KAPA‘A — Kaua‘i Massage Trainings and Golden Lotus in Kapa‘a is a great location to get both a relaxing message or to receive training to become a licensed massage therapist. Golden Lotus studio is where Kaua‘i Massage Trainings operates out of, and is located near Nani Moon Meadery and the Yasuda Center on Kuhio Highway. Student massage sessions are also available there for those looking to get a massage at an affordable price. Owner Isabelle Fischer opened her business with husband Rod Fischer and former business partner Eana Rose in 2011.
She tells about what motivated her to start her business in healing arts on Kaua‘i: “It’s something that came to me. I started to do bodywork when I was in New York in my 20s. A friend of mine asked if I wanted to learn reflexology foot massage, and I learned that. One thing lead to another, and I got hired into a spa to do reflexology, and then I started doing full-body massage. And I liked doing it so much. It didn’t feel like work, it was so fun to do. I love being in a calm environment and making people feel good.” Fischer has been running the business herself since Eana Rose left the business about a year ago. Together Isabelle, her husband and Rose built the business up from scratch so that it has become what it is today.
Originally from France, Fischer moved to Kaua‘i and has been practicing as a massage therapist for 30 years, and now she lives in Anahola. “I used to be a dancer and studied dance in New York. Then I ended up moving to Kaua‘i. I used to be a massage therapist at a Princeville spa, a Lihu‘e spa, and different places, then I became manager at Pua Day Spa when it was the Courtyard Marriot and now it’s the Sheraton.”
Fischer shares that a variety of massage techniques are offered at Golden Lotus, including lomi lomi, hot stone, Thai massage, deep tissue, Swedish, somatic bodywork, reiki, sound healing, trigger points and reflexology, to name a few.
There also are a variety of different events that are hosted at Golden Lotus studio. “We had some people come from the mainland who teach kriya yoga. It’s a specific type of meditation. They came and gave a free lecture and did a full weekend of meditation. On a regular basis we have belly-dancing classes, we’ve had ballet classes, we have yoga classes, we have hip-hop classes, salsa classes, and Sacred Earth choir that also rehearses here.” The space is used for hula classes as well. Of the activities and events that are hosted at Golden Lotus studio, Fischer also teaches Nia dance lessons.
Both Golden Lotus studio and the healing or massage rooms are available for rent, whether it is to practice massage or host a class or event. Visitors are welcome to make use of the space as well, and it is common that people will come from the mainland and rent the space to teach workshops and events.
Massage students can become licensed through Kaua‘i Massage Trainings after receiving 570 hours of training in the state of Hawai‘i. Student massage that is offered at Golden Lotus provides an opportunity for massage therapists in training to complete their practical hours, which helps them work toward receiving their license and complete their apprenticeship.
Fischer currently is still looking for massage students, and ideally would like to have 12 students enrolled in the program at Kaua‘i Massage Trainings. “The program that we have here is a nine-month program that offers all the hours that are required for the Hawai‘i Board of Massage to approve them to take the test, and then they have to sign up to take the test. The test can be taken four times a year on-island.” Right now there are five students practicing at Kaua‘i Massage Trainings. Most of the students start in September. Then they take the test the following September. A new massage course is underway at the end of this month.
For more information visit www.kauaimassagetrainings.com and www.goldenlotuskauai.org
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Monique Kemper is a lifelong North Shore resident who lives in Princeville and writes periodically for The Garden Island.
