Hawaii state requires 420 hours of an ‘Apprenticeship’ (or equivalent) that was originally designed decades ago as a ‘hands-on’ work training permit opportunity after WWII during early statehood for the soldiers in Honolulu. Thus it is a true mentorship op under the guidance of a sponsor in a real clinical setting that engages with the public. As such, the training hours are divided into three subtopics:

a. 40 hours of ‘Advanced Techinques’ + b. 70 hours of ‘Clinical Operations & Hygiene’ + 310 hours of ‘hands on practical training’ – all of which must be supervised by your Sponsoring therapist (who helps you every step of the way).

At Hale Ho’ola Spa, we start by offering you 10-40 hours of advanced training in lomi massage assessments and treatments. These classes are also available to the public, or as CEUs under the NCBTMB provider-approved Continuing Ed programs, including LMTs (Licensed and Registered Massage Therapists) and other health professionals. If you are accepted to work in the Spa, you will proceed to the next level:

After working with your PMT (Principal Massage Therapist) and Sponsor (kumu or instructor), you may qualify to move forward into the Clinical phase. This is where you will get your hands-on training, including professional training as to greeting and assessing the client’s needs, treatment strategies, record keeping, clinical operations, special considerations for common acute and chronic soft-tissue considerations, spa procedures, hot stone applications, and much more.

Parts of this course are open to the professional public for Continuing Ed. Please inquire for more information: Nancy Kahalewai, LMT, Educational Director.