What Our Students Are Saying
At Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy, we’re proud of the community we’ve built and the transformations our students experience every day. But you don’t have to take our word for it—hear directly from the incredible people who have walked through our doors.
Whether it’s learning something new, growing in confidence, or finding a supportive and inspiring environment, our students’ stories speak volumes about what Makana is all about…. Real Feedback. Real Results. Real Voices!
Attending esthetics school at Makana was one of the most rewarding experiences in my journey into the beauty industry. From the very beginning, it was clear that the program was designed to set students up for real success. The curriculum provided a strong foundation in both theory and hands-on skills needed to confidently step into the field.
One of the standout aspects of Makana is its instructors. They are not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also genuinely invested in their students' growth. They create a supportive learning environment where questions are encouraged, and each student is guided to reach their full potential.
Throughout my time there, I gained valuable skills in skin care techniques, client care, and professional practices. It truly prepared me for a career. I left feeling confident, capable, and excited to begin working in the esthetics field.
I highly recommend Makana to anyone considering a future in esthetics. It's a place where you can build a strong foundation and learn from instructors who truly care about your success.
Attending Makana was one of the most life-changing decisions I've ever made. When I first enrolled, I had one clear goal: to become a successful medical aesthetician and build a career that combined results-driven skincare with genuine confidence-building for my clients. Makana gave me the foundation, education, and support to make that dream a reality.
The education went far beyond just passing boards and becoming licensed. I learned professionalism, advanced skincare knowledge, client care, and what it truly means to work in this industry with passion and purpose. The instructors believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the provider I am today.
Since graduating, I've gone on to become a successful medical aesthetician, work alongside incredible professionals, and achieve milestones I once only dreamed about — including becoming a SkinCeuticals Professional Aesthetician. Today, I've partnered with a physician and am helping run and grow an aesthetics practice that I'm deeply proud of.
I will always be grateful to Makana for helping shape the beginning of my journey — not only an education, but the confidence to step into this field and truly pursue the life and career I envisioned. To anyone considering this path: it is possible. Stay passionate, stay dedicated, and trust the process. It can truly change your life.
Looking back at my career, I can honestly say that Makana Academy didn't just teach me the basics of skincare — it was the launchpad for everything I've achieved. I graduated at the top of my class in both academics and sales, but what really made the difference was the environment Malia has built. She creates a family atmosphere that truly pushes you to go further than you ever thought you could.
What's even more amazing is that the support doesn't stop once you get your diploma. Malia has been a real mentor throughout my entire career, even years after graduation.
Since leaving Makana, my journey has been a whirlwind of firsts: landing a role at a top plastic surgeon's office and working my way up to Lead Aesthetician; becoming Director of Operations for the SkinCeuticals flagship store at Ala Moana; and becoming the first male Master Aesthetician for SkinCeuticals (a division of L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty) and the first male Master Aesthetician in the State of Hawaii.
Today I work with a dermatologist in Aiea, Kailua, and am expanding to Kona, focusing on advanced laser treatments and chemical peels. Makana gave me the tools and the high standards to keep aiming for greatness. If you're looking for a school that offers genuine mentorship and will push you to do big things — this is it.
I chose Makana because of the warm and professional support I received during the school tour. The clinical training rooms were private and designed like a real work environment, where I could immediately apply my skills.
At first, I thought it might be difficult to keep up since English is my second language, but with the kindness of my classmates and the patient guidance from my instructors, I realized I didn't need to worry so much about the language barrier.
The instructors were caring and gave clear guidance — hands-on training, retail education, and even special classes from a graduate. Because of this real-world practice, I was able to apply my esthetician skills immediately after graduation in my current clinic.
Makana is a school where the instructors and staff share the same vision as Founder Malia, and they work together as one team. The five months I spent at Makana gave me a truly priceless experience. Mahalo.
Attending Makana has been such a positive and meaningful experience for me. The instructors are supportive, patient, and truly care about helping students succeed.
I gained hands-on skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of client care and professionalism. The learning environment was uplifting and motivating, and I always felt encouraged to do my best.
I'm grateful for the knowledge and growth I received here, and I feel confident and excited to start my career in the beauty and wellness industry. I would highly recommend Makana to anyone pursuing esthetics. Mahalo.
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. Not only did I receive quality education, but I learned about time management, great work ethics, and creating a mindset for myself that made me capable of achieving what I have today.
