I recently went in for my annual skin cancer screening, and unfortunately left feeling deeply upset…read moreby the experience. During the examination, JoAnn Lepke found a scabby area on my scalp that she said was precancerous. She told me she would freeze it and asked if that was okay. I have had small spots frozen in the past, so I agreed, expecting something similar. Once she began, however, the treatment seemed much more extensive than what I had experienced before and even became painful. As I instinctively pulled away, she explained that the area was not very wide but was approximately an inch long. This was the first time I understood the size of the area on the top of my head that was being treated. I became concerned and asked whether my hair would fall out in that area. She said "possibly." I then asked whether it would grow back, and she replied, "probably." Those answers were frightening. Had I understood beforehand the size of the area being treated and that hair loss was a possibility, I would at least have had an opportunity to ask questions and understand what was about to be done before agreeing to it. What upset me most, however, was what happened when it became apparent that I was scared. Rather than taking a moment to acknowledge my concern or explain things more fully, I was told, essentially, that this was better than having surgery, a scar (isn't a hairless patch on your head a scar as well?), or cancer. While I certainly understand the importance of treating precancerous lesions, that response felt dismissive and condescending at a moment when I was genuinely frightened. Hair plays an enormous emotional and psychological role in how a woman feels about herself. Being suddenly told, during a procedure already underway, that I might lose hair from a noticeable area on the top of my head--and that it would "probably" grow back--was extremely upsetting. I did not need my concerns minimized. I needed information and a little compassion. I am not writing this because I object to receiving necessary medical treatment. I am writing because patients deserve to understand what is being done to their bodies, including meaningful potential consequences, before a procedure begins. And when a patient becomes frightened, especially during something as inherently stressful as skin cancer screening, compassion matters. A few extra minutes of explanation, reassurance, and empathy would have made an enormous difference. Instead, I left an appointment that was supposed to protect my health feeling scared, uninformed, and emotionally shaken. I sincerely hope greater care is taken in the future to make sure patients feel informed, heard, and treated with compassion.

Joanne is very good. I am an old tome . Times a yr white guy. 50 plus Mohs surgeries over 2…read moredecades. Her skill is outstanding. She refers to Mohs as needed. She is real benefit to Kauai​

Great experience with Kamanakai. There is nothing better than getting a skin care treatment from…read moresomeone who is extremely into their profession. I was really impressed with his customer follow up pre and post service, which is super hard to find on the island. The space was super clean, organized, and a treat.

Absolutely fantastic service!! Probably the best facial I have received--not to mention the…read moreaffordable price! Kamanakai is incredible at what he does and always takes excellent care of my face. He cares about his customers skin and he goes above and beyond (providing extra services or products, recommendations, advice, etc) to make sure they are happy and glowing! I cannot recommend Darlene's Place enough!

Valerie is a Master esthetician. She makes my face , eyebrows , & skin glow for weeks. She has so…read moremany certifications that they won't fit in the wall. Out of all the spa and beauty experiences I've had she's given me the most wonderful sessions . Her unique treatments are long lasting & impressive.

I got a facial with Valeria and it was just amazing, she is fantastic, the most relaxing facial I…read moreever received. She is very professional, speaks Spanish and can explain any treatment in both languages. I'll highly recommend her to friends and family. Thank you Valeria .

My girlfriend turned me on... to Erin's spectacular treatment!! I'm always impressed by her…read morepersonalized/intuitive skin consultation and healing touch. Every organic product she uses smells and feels so good that I'm betting it's medicinal/ food grade. However, I heard she's trying to get into Nursing School, so I'm a lil worried she'll have less availabilities....

I have been to this massage parlors about 6 times the last time I went they treated me badly they…read moretell me to come in and then they tell me that they're busy they thought I was someone else or something and they treated me like dirt

My hairdresser, who is beautiful, recommended Skin & Beauty Etc and gave me links to their FB and…read moreInstagram pages. The owner, Waileia, has created a really cool salon with a relaxing ambiance. I booked online for the Signature Facial, a one hour and 15 minute amazing treatment that included hydradermabrasion, jelly mask, derma planing and so much more, as well as a welcomed shoulder and scalp massage. I loved it soooo much I signed up for the monthly membership realizing that as I get older, facials are no longer just an occasional pampering, they really are essential. And Wai is a beautiful young woman with a gentle touch...my facial included everything she knew my skin needed. This was the best facial I have ever had on Kauai! I left with a gift certificate for my daughter for the same service because it truly is a gift women love to receive.

I love my time at Skin and Beauty so much. The facials are wonderful so I doing them every month…read more Self care is so important! Waileia has state of the art equipment and products and she definitely has a gift!

I stumbled upon Advanced skin care and Dhyana was able to get me in the same day. I received the 90…read moreminute signature facial and it was nothing short of fabulous! She was so easy to talk to, and made me feel extremely relaxed. She dialed in to what I needed, she really knows what she is doing.....I mean... The woman looks 20 years younger than her age! I will absolutely call her again on my annual Kauai trip. Remember to support local and support small.

What a wonderful experience. I have had a few facials but this was the best. Such a lovely person…read moreand great facial and upper body massage. I was so comfortable and relaxed. If you have an hour or two in Kauai, definitely go by and experience this. You'll be happy you did

I have never felt so pampered in my life as I did my last "Deluxe" full body oil detox and steam. I…read moredon't have all the language for the treatment all I know is I felt like I was in a different world as Lisa rubbed special oil all over my body and dropped it on my forehead. I really enjoyed the tent studio set up, it had everything necessary including a steam bath. Lisa has been assisting me with my health concern and healing journey for the last 6 months. She is very knowledgeable and the herbs she prescribed work well. She's full of information and I just trust and take them as part of my routine which has been working well. I'm really happy to include Ayurvedic healing on top of or instead of western medicine!

I received Shirodara treatment for the first time. Lisa was wonderful and so attentive. It is her…read moreenergy that made feel calm and relaxed. She has a beautiful outside tent and felt the nice ocean breeze as I received the treatment. She also prepared a nice ginger tea for me which I enjoyed very much. Shirodara was wonderful and she has so much knowledge. I would love to return for more treatments in the future!

My service was great! Professional, clean, and well done. Sierra is great - fun to chat with,…read morevery nice, and good at what she does. Will definitely come back! note: this is in the Koloa Town Day Spa building. It's not a separate location, no sign specifically for Si Esthetics outside.

I had a lash and brow tint from Sierra at Si Esthetics. She did an excellent job on both areas…read more There wasn't any over tinting onto skin around eyes and lashes were completely tinted. I have very light eyelashes so this is important to me. Brows were beautifully shaped with perfect shade for my coloring. I highly recommend Sierra and will return for future treatments soon as she also does a lot of other treatments. Note: Located inside Koloa Town Salon bungalow 5335 Koloa RD. Koloa Kauai.