The Massage Specialists

I got a great same day massage here! It’s not a fancy shmancy massage spa. The rooms are absolutely tiny and the walls don’t go all the way up to the ceiling. There aren’t soft lights and scented candles. Keep your eyes closed and enjoy the feeling of the massage. That’s what you are there for. It was the most inexpensive massage of my life and was just as good as any other.
The bad news: When I was there last week I saw a sign that said they were closing on 9÷30÷15 (yesterday). If their contact info still works (maybe email) you can learn where there masseuses moved to so you can still book with them.

Noriko provides an amazing massage — I highly recommend her!!!

awesome place with the great professional massage therapists!

My husband has a sore back so I was calling around to see if there are any availability today. They did! So we ended up getting service together. Keep in mind they don’t have couples massage (in the same room) but they were able to put us in the rooms next to each other. Anyways so we made that appointment thinking we will be able to use the sauna and shower afterwards. Their website states the showers and sauna are available after the massage so I assumed we would be able to use it right after. The website only states to arrive earlier if the Sauna is going to be used. Nothing was offered to us about using either Sauna or Shower so i asked the reception desk about the Sauna and she said we needed to let them know when making an appointment (website say anything about that) so we left with disappointed in that case. I think they should ask customers if showers and sauna will be used when they make appointments since it’s not stated clearly on the website.
As for the massage, 5 stars for both my husband and I. I had Jean and omg, she is awesome! She is very kind and respectful. And geez, she can massage! Unfortunately I was having some sinus issues during this session so she gave me a slight massage with Eucalyptus oil on my sinus areas to help open up my stuffy nose and gave me a pillow to use as well. I couldn’t even open my eyes after the massage lol it was that good! My husband had a great experience with his therapist (can’t remember her name) also. He felt super relaxed and he says I feel like Jello. Lol
I hope this review helps you decide which Massage Spa to go to, especially for those on a budget. :)

Very straightforward and to the point– no frills attached. I had liqi and I think she did a great job, but not everyone likes her style. It’s best if you call and tell them what you are looking for before deciding who to book your appointment with. Also, you can’t beat the price– it’s a steal!

I’ve been to the Massage Specialists for a total of 4 times over the last 7 months. I am pregnant and after the first massage I thought it was great value for price. I’ve had a different masseuse each visit, but they were all great until yesterday :-(I
‘m going into my 8^th month of pregnancy and my back has become super tight. The last time I visited the location was in November and granted, the place has always been a bit dated, but relatively clean… Yesterday I could smell the dank linen as soon as I walked inside. Something told me to turn around, but I chose to ignore, blaming it on my super sensitive «preggo nose». They ask you to pay upfront the massage, which subsequently led to my decision not to leave. I will NEVER pay for any spa service upfront again!
After the masseuse escorted me to the room, she gathered 3 towels and put it at the headrest and asked me to lay my head there after I disrobe. I asked her to get me a pillow. She said, «I don’t know if we have any.» I told her that I’ve been there before and always had a pillow. She left the room and voila, she reappears with a pillow. She then grabs a foot pillow and tells me to wrap my legs around it (This happens with prenatal massages since pregnant women can not lay on their stomachs). I asked her for a body pillow. She again gave me an excuse as she walks out of the room, but reappears with the body pillow. Again I thought GET OUT OF HERE, but I thought she was maybe being lazy but she must be a good masseuse and my back was in so much pain.
I disrobed, got on the table and she reentered. She threw a hand linen over my face and head and said that was for my comfort. I couldn’t breathe, so I took it off. She then kept trying to slide it back over my head and not my face. This has never happened before! She then started to massage my back through the sheet. I asked her if she was going to use oil/​lotion. She said she was going to «dry massage» me. I told her to massage my skin. She obliged. She felt the tightness of my back and was in the correct place, so I started to relax and get into what I thought was going to be a relaxing massage. Instead I got an aggressive rub down. I kept asking her to stop being so aggressive, especially on my lower back. She kept saying, «Ok. Ok!» and still did her own thing. There was absolute no technique. She poked my knots and at one point she actually got on top of the table with me. At that point I had just about had it. I left early. My back seized up right after.
I only slept a couple hours last night before putting a large icy hot patch on my back to dull the pain. Tomorrow I’m going to a physical therapist because I think I tore a muscle. I’m emotionally exhausted and feel like saving $ 20 was not worth the experience.
I don’t know if management has been laxed or if other massage therapists left the business, but not having a therapist with training or proper customer service is not acceptable.
I WILL NEVER COME BACK OR RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT TO MY ENEMY!

We called the Massage Specialists for a same day massage for two and was able to get confirmed appointments for later that day. Located in the Century Center building on Kalaukaua, there is nothing fancy about this place. The building is older and the interior of this place is basic and outdated. If you’re looking for a «spa» and all the frills that come with it, this is not the place for you. Despite the lack of ambience, we were really satisfied with the services we received here… and the prices were good!
We had the 90 min massage for $ 75. My therapist, Jean, was so sweet and made sure that my problem areas were addressed. I liked her style of massage… her pressure was gentle at first then she gradually increased it. I liked that she addressed certain areas that she felt needed more work. Her style was so relaxing that I fell asleep, which is rare for me during a massage. The room was basic but comfortable, the linens were clean. The 1 ½ hours went by so fast!
Here are the rates: 30 min ($ 40), 45 min ($ 45), 60 min ($ 55), 75 min ($ 65), 90 min ($ 75), 1 hr 45 min ($ 90), 2 hrs ($ 100). Apprentice prices: 60 min ($ 30), 90 min ($ 45)
An overall great experience. I would definitely use their services again.

Century center massage establishment #5
I started this 15 minutes after I left last night and put it off till now. So here it goes.
Our Sunday massages turned into Tuesday this week due to me having to work that day so why not try a new place?
We’ve already been to 4 other massage places in century center so why not conquer them all?
I must’ve rang the doorbell at least 3 times but no one came to answer the door. Finally called and the receptionist said that the door was open and people just walk in by themselves and the doorbell doesn’t work.
Okayyy no big deal.
We were told to wait in the waiting room, okay that’s fine also. Just wish it wasn’t next to the workers lockers cause that’s all I heard was lockers slamming in front of me.
I was hoping that when I initially booked the massage for my boyfriend and I, they would’ve put us in the same room, but I guess they didn’t have that. Whatever. We’re already here so there’s no turning back now.
The massage I got was on point. I wish I remembered the girls name so I could refer her to future patrons that decide to check this place out. I asked for a deep tissue and to focus on my back primarily and she did just that. I’m surprised that she lasted the whole hour with the same pressure applied to me. THANK YOU. Plus she’s really friendly.
Boyfriends massage was the «worst he’s ever had» (word for word) the lady didn’t even really touch him, more like just brush her hands against his skin. There was no pressure applied at all. I am horrible at giving massages &it must’ve been that bad for him to tell me that I could’ve done better than her. I really wished I knew that beforehand because I tipped her out too (even though she had already left). She was an older lady and I wish i had gotten her name.
Ambiance was a ²⁄₅ I can hear the other services going on in the next room & It really killed my relaxation. Plus room was tiny and waiting area looked less than inviting. Massage from my personal experience with my masseuse was ⁴⁄₅. boyfriend was ⁰⁄₅. I would’ve overlooked all the fancy things if both of our massages were fantastic, but since the bf had such a horrible time, we won’t be coming back.
Maybe we’ve become massage snobs?

The lady I had was very amazing in her hands giving me a massage. Great place for a massage if you from out of town.

For a $ 55 one-​hour massage, it’s a pretty good massage. My boyfriend randomly suggested I get a massage on a Sunday because I’ve been really stressed out lately. But since it was a last-​minute decision, the massage place I usually go to was booked. The Massage Specialists had an opening, so I went for it.
The staff are all very friendly, and my masseuse was good. I requested a sports massage, and to be honest it was not the best massage I’ve ever received. I went to the gym the next morning hoping to have an awesome lifting session like I normally do after a great massage, but I still didn’t feel like she got all of my knots out. But it was nonetheless one of the best massages I’ve received for this price.
I’m wondering if some of the people reviewing this place are confusing it with another massage place in the building, because this one does not have a great view at all. It’s on the 5^th floor. That’s totally okay with me, but just a heads up for anyone who is looking for an amazing view in a ritzy spa type setting.

First off, let me start by saying that I’m absolutely TERRIBLE with directions! By terrible I mean, if I were to be kidnapped by anyone there would be no need to blindfold me at all since I would not be able to replicate, yet alone navigate anyone to where I’m at. So I’m no good at all in telling you how to get to this business other than it is in the Century Building off Kalakaua Avenue. Yes, the gps lady will tell you how to get to this building but after that you are on your own. It gets quite complicated after that. Just know, tell the parking attendant where you’re going and they will tell you where to park (keep that ticket to be validated by TMS) and hopefully where to go.
Once you get to the actual business you’ll realize one of two things, «am I at the right place?» or «this is an apartment/​condo building… I must be at the wrong place!» TMS is located in an apt/​condo building. Odd, yes it is but hey… I can only imagine how expensive office space is. It works for me and when I started coming here years ago I thought it was strange initially but think of it this way, they save money on office rental and you get a cheap massage.
One of the best things about this place aside from it being a cheap place to get a decent/​good massage is the hours of operation. THEY ARE OPEN UNTIL 11 PM Mondays — Saturday and open until 10 p.m. on Sundays! I know, you’re probably wondering what «massage» (wink-​wink!!) place stays «legitimately» opened until 11 p.m.?? It’s legitimate! The only happy ending you will get will be the feeling of a great massage at the end of the day!
TMS employs masseuses of varying skills and levels ranging from the apprentice level to accomplished, licensed masseuse. I’ve seen Tini, Patty, Maria (all were memorable awesome massages) and a few unmentionables that I’d like to forget. Overall, I’ve had very good experiences here. If you’re lucky enough, you find an apprentice that does a massage to your liking at a price that is just unbeatable at $ 30.00 for a 60 minute massage or $ 45.00 for a 90.00 minute massage. Appointments with a licensed masseuse are slightly higher than the apprentice but still very affordable ($ 55.00 for 60 minutes /​$ 75.00 for 90 minutes). These prices are exclude tax and tips.
Like I said, no frills and the only thrills you get is hopefully the one from a great massage. The one star deduction comes from the lack of sound proof barriers between treatment rooms. I look at a massage as a time to unwind and relax not to hear all about a stranger’s day or experience about this and that. I have on occasion requested a room without a «neighbor» and that seemed to solve the problem but sometimes it was unavoidable.
All in all, great place to come and get the kinks and knots out of your muscles. Be specific about your preferences and have your masseuse adjust their pressure to your liking.

If you expect a luxury setting with beautiful surroundings and fancy lotions, aromatherapy, elegant décor, over the top friendly customer service, with high price tag this is NOT for you… Small treatment rooms, unscented oil, dimly lit, a receptionist that barely notices you, mold on the shower curtain, (actually found myself cleaning the shower before and after), paper thin walls, loud doors, overhearing the clients conversation next door to me… but since I have been here before I was not shocked by that TOO much! (My first time was a 2.5 star experience, bcuz of the therapist)
Granted, it’s still annoying hearing someone go on about musubis, their doctors appts and the construction of their neighbors house… Barbara made all of that irrelevant by giving me the best massage I ever had!
She focused on my QL, erectors, lower back, rhomboids, traps and occiput/​neck area! For 90 min, she kept conversation to a minimum and was the perfect pressure!
I came here for an amazing MASSAGE and the sauna and I got it !
They offer validated parking, towels, ‘mandala’ robes, water, lockers, lock/​key combo, showers, sauna (awesome) and ample time to dress.
Price was great, and tipped her 35%.
Will DEfIniTely be back!
Requesting Barbara only !

5^th floor and they do validate parking!
I felt this massage had no focus… if that even makes sense?
My best friend & I randomly the night before said lets go get a massage tomorrow! So we looked up a few places this one popped out as cheap and open late, since I work till 4 and it was going to be for a Friday afternoon.
We called around 7pm they were still opened and booked us for the next day at 5pm. We didn’t find out until we came in that they do validate parking, we parked on the street behind and walked around to it, which was fine, it was a beautiful day.
When you get to the door, it looks like an apartment, so I knocked. then realized that was stupid and walked in. The woman at the front desk was very nice, great service.
We waited for about 5 min in their little back waiting room, had some water and chit chattted. Two women came out to get us, we were brought into seperate rooms. You can hear the people next to you, so it was kind of distracting.
My Massage: It was very scattered, I mentioned my forearms and wrists need work because of my typing all day. She hardly touched them. She mostly worked on my neck and shoulders, but it was really weird because she kept the sheet over my back while she was massaging it, it felt more like she was rubbing my back than massaging. Don’t get me wrong I was relaxed after I left, but my shoulders felt bruised the next day and I honestly won’t be back. My friend said hers was great, but we both want to find another place to get a once a month massage. This place worked for some but not for me.
Best thing I can say about it, is that it was cheap.

Everyone needs to find out for themselves if and when a good personal massage person can help you. Here is just one more choice. If it works for you great– It didn’t work out for me well. Just letting you know that you may have a better expereince than I did– who knows. Really though, I do suggest seeing for yourself and getting to know the person working on you as much as they work on you.
The view though is great– the building is wonderfully positioned to overlook the ocean side view through large glass windows. Part of the expereince is looking at the view while being worked on– to some this is very relaxing. To me not so much= I enjoy more nature.

This place is located in a very unlikely spot/​building. It feels like you’re going inside someone’s condo/​apartment. I’ll admit I was rather skeptical as I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but based on other reviews, I couldn’t see how everyone could have been wrong. So I went through with it anyways.
Nice warm greeting from the front desk and I was taken to a room rather quickly. The room was well lit but going face down on the table makes it not a problem. My biggest complaint would be the thin walls and gaped at the ceiling so you can hear all talking and walking and all noises in other rooms. But thankfully the massage itself was pretty spectacular. After a week of walking around, playing in the sun and cruisin the beaches of Hawaii (i know so tense) a massage was exactly what I needed. All my stress was relieved, back pain gone, knots in the back cleared. I regret that I took so long to write this review as I have forgotten my masseuse’s name but i’d definitely come back again next time I’m on the islands.

TOTAL HEAVEN.
If you are a massage enthusiast, you’re always looking for the next best one. If it’s great, you’re willing to pay for it. If it’s awful, you know within the first 2 minutes. The service I received at The Massage Specialists was amazing.
THE FACILITIES
Located in the tall mirrored building with a red and white striped spire on top of it at the intersection of Kalakaua Ave and Kapiolani Blvd. The office is a converted apartment it seems. You walk in, and there are 2 bathrooms with showers available for patrons to use, which is quite nice. You are taken into your own room, and your massage therapist gives you a basket for all your belongings, which slides nicely under the massage table.
Parking is validated. When you enter the Century Center building parking lot, ask for the ticket for the massage specialists, and bring that up to reception. When you leave, it will be $ 1.
THE SERVICE
For being so near to Waikiki, I was skeptical about how great the massage would be. I worried it would be tailored to tourists, and therefore jacked up in price and just very average. What I received instead was the best massage of my life! Dinah is amazing! He asked me about what pressure I liked, and hit it spot on. Total perfection. Bliss. I just can’t say enough about how great this massage was without it possibly sounding like I am not talking about a massage!
They were open till 10pm every night and were able to accommodate last minute requests and changes up to 30 mins before our actual massage! Talk about great service!
THE PRICE
TOTALLY AFFORDABLE! $ 50 for 60 minutes, with no deals, or coupons, or gimmicks needed. That is a phenomenal price given we were just a few miles from Waikiki.
I will be back here each and every time I come to Honolulu. This was just total amazingness.

Sorry to submit a complaint Massage Specialists:
However, today was the worst massage session that I have had at your business. I have been there many times (you could say that I am a regular), and today was simply lacking.
I am not sure how experienced Calvin is; but I felt like I was someone he was practicing on while still in massage school.
The service was very clumsy and awkward. He never checked in about pressure once in a 90 minute session. I was very communicative in the beginning about what my expectations were, and he clearly was not paying attention.
I myself have been a licensed massage therapist for over 10 years, and I must say that this was embarrassingly bad.
Of course your sign at the desk says that you could end the massage in the 1^st 10 minutes; and I probably should have. However, for Calvin the 1^st 10 minutes he spent trying to figure out what to do.
All through the massage, I could not wait for it to end. And when you are feeling like such, that is awful.
I hope he receives better training so that he can better his career as a therapist.

AMAZING value!
I tend not to splurge on pampering things like massages, spas, manicures, etc., usually because I rather spend my money on clothes or food (hahaha), but this place is so affordable for the quality that I think I may become a repeat customer!
It was $ 50 for a 60 minute full-​body massage, not including tip. I’ve never had a professional massage before, so those 60 minutes were some of the best of my life! My massage therapist, Sue, applied just the right amount of pressure for a first-​timer where it was bearable, just at the edge of painful, but still felt awesome!
A few things did bother me though:
1. The showers in the bathroom looked a little dirty/​moldy. I probably won’t be stepping into those anytime soon.
2. It might have been a windier day than usual, but I think because the Century Center outside walls are all made of glass, the wind blowing against the building can be heard loud and clear. It disturbed my relaxation a bit :(.
3. Is it possible for massage oil to become rancid? I smelled a hint of that on me when I got home after the massage, and thus immediately took a shower to wash it off.
Despite all that, really guys, who can beat these prices?! Especially for such a quality massage!
Parking is $ 1 with validation in the Century Center building parking lot.

So I recently found out that Massage Specialists accepts SpaFinder gift cards!!! SO SO AWESOME!!!
Why am I so excited about that?
Because Costco sells SpaFinder gift cards at a discounted price!
$ 80 for $ 100 value!
So combine that with MS great pricing and VIP card, I’m saving even more for my much needed massages!

Unless you have your own masseuse or masseur, then this is probably one of your best deals at $ 50 /​hour.
. Most of their workers are professional and knowledgeable. Once you find someone who fits your needs, I suggest remembering their name and requesting them specifically because the massage does vary greatly depending on who you get. Theres also a shower and dry sauna if you need to use it.
Let the parking attendant know that you are going to the Massage Specialists. They will tell you where to park and with a validation its only $ 1.