Honolulu Nail Academy

GO here only if u have lots of time and patience. i went here yesterday to get a manicure done, the lady who gave me an appointment did tell me that the students are a little slow but i dint know that they would take 1 and half hour just to do manicure… and they are students still learning, don’t expect them to be perfect… i paid 13 $ for it which i think is a lot for the service, hy hands still look like i dint get a manicure done, my cuticles are not neatly done and pushed way too back, left the dead skin and polished on top of it, and applied cream while massaging and forgot to wipe it with the towel. i went here only because its close to my place, would never go back again.

If you are thinking of taking the plunge, this is definitely the place to do it. From an extremely diverse administration to the very intimate classroom structure I wouldn’t have chosen any other school. The teacher ‘Ms. Jes’ remains neutral while still being sensitive to each person’s needs, sometimes without you even being aware that she’s doing it. Her teaching style speaks to every style of learning. This will remain one of the wisest investments I’ve made in my life as I am on way to becoming a business owner and I graduated just a little over a month and a half ago. A great way to empower yourself!

How do I put into words just how much I loved (!) the last two and a half months at HNL? For someone who left school exactly 20 years ago, I was apprehensive up until the very first day of class. I Never enjoyed the «confines» of a classroom as an adolescent and really can’t recall a day I studied for a test or did my homework (apart from copying off a classmate). As soon as I graduated, I farewelled the idea school Forever and left the conventional life for a very non conventional one that took me all over world many times over with no more than a backpack. Even though I lived a simple life, there was something about nails that just had me. Even when I lived by myself on a farm in what Kiwis (New Zealanders) call a «batch», which is basically a shed, chopping my firewood for heating and cooking, I still had my nails polished in such an array of lacquers! Long story short, after over ten years of vagabonding around, I settled ⁷⁄₈ years ago in Honolulu. The idea of being a nail tech was really resonating in me by this time, especially living for the first time in a cosmopolitan city, but I Kept making excuses. Ringing up the school periodically to inquire and then backing out again and again. Then Finally the stars aligned for this free spirit in cosmic unity and there I was enrolling in school?! It was upon meeting (in order from how they were standing as I entered) Miss Michelle, Miss Jess, and Mr Jay, that I knew I was making the right decision, even if I didn’t «really» know. It was like walking into a unique home.
I enrolled as a full time student and really devoted myself, which was made easier because of the school’s instructor Miss Jess… Oh Miss Jess… She is truly so much more than a teacher, so much more than a renowned nail tech. She is a thought provoking, dynamic, gem. If there is another teacher (or human) out there half as epic as her, I need to know! She and her sparkling sidekick Miss Michelle are a plethora of knowledge and patience (thank god bc I’m a «baby steps» kind of learner). From the technical aspect, to the artistic/​creative, to real salon experiences they keep it interesting. Not one classroom day was stale or stagnant. It was alive. Mr Jay is very easy to talk to if you have any questions or just want to talk about Anything at all, he is down! As far as the vibe of my classmates, I feel so blessed. Talk about a diverse, interesting (!) group of women whom I hope to know for a Long time! It’s a beautiful thing watching not just your own growth, but the collective growth of individuals on the same direction. Ok, I don’t want to turn this review into a boring novel, so I will conclude. My experience was a Priceless one. I just wish it were longer. I am really gone miss my Monday-​Fridays with my HNA family. So this was my experience. If you are open and bring to the table positivity and a desire you will get a lot out of going!
Bonus: Eaton square is a pleasant location. Everyone at the Food Pantry (where you can conveniently pick up lunch) is super nice! Plus there are several koi ponds, nice banyan trees, a duck, and other useful businesses.

I attended this school and was extremely pleased. The staff was very knowledgeable and pleasant. My class got along great and my instructor was so helpful. I have recommended this school to friends.

I have to give this school 2 stars because for the amount of money that was paid and the amount of stupidity that went on, but far the worst school experience I’ve had. The hands on education with Ms. Jes, was wonderful. She really knows her craft. If you pay attention and ask questions when you don’t understand you will learn a lot. Downfalls though… Why do home study students pay the same amount as full time students? Thas a rip! Now as a full time student for the price paid you really so get your money’s worth. In the morning the instructor actually sits there and reads to you word for word line by line from the book. What other a school does that? But as a part time (which I was) I only came in for practical so I’m there from 12:15 to 4 so why was I charged the same amount? Parking is kind of a bummer too, you can either park on the street and pay the meter or park in the garage and pay 6 $ a day (9 hour rate), pay by the hour, or pay a monthly fee. (Expensive) Mr. Jay, is a big part of why I gave the school such a low rating. He’s the office manager/​one of the instructors, he starts of like cool guy pretty personable, but watch him as he has no filter. He picks and chooses who he’s nice to based on twisted reasons that he conjures up. He was so blatantly rude that other students started to feel that being rude to other students in the class was a exceptable behavior. It almost seems that he so badly wants to have something to say and doesn’t know what to say that he just blurts. What makes this school hard is that he and Ms. Jes are married so if you have problems with one of them you don’t really feel comfortable to get advice as to how to handle the problem because it’s like your complaining to someone’s spouse about there spouses behavior. Lastly, I understand that when your dealing with a bunch of women is a small space that there’s going to be drama, but at the end of the day no student should be allowed to continually disrupt and be allowed to continue to attend the program. You nip the situation in the bud real quick, you take the student to the side find out what the problem is and if the problem persist then you as them to stop coming point blank period. You either give them the rest of there money back or stop taking payment from the student. It’s not fair to the rest of the students who are paying there hard earned money and having to deal with the major drama. This school would be amazing minus mr. Jay and they need to cut the confusion before it gets out of control.