. Highly recommended! read more

Instyle Hair & Nails - My Valentine's Day nails done by Winnie. I love them! - Nail Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I don't usually complain on my reviews, but their service was beyond horrible so I must share. I made an appointment a week in advance and told them exactly what I wanted. I wanted acrylic, gel and some designs. The guy told me "yeah sure, no problem no problem." I went in today, started with a manicure because it was included. As I was trying to clarify some questions and good that I did. I found out that they weren't doing acrylic nails for me. So I told them, can i get acrylic nails? Guess what they told me? we only do gel. What the heck. This is a nail salon and you don't so acrylic nails? Are you being serious?!? And they said "only one person does acrylic here and he went on a vacation a few days ago". In my mind I'm thinking, why didn't you tell me when I made my appointment, so I could go to another salon?? Then, when I decided to get my nails done somewhere else they said "your manicure is $12". Uh, you guys still have the guts to ask me for money? Suggestion: NEVER come here. There are a lot better places in Chinatown that charge the same or even less for better service. read more

I get my hair cut and dyed here and they always do a good job. And the last time I got my nails done and it was really nice. :)

I had one of the best pedicures here (suite 192) with Tham, that I've ever had in my life! It was my first visit to Chinatown and my polish was chipped, so I thought why not. My husband's eagle talons were taken care of by James and, for his first pedicure ever, he was SOLD!!! This place is super awesome, and they did a great job an an affordable price, something really cool to find in Hawaii... read more

I came today for the first time, and wow! Service was great and the end product came out even better! The lady who had worked on me took her time. I've been to many nail salons before and even though I felt like they did a good job I always felt rushed. But this place made me feel valued and they took there time! I came along with my mom, grandma, and myself. We all came to get different services and we were all worth it. Will be back for sure! (: read more

We stumbled on this place a while ago. They did such a great job on my daughter's pedicure that we decided to go again the next time we were in Honolulu Chinatown. So glad we did! My teenage daughter had her hair dyed and we were both delighted with the results - a first! I had the best pedicure I have ever had, anywhere in the world and for a very reasonable price. The staff are so lovely and helpful and there's a warm atmosphere between the staff and clients, regular and otherwise. We felt very welcomed and spoiled. They have a lot of regular customers but still seem to manage walk-ins without a wait. We will be going again! read more

This is my families one stop shop. Nails for my girlfriend and I and hair cut for our son. They are always welcoming and takes very good care of us. We see them every two weeks at a minimum. Can't beat their prices either. If you have time and want a thorough job done check them out. They take their time and get the job done right. Make sure you're a good tipper and they'll always remember you. read more

Wow! What a hidden gem!!! Was just strolling through Chinatown on my way to get something to eat before heading home after work and decided to stop in here. Mind you, there are so many nail salons in just a one block radius. Actually, there are too many. Closing your eyes and pointing your finger just doesn't work in Chinatown. Was greeted immediately before crossing the threshold. Very friendly and overly kind. The shop was small but the service was extremely big. I guess the manager or person in charge assigned a girl name Trang. I kept asking her to repeat her name so I finally asked how to spell it. Some customers who were already done was just sitting and chatting outside kept whispering to me that Trang was "The One." She was absolutely awesome!!!! The professionalism at removing cuticle was the best work ever done on me. It was so good that I decided to get a pedicure too. And nail design? All I can say is WOW! Her massage was alittle too firm for me, especially for her size, but for some a firm massage may be what you want. I will definitely return again next week. And I will be looking for her. read more

Not in the least bit a salon that I would casually walk into for a service, but I decided to try it because there were good reviews. The salon was small, maybe about 4 pedi chairs and 4 chairs for hair. It was weird that they offered artificial nail services but no stations for it. Never the less, the service was awesome, they helped me right away. The girls were friendly and the technician that helped me did a very good job. I got a nail polish change on my toes and gel polish on my fingers, it came out to $20, I couldn't believe the price because she took her time and my nails looked great! read more

Went yesterday for mani/pedi. It was okay. Typical nail salon just like the others. Read the review so was looking for something beyond okay. read more

I highly recommend getting nails done there. Very reasonable and meticulous. If you are female, skip the haircut and color services. I've spent five months and hundreds of dollars trying to reverse the damage done to my hair:( read more

For those trying to search where is Hairdresser location, it is also named Pon's Barber Hair Styling.