Welina mai me ke aloha,

Puni Kaawa

I'm Puni, your dedicated massage therapist and owner of Ola I Ke Aloha Massage. Born and raised in Kona, I was fortunate to grow up immersed in the Hawaiian language and culture. My upbringing is what has shaped me and my passion for massage and holistic wellness and healing. Prior to being license in 2021, I had been studying and practicing massage for 13 years. Specializing in therapeutic massage, Mana Lomi, lymphatic drainage, prenatal, myofascial release and much more, I tailor every treatment to address your unique needs, whether it's relieving chronic pain, reducing stress, or enhancing flexibility. My goal is to create a personalized experience that promotes overall well-being and leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Iʻm always honored and blessed to be trusted as just one source to help guide you on a journey of relaxation and healing, where every touch is infused with care and expertise. Welcome to a space where you can unwind, recharge, and find balance.

Certifications

Aloha Massage Academy, Angela Leslee, 570 Massage Therapy Training Program 2021

Lomilomi Level 1, Angela Leslee (Aunty Margaret Machadoʻs lineage), 40 Hours 2021 & 2022

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Angela Leslee, 32 Hours 2021 & 2024

The Art of the 90 Minute Massage, Angela Leslee, 12 Hours 2024

Mana Lomi Level 2, Dr. Makaʻala Yates (Aunty Margaret Machadoʻs lineage), 32 Hours 2021

Mana Lomi Leve 3, Dr. Makaʻala Yates (Aunty Margaret Machadoʻs lineage), 36 Hours 2023

The Synergy of Massage and Aromatherapy, Dr. Uwe Kreis, 8 Hours 2022

Thai Yoga and the Feminine Approach, Dominique Warfield, 16 hours 2023

Aloha Cupping and Massage, Tanya Mendoza, 8 Hours 2024

Reflexology, Tanya Mendoza, 14 Hours 2024

Ashiatsu DeepFeet 1 Basics, Abby Parker, 25 Hours 2024

Why massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a holistic approach to well-being, promoting physical and mental harmony. It not only releases muscular tension but also enhances circulation, reduces stress hormones, and triggers the body's natural relaxation response. Beyond the physical benefits, massage therapy offers a unique opportunity to disconnect, unwind, and foster a deeper mind-body connection. Choosing massage therapy is choosing a path to both relaxation and overall health improvement.

The story behind Ola I Ke Aloha

It took me a long time to come up with a name that would give meaning and foundation to what I would be hoping to exude and share within my practice as a massage therapist. After many back and forth discussions with loved ones, former teachers and the sources and connections that I still value to this day, Ola I Ke Aloha Massage finally came to fruition.

In Hawaiian, there are many meanings to one word.

Ola - life, health, well-being, living, alive, survive, thrive

Aloha - love, affection, compassion, grace, kindness

O ke aloha ka mea a i ʻole ke kumu e ola ai ke kanaka a i ʻole kekahi mea.

Love is the reason or thing that something or someone lives and feels alive.

Love, or better yet Aloha is the foundation on which I base my practice. Aloha in Hawaiian, as most know, holds a much deeper meaning than just the basic translation. Aloha is always flowing, ever changing and evolving, but always constant. In fact I’ve always thought of it being similar to water. It’s always flowing, present, and calm.

Massage is my happy place, and I absolutely LOVE it! It brings me so much joy when I feel like I’ve helped even just one person through massage. I’ve never claimed to heal because I’ve been taught that our bodies naturally know what to do. Sometimes we just need a little help to get things moving and flowing again.

It is my hope that during a session, I’m able to build a level of mutual respect and trust between myself and everyone that I have the pleasure of meeting. And through our massage sessions, we can show your body some love and let massage just be one more part of your health and healing journey.

  • "I felt so much relief and comfort afterwards"

    “I got a great massage from Puni to the point where I had that “massage drunk” feeling - Iʻm not sure if thatʻs a common term or not. However, I felt so much relief and comfort afterwards.”

    Lawrence G.

  • "The type of healing, peace, comfort and clarity is true magic"

    Omg girrrrl thank you so much for today you are magical! I have been ranting and raving about you and sending literally everyone.

    You were truly heaven sent honestly. The type of healing, peace, comfort and clarity is true magic. I am so immensely grateful. Girrrl you are IT!!! Thank you again truly cannot thank you enough.”

    Malia

  • "My lower back felt so much better the next day"

    “The massage worked great. Both my neck and tingles down my arm and my lower back felt so much better the next day. Thank you again!!!”

    Lance

  • "It was an incredible session where all my needs were addressed"

    “Puni has incredible flow, heart and energy. I needed a reset for my overworked body and she delivered. It was an incredible session where all my needs were addressed. 11/10 would recommnend.”

    Katie

  • "Puni did a wonderful job loosening everything up!"

    “I woke up with a lot of pain and stiffness on my right side. Puni was able to get me in the same morning and she did a wonderful job loosening everything up! I will be going back to her again!

    Alexia

  • "What an amazing experience in a lovely setting!"

    “It was my first Ashiatsu massage with Puni. What an amazing experience in a lovely setting! I could feel the tension in my muscles releasing. It was very relaxing with just the right amount of pressure. I will definitely be going back!”

    Nalani

  • "It wasnʻt just a massage - it felt like emotional and physical restoration all in one"

    “Puni has an intuitive touch - knowing exactly where my body held tension without me having to say a word. Every movement was intentional, fluid, and deeply healing. I could feel stress melting away and my muscles finally releasing years of built-up tension. It wasnʻt just a massage - it felt like emotinal and physical restoration all in one. Left feeling lighter, more aligned, and more grounded than I have in ages.

    If youʻre looking for more than just relaxation - if you want to feel renewed, reconnected, and recharged - this is the place. Hands down the best massage Iʻve ever had.

    Highly recommend. Will definetly be back. “

    Chantel

  • "The way she was able to get into trouble areas with ease blew me away"

    WOW!

    “I did a 90 minute massage with Puni and it was amazing. The way she was able to get into troubled areas with ease blew me away. As a fellow massage therapist I look for a lot of things when receiving and she hit them all. It was so good I fell asleep and started twitching and I never all asleep.

    11/10! book your ashiatsu massage today!”

    Carly

  • "Truly one of the best lymphatic massages Iʻve ever received"

    “Truly one of the best lymphatic massages Iʻve ever received. She customized it to my needs and made sure I was glowing and weightless for my wedding! Highly recommend!”

    Maeve

  • "Best massage I have had in a very long time"

    “I did a 60 minute mana lomi. Best massage I have had in a very long time I highly recommend Puni sheʻs awesome!”

    Lareesa

  • "I left feeling rejuvenated and I will definitely be back"

    “What a wonderful first experience! Iʻve never had a professional massage or even tried cupping before. I left feeling rejuvenated and I will definitely be back. Mahalo nui Puni!

    Kalena

  • "Her sweet Aloha spirit makes these massages even sweeter"

    “Puni is always professional. She always takes time to ask questions and listen to my concerns before starting. I have done 2 lymphatic drainage massages post surgery. Iʻve never heard of this before, but Puni took the time to explain this type of massage and Iʻm so glad I did it. Iʻve also done therapeutic massages and they are all amazing. Her sweet Aloha spirit makes these massages even sweeter. mahalo Puni!!!

    Rae

  • "Highly recommend signing up for Ashiatsu with Puni you wonʻt regret it!"

    “Was lucky to receive an incredible Ashiatsu massage from Puni today and it felt absolutely amazing! Puni was able to work out all the knots and the pressure was perfect on my overworked and sore body. Highly recommend signing up for Ashiatsu with Puni you wonʻt regret it! Mahalo for bringing my body back into balance with your skills. I was able to move my body how it should be after just one massage! 10/10!!”

    Cory

  • "I was a bit nervous and anxious but Puni made me feel so comfortable and relaxed"

    “Puni is the best! This was my first massage ever and she recommended we go with a therapeutic massage. I was a bit nervous and anxious but Puni made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. My neck had been stiff and sore for days prior, but when I walked out of the massage, my body felt completely new and refreshed, no more pain. Now Iʻm hooked! Mahalo nui Puni!”

    Alohi

  • "Puni is so talented at her craft, knowledgeable about the body, and attentive to her clients needs"

    “I am a regular client of Puniʻs and every time I receive a massage from her she offers my body exactly what it needs. Deep relaxation infused with therapeutic techniques and a slow pace that allows my whole nervous system to reset. Puni is so talented at her craft, knowledgeable about the body, and attentive to her clients needs. I would recommend her to everyone!”

    Amanda

  • "I was able to feel relaxed from the start"

    “Wow. First impression, Puniʻs sweet calm energy made it easy for me to talk to her about my concerns. I was able to feel relaxed from the start. Iʻve never had a massage where I felt I was melting into the table with relaxation. My favorite part was when she massaged my head and scalp. It was the best massage Iʻve ever experienced. Highly recommend Puni if youʻre looking for someone that really listen to your needs and exceeds your expectations!”

    Vanessa

  • "She is professional and extremely knowledgeable about the body and what is needed"

    “Puni is a wonderful massage therapist. She is very reserved and calm, providing a relaxed and safe space as she works. She listened attentively to what I wanted and any feedback I gave her. She is professional and extremely knowledgeable about the body and what is needed. I highly recommend her.”

    Kathryn

  • "Puni has a very warm, welcoming energy that encompasses your experience and enhances the results of her massage"

    “Absolutely the best massage Iʻve ever had. Puni has a very warm, welcoming energy that encompasses your experiece and enhances the results of her massage. Iʻve gone to her for a pinched nerve in the past and sheʻs completely resolved it within a single session, something numerous chiropractor visits could not achieve. I would 100% recommend Ola I Ke Aloha Massage; she also services both Hilo and Kona locations. 10/10”

    Tanya

  • "I felt refreshed and rejuvenated"

    “I had a lymphatic massage and ion cleanse with Puni today and it was awesome!! I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. I will definitely be coming back and also scheduling an appointment for my boyfriend.”

    Dawn

  • "Her technique is on point, but what stood out even more was the environment she created"

    “I was recommended to Puni by a friend and from the first message over social media I already felt at ease. I was nervous going in, not knowing what to expect, but as soon as I arrived and we talked stories for a bit, her energy instantly settled any nerves I had. She carries a calm presence that makes you feel welcomed and grounded from the start.

    I got a 90 minute therapeutic massage and Iʻm pretty sure I fell asleep a few times, thatʻs how relaxed I was. She checked in with me before and during the session, asked if I had any sore spots, and really took her time to focus on those areas with care. Her technique is on point, but what stood out even more was the environment she created.

    The space was clean, comfortable, and she played Hawaiian music the whole time. It made me feel like I was right at home. I shared with her that my last massage at a different place felt more like an interrogation than a healing session. But with Puni, it was the total opposite. No pressure, no awkwardness, just genuine care.

    Iʻd absolutely recommend her to anyone, whether youʻre dealing with stress, chronic pain, or just need time to relax and reset. She offers a wide range of massage styles and you can tell she truly cares. Youʻre in good hands with Puni, simple as that. Mahalo piha.”

    Joey

WHAT MAKES OLA I KE ALOHA SPECIAL?

Ola I Ke Aloha Massage stands out for its personalized approach and attention to detail. I prioritize understanding each client's unique needs, tailoring each massage to provide a truly individualized experience. I believe that our bodies know what to do to heal, we sometimes just need a little help and nudge to get things moving. What sets me apart is not just the massage, but the dedication to ensuring every client leaves feeling rejuvenated and cared for in a distinctive and memorable way.