Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Atsuko began her career at a leading trading company before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later became a fitness instructor, teaching aerobics and yoga, where she first discovered hula—the traditional Hawaiian dance. This profound encounter awakened a passion for Hawaiian culture, history, and language, ultimately leading her to relocate to Hilo, Hawaiʻi, in 2015.

She pursued her studies at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo, majoring in Hawaiian Studies, and graduated in 2019. During her time there, she was deeply moved by the healing wisdom of lāʻau lapaʻau, the traditional Hawaiian herbal medicine.

In 2020, Atsuko met Robin Williams, owner of Ola Tropical Apothecary, a brand celebrated for its tropical, plant-based body and skin care products crafted in Hilo. Together, they realized a shared vision, and in May 2021, opened Ola Tropical Apothecary & Spa in the heart of downtown Hilo.

As Ola’s first flagship store, this boutique and spa embodies the essence of Hawaiian beauty and wellness. Guests are invited to discover exquisite, handcrafted body and skin care products and indulge in signature spa treatments—exclusively using Ola products—infused with the life force of Hawaiʻi.

Step into a refined sanctuary where tradition meets luxury, and allow yourself to experience the timeless healing spirit of Hawaiʻi.

Atsuko

Owner, Licensed Massage Therapist

Book a lomilomi massage with Atsuko! She studied Lomi Lomi in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Lomilomi, or Hawaiian massage, is a traditional Hawaiian massage passed down through generations of ancient Hawaiians. This nurturing technique not only eases deep muscle tension and enhances mobility, but also balances body and spirit through her loving touch, cleansing the soul and restoring mana (life energy). With a touch that is both powerful and graceful, and the flowing, wave-like rhythm unique to this traditional healing practice, she leads her clients into a state of profound relaxation and renewal.

Kazuko

Licensed Massage Therapist / Licensed Acupuncturist

Kazuko is licensed in both acupuncture and massage therapy, and board-certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by NCCAOM. She is a patient and attentive listener, and creates effective treatment plans to promote and restore your health. For therapeutic massage therapy, she utilizes various modalities to guide you to deep relaxation. As an acupuncturist, she addresses many cases of physical and psychological conditions that are difficult to be treated by conventional medicine. She is also able to provide treatment safely for cancer survivors at any point in their lives beyond diagnosis.

Sylah

Licensed Esthetician / Receptionist

When you book a facial with Sylah, you can expect a healing environment. Her focus is relieving facial massage to make you feel as beautiful and relaxed as possible. Enjoy 30-90min of deep cleansing, detoxifying, and healing treatment.

Samantha

Licensed Esthetician

Sam specializes in custom facials that focus on cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and brightening the skin. Her facials include massage work for deep relaxation and a serene experience. Skincare is her passion and allowing people to feel beautiful and at peace.

AJ

Licensed Massage Therapist

AJ is committed to listening to you and your body’s needs and tailoring each session with techniques she has refined over years of practice. She specializes in deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release and more, adjusting her approach based on what your body needs that day.
She encourages open communication before and during your session so she can provide the most effective and comfortable experience. AJ also recommends getting regular massages to support your ongoing healing and wellness journey.

KANANI

Licensed Massage Therapist / Licensed Esthetician / Receptionist

Kanani is grateful to have been a part of the Ola Spa opening team and is now welcoming more appointments. With over 20 years of experience, she offers traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage and facial therapy rooted in sacred healing practices.
Each session is a sanctuary of calm, where guests are welcomed as ʻOhana and held in aloha. Through her nurturing, intuitive touch, Kanani supports deep relaxation and heart-centered healing, restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit.