Please Call Us With Questions. Details About Our Enrollment Process
Enrollment Dates
Fulltime Enrollment Dates for 2024-2025
- January 6, 2025
- February 24, 2025
- April 21, 2025
- June 9, 2025
- August 4, 2025
- September 22, 2025
- November 5, 2025
Makana Academy Esthetic Classes
Core Esthetics Program - APPLY NOW
Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy’s Core 600-hour Esthetics Program provides students with strong theoretical and Practical knowledge of Esthetics. Makana students learn and preform Advanced Medical Esthetics. Additionally, and at no extra cost to the students receive instruction in Specialty Facials, Body Treatments, Light Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage of the Face and Body, Full Body Waxing, Brazilian Waxing, Facial Waxing, Brow Design Shaping/Waxing, plus Lash and Brow Tinting and a Masters Makeup Course.
Makana’s curriculum is designed to enrich, extend, and support each student's understanding of the Esthetics field. We only use the highest quality, most prestigious skincare lines in our learning environment and Student Operated Spa as a reminder and a challenge to students to always provide the very best.
Benefits to being a Makana Student and Alumni.
- Student discount on all Skincare products in house.
- Open door policy and support in preparing graduates for State Board Exam after graduation.
- Attend additional educational classes or special events at no charge.
- Makana student discount toward new, advanced classes offered at Makana.
- Makana Student discount on all services offered in Makana’s Student operated spa.
- Complementary support training when needed.
- Complementary coaching and support post-graduation for employment.
Progressive Programs - APPLY NOW
Available to Licensed Professionals in the Beauty Field
Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy has made a commitment to education to our beauty professionals in Hawai’i. The main purpose of our progressive courses is to bring quality educators to our Islands. In this way, we hope to reduce the expense and hardship a beauty professional has to go through to educate themselves right here in Hawai’i. With this in mind, our progressive courses will give esthetic professionals the choice to advance their career without leaving their families or jobs. To ensure a high quality education, we carefully select those who teach at our academy. We provide our industry with a quality educational experience.
Personalized Make-up Course - APPLY NOW
- You will be educated on your own skin needs and what skincare product would be appropriate for your skin type.
- How to emphasize your best features.
- Learn to choose the right colors to complement your skin tone.
- Learn to create different looks: such as a “Natural Day” make-up, appropriate make-up for the “office” and evening “Black-tie Affair” look.
- Learn to create a brow shape that enhances your facial features.
Masters Makeup Course - APPLY NOW
- Skin Analysis
- Choosing the correct skin care
- Choosing the appropriate texture and shade for every skin type and condition
- Students will learn the proper pressure and distance they should maintain while performing a makeover.
- Students will learn how to create Natural Day Makeup and Glamorous Evening looks.
- Bridal conversation consultation.
- Bridal makeup design.
- Camera ready tips on how to achieve perfect pictures.
Modern Microdermabrasion - APPLY NOW
- Skin Analysis & Proper Preparation
- Proper Settings to Achieve Desired Results
- Signature Post Treatments that Utilize Anti-Oxidants and Light Therapy
- Practical Materials
- Certificate of Completion
- Students will be required to bring a notebook & pencil
Chemical Peel Class - APPLY NOW
- Identifying skin types and conditions.
- Proper client consultation.
- Understanding chemical peels and its function.
- Understanding the contraindicators of chemical peels.
- Safely perform a chemical peel service on a client.
- Practical Materials
- Certificate of Completion
- Students will be required to bring a notebook & pencil
Hands on Massage Techniques for Estheticians - APPLY NOW
- Client Care
- Benefits of massage
- Understanding the contraindications of Massage.
- Explain the different types of massage
- Hands on practical massage of the face, head and neck
- Practical Materials
- Certificate of Completion
- Students will be required to bring a notebook and pencil
Brazilian Waxing - APPLY NOW
- Skin Analysis & Proper Preperation
- Effective Waxing Techniques to Achieve Desired Results
- Techniques to Reduce Client Discomfort
- Waxing supplies
- Waxing beds
- Certificate of Completion
- Students will be required to provide 2 models to work on
Body Waxing - APPLY NOW
- Skin Analysis & Proper Preperation
- Effective Waxing Techniques to Achieve Desired Results
- Techniques to Reduce Client Discomfort
- Waxing Supplies
- Waxing Beds
- Certificate of Completion
- Student Kit
- Latex Free Gloves
- Hair Bands – 2 packs
- Mini Wood Spatula – 1 pack
- Silver Foil Wrap – 6 each
- Spa Bikini – 2 packs
- Cream Wrap
- Mehaz Needle Nose Tweezer
- Mehaz Slanted Tweezer
- GGI Sure Clean
- Wood Paddle – 1 pack
- Epilating Strips – 4 packs
- Wax Warmer
- Standard Wax Collar – 1 pack
- Can Wax Creamy Pink 2
- Can Wax Gold 2
- Roll On Starter Kit
Admission Requirements
New Students:
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older and have proof of age with a current valid state issued identification card or certified copy of their birth certificate
- Applicants must have a Social Security card for the school to copy
- Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalency. Makana Academy will accept as a recognized equivalent of secondary education a GED, passing results of the Hawaii High School Proficiency Exam, a DD214 that indicates high school equivalency, or a degree issued to the student that indicates the high school graduation.
- A complete application.
When all information is received from the prospective student an interview process will be scheduled.
Re-entry Students
Students who have withdrawn from a program may request re-entry into the program and will be required to meet with the Director of Education of the Academy. The student must provide a written statement detailing the reasons for withdrawal. A re-entry request will be considered when evidence is shown that the reasons which caused the withdrawal have been rectified.
International Students
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Makana Academy does not offer English as a Second Language instruction. All instruction occurs in English and proficiency in English is required. Proficiency is documented by:
- The admissions and orientation interview
- Receipt of prior education documentation
- Reviewing the course syllabus with prospective student
Admission Procedures
Prospective students shall submit an Enrollment Application to Makana Academy. Applications can be complete online (suggested) or via US mail, faxed, emailed, or hand delivered to the following address:
Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy
560 N. Nimitz Hwy, STE 119B ~ Honolulu, HI 96817
Office: (808)591-6090 Fax: (808)591-6092
Upon receipt of the enrollment application, the admissions department will contact the prospective student to arrange for a tour of the facility and meet with the student to review the students career goals, the programs offered and graduation requirements.
Students that decide to enroll will be scheduled for an orientation where they will receive a complimentary facial, their curriculum and supplies, and will review the school policies (Course Catalog). During the orientation, students must provide all required documentation to finalize their application.
Failure to provide the required documentation or failure to show up for a scheduled tour, meeting or orientation during the admission process may be grounds for declining admission to the Academy.
The full tuition or the 1st installment payment (if applicable) must be received prior to or during the orientation.
School Hours
| Full Time Core Esthetics Program - 19 weeks total (600 hours) | |||||
| Intro to Esthetics Weeks 1-6 | Practical Esthetics Weeks 7-13 | Clinical Esthetics Weeks 14-19 | |||
| Days | Hours | Days | Hours | Days | Hours |
| Mon | 9am - 4pm | Mon | off | Mon | off |
| Tue | 9am - 4pm | Tue | 9am - 4pm | Tue | 9am - 4pm |
| Wed | 9am - 4pm | Wed | 9am - 4pm | Wed | 9am - 4pm |
| Thu | 9am - 4pm | Thu | 9am - 4pm | Thu | 9am - 4pm |
| Fri | 9am - 4pm | Fri | 9am - 4pm | Fri | 9am - 4pm |
| Sat | off | Sat | 9am - 4pm | Sat | 9am - 4pm |
| Sun | off | Sun | off | Sun | off |
| *Select Saturday hours to be determined at start of program. | |||||
Tuition & Payment
Tuition is all inclusive and includes a student kit with implements, uniforms, required curriculum for State licensing, as well as Makana’s proprietary protocols.
Payment Methods & Terms
Makana Academy accepts cash, certified/cashier’s check, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card). Tuition payments made by credit card are subject to a 3.0% surcharge, which is not greater than our cost of acceptance.
Payment Plans
Student financing is an option available to all applicants with prior approval. A Finance Fee of $50.00 will be charged for each tuition installment as outlined in the chart below. Once approved, your financing terms will remain in effect until you graduate and continue until your balance is paid in full. Monthly agreement payments are due on the 1st day of each month.
Refund Policy
Refund policy is stated in our Student guidelines.
Financial Aid
Students can now apply to Makana's Core 600hr program and receive scholarships to help with tuition cost.
Net Price Calculator
Military Benefits
Persons of Native Hawaiian Ancestry
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program
- ALU LIKE, Inc Scholarships
- ALU LIKE, Inc Employment & Training
- ALU LIKE, Inc - Hana Lima Scholarship
FASFA and Pell grants (NOW AVAILABLE)
Foreign Student VISAS
Short Term Student Housing Links
Student Housing Links
- http://www.ymcahonolulu.org/accommodations
- http://www.aliibeachrentals.com/
- http://www.hawaiisclassifieds.com/
Resources
- Admission requirements and Procedures
- Annual report on Preferred Lender Arrangements
- Campus Security Report 2023
- Cancellation, Refund, and Withdrawwal Policy
- Code of Conduct for Education Loans
- Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions (Including Computer Use and File Sharing)
- Direct Loan Entrance Counseling Guide
- Direct Loan Exit Counseling Guide
- Financial Aid Programs Available at Makana Academy
- HEERF Application
- HEERF Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting - Qtr Ending 12.31.20
- HEERF Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting - Qtr Ending 03.31.21
- HEERF Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting - Qtr Ending 06.30.21
- HEERF Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting - Qtr Ending 09.30.21
- Information about facilities and services available to students with disabilities
- Information Security Policy – 2021
- Intercollegiate Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act)
- Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
- Policy Not to Impose A Penalty or Require the Beneficiary to Borrow Additional Funds Due to Late PAyments From VA
- Preferred Lender Arrangements
- Preferred Lender Lists
- Private Education Loan Disclosures (Including Self-Certification Form)
- Private Education Loans
- Procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance
- School License and Accreditation
- State Licensure Reciprocity Disclosure
- Transfer of Credit
Training Agreements
We currently collaborate with the following agencies:
- MYCAA - Financial Assistance for Spouses of Active Duty Military
- ALU LIKE - Hana Lima Scholarship
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Native Hawaiian Loan Program
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
At Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy, we are committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. Makana Academy’s enrollment, instruction, certification and graduation policies do not discriminate. Makana Academy will not tolerate discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, financial status, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. Makana Academy will take strict and immediate disciplinary action, including student dismissal, against any student acting prejudicial towards another student or school staff member.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY & GI BILL STATEMENT
Join The Growing Spa Services Industry. Start Your Dream Career As An Esthetician.
An Esthetician is a licensed skin care professional who provides preventive care for the skin and offers treatments to keep the skin healthy and attractive. Estheticians are also trained to detect skin problems that may require medical attention.
Educate. Nurture. Guide.
The makeup course at Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy provided me the knowledge and confidence to perform services when working at a special event. Classes were small which gave instructors the attentiveness to each student. Their passion and dedication will train future professionals to have a glorious & exciting career in the beauty industry.
My decision to attend Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy was the brightest point in my search for a new career in the health and wellness industry. If you are considering esthetics as a profession, be assured that the training you will receive at Makana is truly exceptional and the attention provided to each student is unsurpassed. Attending Makana was a wonderful investment, and I graduated readily equipped to work in this rewarding field.”
I did my research on esthetics training on Oahu. No other esthetics school on Oahu can compare to Makana. Malia, the Director and owner of Makana Academy, as well as the instructors, have been great teachers and supporters of all their students. They make learning fun and exciting. I got to learn advanced esthetics training and my core esthetics; this prepared me for work right out of school. Every day I woke up looking forward to going to school. We learn and grow from each other in a peaceful and friendly environment.
I believe my calling has always been to help people see their own true beauty. So for me, it seemed only natural to enter the field of esthetics, thus bringing me to research esthetics schools in the Honolulu area. Through my research, I found that Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy was the most modern, using advanced equipment and education compared too [other] schools in the area. I have enjoyed attending Makana because of the knowledge and dedication of the staff. The instructors are definitely there to help the students become subject-matter experts and the guidance from the director, Malia Sanchez, is invaluable. I’m excited to share with you my passion for beauty and my own experiences with Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy.
When Malia told me about opening her school, I applauded her as what is currently available [for esthetic training] is not done on the behalf of the student’s knowledge and personal growth. I know those of you who are considering a career in this industry will do it from your heart and for your client(s)! Malia does everything from her heart and has great compassion for those individuals that she touches.
Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy is truly a gift with a sincere commitment to both Hawaiian culture and aesthetics; it will be no surprise that the Academy will offer the promise of success. Malia Sanchez has a passion to develop knowledgeable, well-trained estheticians to deliver rich, relaxing, therapeutic treatments to satisfied patrons. This combined with her incredible dedication and unsurpassed integrity will make the Academy not only a success but the producer of perhaps the nations best educated.
The first thing that interested me in Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy was the spa setting. I walked in and immediately I felt calm and relaxed. Everything is well organized, color coordinated, and you can really see that a lot of hard work and planning was put into this school. This made me think that if so much effort and dedication was put into building the school, the effort and dedication to the educational program must be equal. When I met the students I could see they had great confidence in the instructors and the learning materials. It was evident that the Principal, Malia and the Instructors Ms Rhonda, Dale and the rest of the staff were professionals in the field of esthetics. I am now very happy to be attending Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy. I learn something new every day and I know one day I will take all that I’ve learned and achieve my goals in the field of Esthetics.
I graduated from Makana a few years ago, and I can say with absolute confidence that choosing this school was the BEST decision I've ever made for my career. The instructors, staff members, and Malia truly care about each student and have so much passion about their work. At this school, not only did I receive quality education but learned about time management, great work ethics and creating a mindset for myself that made me capable of achieving what I have today.
It wasn't easy for me to return to school but everyone at Makana, from the Instructors to my classmates made the experience so great. Makana provided me with a strong foundation in Esthetics. The program is challenging but it prepared me well for the beauty industry. Immediately after graduation I was referred to my first job interview and with the help of Malia and her connections I was hired, only 3 weeks’ post-graduation of Makana. If you have the opportunity to go to school and you have a passion for skin care, go to Makana Academy.
Choosing Makana Academy was the best decision that I have ever made! I absolutely loved every step in the journey I made throughout my schooling. My class size was five girls which was perfect because we received the individual attention and help that we needed. The instructors were always our number one fans and they were wonderful at accommodating our different learning styles; slide-shows, games, hands-on, study groups, etc. Even after graduating, I still receive so much encouragement and help. Every question that I have had about the licensing process, my state board, or even decisions with my career, each one of them has helped guide me in the right direction. My career has thrived from the job referrals that Malia has given. She has known what my dream has been and because of her I now work as a medical aesthetician! Malia, Tiana, Lisa and each one of my classmates have truly become my second family. If I could go through the entire course again, I would!
Hi my name is Nia Johansen, I have been at Makana for almost three months and I can’t believe how much I have learned already. Makana is the place to be if you want to become a well rounded esthetician. I am not just saying this; I have truly done my research on the island schools, including starting at another school that seemed good at the time, to end up completely disappointed. Here at Makana things are the way you would expect an Esthetics School to be. The school is run in a spa setting and from day one it’s been a fountain of information. In no time you feel like you belong, everyone here works together to create a serene and comfortable learning environment. One of the things that I love most about Makana is the philosophy of giving back and nurturing your community. There is so much to learn and the instructors take their time to ensure that we are learning the proper techniques and that we know our material, so when it comes time to take our State Boards Test we are well prepared. Makana has set a standard in the spa and beauty community and I am proud to be a Makana Student. I am so exited; I can’t wait to apply all the things I have learned here to my future in Esthetics.
It all started in 2010 when I obtained a receptionist position at a plastic surgeon’s office. It was there that my curiosity for aesthetics grew. I wanted to attend school to become a licensed aesthetician, and that year I searched online and found Makana Wellness Academy. Two daughters and three jobs later in 2015 I was able to enroll at Makana! At that point in my life I worked at Sephora and was very passionate about skin care and determined to become an aesthetician. When I started school, my youngest was just three weeks old. With the support of my mother and amazing husband, my accomplishments were made possible. Malia was honest and told me in the beginning that the course would be a challenge, but with hard work and dedication I could do it! I found that to be true and the daily drive from Waianae to Honolulu didn’t make it any easier. Attending Makana Wellness Academy was one of the best decisions I made in my life. Not one day went by that I didn’t study to pass the daily exams, not to mention all the extra projects we were assigned. Once we passed theory, and passed all of our practical services we moved to the Student Spa with real clients! We were always booked, and it was amazing practice for the future. In between all the homework, projects, work books, and exams I built a lifetime of friendships with the other Makana girls and instructors. The instructors are so passionate about teaching and pushing you to succeed. Lisa, Tiana, and Malia are amazing mentors in my life and I still have a strong relationship with them all! To say they are just instructors would be an understatement, they pour their hearts and souls into making sure every Makana girl succeeds and continues to do so even after you graduate! I am proud to say I attended Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy and that I’m a fulltime working licensed aesthetician! Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy changed my life and set me up for success!
It’s an honor to have a chance to express my gratitude to the most beautiful woman whom I admired and respect. My story was like an open book sitting on a shelf for years collecting dust and no one cared to read. Until one day, I contacted Malia Sanchez the owner of Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy and begged to consider offering evening classes for students like me that couldn’t afford to leave my full-time job to pursue my passion to be educated in the field of Esthetics. Malia Sanchez opened her doors to me and my classmates. She knows from experience exactly how we feel. She has been there she understands the struggles we go through and that’s what makes her “An Inspiration” to me. Her loving heart and her dedication to be the Best Mentor to lead others is a true reflection of who she is. I am so lucky to have found Makana Esthetic Wellness Academy because it gave me quality education in the Esthetics field and a lot more than I expected. The knowledgeable instructors Makana has are the best, they inspired me every day to achieve my fullest potential. I consider them my Mentors and I will forever have love and respect for the entire Makana Staff. Makana, teaches you the Values and Moral Principles to be a professional Esthetician. I also am so grateful for the referrals and job assistance I received after graduation. They’ll be my lifelong friends and faithful mentors. If you chose to attend Makana I’m sure you’ll feel the same as I do. Makana is dedicated and passionate about its student’s education and growth not only in school but after graduation and throughout your whole career. To me, following my dreams is the most fulfilling achievement I have accomplished and I’m so proud that I am a Makana Alumni. I will be forever grateful and proud. I have that “Heart Center” (The Makana Foundation) in my heart forever!!