Honolulu Nail Salon

Had my best mani pedi experience here! I usually feel a little awkward having someone else do my nails, but the ladies here made me feel so comfortable. They were so friendly and spoke with my friends and I while we were getting our nails done, but it still felt very relaxing.
We got the $ 30 combo mani pedi. So good! Some of the paint on my fingernails look a little warped, but none of those issues look very noticeable. My nails were overall very good for the price. The leg massages are AMAZING, and my toenails look perfect.
We had such a relaxing experience. I will definitely be going back again (:

Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience today only.
Well I first went here a month ago because it’s very convenient as I was in the area at that time, for $ 20 pedicure, I gave it a try, I walked in, and immediately was able to assistance and I was happy with the over all result. However, I didn’t get the name of the lady who helped me and did my pedicure, and since there’s pretty good amount of good reviews I say I’ll come back.
Fast forward today, yes I came back, called in first and got assistance almost immediately, I got here just at the right time (about quarter to 4pm) because soon after I sat down and got myself situated, set up the chair massager and all it gotten very busy, all of a sudden people started to come, most of them were walk ins (about 15 – 20 mins in). Anyway, I should have taken a hint from the customer this lady helped right before me, she didn’t seem pleased, I heard her question the nail tech about something and took a deep breath and I guess decided to just bite her tongue. So my turn — I’m very excited because I look forward to my pedicure and she convinced me of doing the Deluxe Foot Pedicure (item #C for a bit more $ — so why not), everything is so so, the massage and all, but I noticed that she didn’t really clean the sides and under my toe nails, I’m pretty surprised because the lotion, paraffin and other skin cream she put went in as normal (ooops i thought strike 1). And then the polish, let’s just say it’s not polished! I was bummed out because it’s just a pretty pink color and thought it would come out great but you be the judge, I posted the photo (uh oh there goes the strike 2) and then she made me walk from my chair (far left end) with my newly pedicures feet to the drying station across the room in barefoot! I’m very shocked and disappointed (strike 3!). I pointed out that some polish were on the skin, she cleaned some toe nails but not all and I just got exasperated pointing out not more finger that the polish is on the skin and cuticles and is not evenly coated, just not well done, she couldn’t quite understand me, she kept on saying it’s ok now (I think she meant it’s dry) not really knowing what I was trying to say. So I gave up, I got up, paid and left, unfortunately I didn’t get her name too. But I do feel bad, because she seemed to be a nice lady (I think she is older than everybody else), I am just not happy with the workmanship, I felt rushed towards the end as 4 (or more) walk-​in customers are waiting. You be the judge, I have posted the finish product (in the picture i already cleaned some polish off the skin/​cuticle, so it’s not as messy in the picture). I had to wash my feet soon as I came home, cleaned under and side of the nails as the lotion/​cream were caught on the side and under and tried to clean the polish off the skin/​cuticle.
Lesson learned — next time choose who’s your nail tech, because I liked the one who previously helped me, and so yes I will still go back but I will make sure next time to ask for my preferred nail tech, because in fairness the one who helped me the first time is very good! And all of her customers that I’ve seen leaving seemed to be very pleased.

The staff started out okay but once my friend was in the chair and wanted a picture with the staff he turned into a jerk for no reason I mean really it’s just a memory photo omg so dramatic for no reason these people. thank goodness I wasn’t getting a pedicure done I would never come back if the staff gets pissed over a picture weird …

I usually come here for waxing and it’s okay. I feel like the woman who does it, does how she feels that day. So sometimes ifs REALLY half ass and other times it’s just decent. But other than that, she is really sweet.
I got a pedicure for the first time today. And NONE of their tools or anything are new. I’m sure they sterilize the metal tools but their foot and nail filer look overused! I was so traumatized. And as she puts my feet back in the water, she starts draining the water and then rinsing/​cleaning the filers in the spa water! I was shocked. I should of asked for new tools. But there won’t be a next time!
I gave them 3 stars because all of them are really really sweet. I just wish their tools were clean. I just hope I don’t catch any fungus or anything!!!

Got a pedicure yesterday while getting my oil changed next door and was pleasently surprised. I’ve been to a lot of nail salons in HNL that seem to cut corners and take way too long. The massage, attention to detail and extra foot treatment were 5 star. Can’t wait to go again!

For the most part my nails came out decent but there are major problems that could easily not have been made in the first place
A lot of the nail stuff is underneath we the top and when she was shaving them she butchered one of them.
Staff was friendly. Pretty decent prices and such.
Mentioned a gel coat and it would cost more in the beginning but didn’t ask. Then in the end dos it without even letting me know then charged me for it. I’ve had the nails for barely a week and they look like they’re coming off.

Besides the convenience of this salon near UH, I love the ladies here. They are friendly, remember your name and always welcome you back. Cinderella — the offending lady mentioned in other reviews for trying to convert folks and bore them to tears with her life story — has been let go for the aforementioned sins! They will always fit you in with or without an appointment. I’ve tried many many salons in Honolulu and always come back here. Their services are consistent and well priced.

Just paid 29.27 $ for the most half-​assed manicure I’ve ever had :(went for simple white nails & came out with pretty transparent nails that didn’t completely cover the whole nail. Will never come back to this place.

I wanted to give at least 3 or 4 because the last two times i’ve visited this place has been great. Very down to earth and friendly staff. the upselling is expected and I’m ok with that because sometimes the extra $ 10-​$ 15 is worth it in the end. this time, however, I was really disappointed and it kinda threw my day off since i got my mani-​pedi in the morning.
The manicure was nothing special, my water was lukewarm and the technician cut my cuticles well. A little too well. The lady doing my feet was nice and making conversation, but it took a really weird turn when she started to talk about her personal life and all this christian sh*t. Look, i’m just trying to get a pedicure, not get converted. it really rubbed me the wrong way because I felt like she took advantage of the fact that I was sitting with my feet in her hands and i had to listen to her.
And it wasn’t like she casually mentioned it or handed me a flyer as another reviewer wrote, she really went into this long drawn out story. Appropriate for your relatives or friends of your faith, and totally inappropriate for a stranger and paying customer. Really really lame. Super unprofessional and so much of a turn off that unfortunately, I will not be returning to Honolulu Nails even if they’re right by my house.
So, go at your own risk! Or put on headphones. Also, cry if they’re hurting you with the cuticle nippers because all they said to me when I said it hurt was
«Oh she said you have so much dry skin, that’s why it hurts.»
:-(
Update:
Day after mani pedi and my cuticles around my nails are completely dried up and look hacksawed. I also just woke up to a slight pain in my foot which turned out to be a crack in the skin underneath my pinky toe. When I researched what this could be, turns out it’s FUNGUS.
DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE, SPEND MORE AND GO SOMEWHERE BETTER.

Went here with my gf to get pedicures. Let me just tell you, I don’t get pedicures much but what I got was something I can do blindfolded and better. My nails were barely trimmed, the edges of my nails weren’t smooth and I was still left with dried scrubbing exfoliatior in few areas behind my leg. Not worth my time.

Best pedicure I’ve had in a while! The massage was up to par. Lina was amazing and really made me feel welcomed. I’m usually skeptical about getting any design because I am so particular, but I left very pleased!
My friend that I was with however, did not get the same service as I did — which is why I can’t give this place the full 5 stars. Nonetheless, it was an overall nice place that I plan to go back to if I’m ever in the area.

I’ve come here a few times before. This was the first time I came for a half leg wax. My experience is lying down and having them wax my legs, but today the room was occupied so I sat in one of the manicure chairs and had my legs waxed. Interesting experience. I am hoping I don’t have patches. Haha.
My pedicure was okay. I came to see one person, but someone came in so they had the wax lady do my pedicure. She did an okay job. She didn’t scrub my feet much at all. It was like a quick rub from top to bottom and she was ready to add lotion. A little disappointed since Lena has always done a good job of scrubbing and offered the upgrade to me which I always take. The $ 5 is worth it.

Since I can’t give half stars yet (hint hint Unilocal!) they get the 4 instead of 3.5. Parking is really tight, but if the lot is full, you can get validated parking to the parking lot directly behind the building with the parking shack.
Backstory: it’s Christmas, and I want to save some money and find a new wax spot since my girl left for the mainland. They had a sign first Brazilian gets a free pedi… like I said, it’s Christmas – so i’ll take the bargain and see what I get. They did the mani/​pedi first, which to me seemed a bit odd, but it was because Kim was waxing someone else before my appointment. The girl doing my pedi was really good, I don’t think her English was so good, but she understood my directions about the toesies, so that’s a good thing. Then we had someone else doing my mani, and unfortunately, i’m not so thrilled about the mani, since she only put one coat, and that coat was really light. I’m sure she’s a pro at what she does, but some salons add thinner to thick polish, and i’m guessing that might’ve been what happened here.
For the waxing, Kim helped get my pants off without ruining the polish, and then went to town doing what needed to be done. I’ve had waxes with the wax that needs strips to remove it, and the ones that dry and are pulled off, neither one really makes a difference to me, but I know others have their preferences, so for this waxing, strips were involved. No double dipping, and she moved quickly (bonus for moving quickly, since I really don’t like being so «open» to complete strangers). Kim also helped me get the pants back on without any toenail smudges… and I was wearing skinny jeans!

Lianne and Vivian were awesome. Gave me lots of attention. I had no problems walking in without appointment. They managed to recreate something I saw on Pinterest. Pedicures started from $ 20 and I had gelish on my fingers with art for $ 45

I’ve been shopping for a nail salon on the west side of Oahu for two years now and in all honesty, I’ve tried so many and have given a few of them the benefit of a doubt aka. second visit, only to conclude that I will not be a longtime patron of theirs.
Honolulu Nail Salon is still my go-​to place for a QUALITY pedicure at a very, very reasonable price (despite having to drive from Ewa Beach). Yes, it has aesthetically seen better days and nail techs have come and gone (thankfully my favorites are still there), but it still is hands down better than most places I’ve been to on the west side.
The pedicure foot bath chairs are beaten up and probably could use re-​upholstering or replacement but the actual foot baths are clean and sanitized after each use as are the instruments on your feet. The color selections are ok (OPI primarily) — I haven’t ever had trouble finding something I like.
If truth be told, Kim and Lynn do a fabulous job cleaning my nails! I’m a firm believer that nail polish will «stick» and last longer on a clean set of nails versus dirty nails. They do a great job and I love how they are always careful NOT to knick my cuticles to a bloody pulp. My pedicures last longer here as compared to getting them done elsewhere. Perhaps it’s a combination of technique, products and skill, whatever it is it keeps me coming back time and time again.
As far as customer service, I’m always greeted and acknowledged whenever I am there (even if Lynn or Kim are not there). The prices are very, very reasonable (pedicures start at $ 25.00 and additional services are extra). I don’t really mind them up-​selling their services, after all, it is a business and they are trying to sell services. If you are set on a budget or service, it won’t matter how much up selling the «salesperson» does.
The only reason I’m rating this four stars is that this shop doesn’t have all the bells and whistles a new salon. It would be nice and fancy but it is what it is. I would rather come here any day of the week to get my nails done right versus going to a fancy shop and feeling terrible later because I paid so much for a mediocre or crappy job.
Now, if I could only convince Lynn (the owner) to open up a nail salon in my neighborhood.

Not impressed. Pedi and gel nails, no design, for $ 50.24 (tax). Price, can’t beat it.
Service, terrible. She barely pushed back my cuticles, didn’t take off my callous when my friend got her callous taken off and we bought the same pedicure package.
If you go, do not get Vivian. But my friend was happy with her girl.

This place is really hit or miss. This used to be my «go to» place to get a pedi because the prices are super reasonable.
The service is just meh. Sometimes it’s great and sometimes I am completely ignored.
Most recently I’ve noticed that they want to up-​sell you. There are 4 levels of pedis. 1 is $ 20 then $ 25 and so on. When I say I want the regular, I want the regular.
Also the polishes need to be updated. If you like glitter this is the place for you. If glitter is not your jam they have many other colors that have literally been there for the past 7 years.
In a crunch this place is great. And like I said the experience will be anywhere from 1 – 5 stars.
Today is a 3 because 1. I was helped rather quickly. 2. I found a single Essie nail polish (only one on the wall). 3. My pedi looks great.
Notice how I didn’t mention anything about service and cleanliness.. .

I ended up here after searching nail salons by Unilocal.I have to say I was disappointed. The price is reasonable, however the owner lady talks you into upgrading everything. It is nice to have someone who speaks English fluently but not to the point where she starts preaching and giving you a flyer of her church.
The food massage was way too short and it did not take off my callus whatsoever. The toe design she did was so not cute and my hand nails weren’t dry and got messed up so I had to go back. I will not return.

Lynn is the only one I trust to do my eyebrows! She just knows :) and doesn’t tell me what I should have and listens to me. There was another lady who didn’t here, so be careful!
They also do pretty good nail work but I prefer calgel and unfortunately they don’t use that. :(
Other than that I rather like this place and I recommend it if you don’t have a preference. ^^

Eenie meenie miney mo which nail salon should I go?!
In Honolulu, I can spot a nail salon on almost every block, almost as much as I can spot a Starbucks and coffee joint on every corner. Is one Starbucks better than the other? Heck ya! And that’s the same with nail salons. Thanks to GroupOn-​type deals, I’ve gone to a number of salons on the island, but I find myself coming back to Honolulu Nail Salon.
The following is basic criteria for the perfect nail salon:
* LOCATION: within a few minutes from my work or home.
They are conveniently located near the university area, next to Frost City and free parking.
* HOURS OF OPERATION: open during evening hours and Sundays.
Honolulu Nail Salon has great hours. Opens as early as 9am and stays open as late as 7pm.
* CLEANLINESS: sanitizes, keeps the place tidy.
Its no Four Seasons Spa and Salon in here, but they do keep the place clean and their equipment sanitized.
* COLORS: colors colors colors!
They keep their nail polish supply with every color imaginable and with the season’s top colors.
* PRICE: it’s gotta be reasonable.
Pedi can range from 20 to 35 depending on how much pampering you want done.
Mani can be as low as $ 15 but can be bumped up to $ 27 if you want gel polish.
* OTHER QUALITIES: extras, specials, etc.
These ladies are quick!
Gotta enjoy sitting on the massage chairs.
They actually try to get to know you and introduce themselves to you.
Get a free toe nail art on your birthday.