Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are here to help you understand our sessions, trainings, and pathways.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we welcome you to get in touch.
What is the Institute of Living Aloha?
We are a Hawaiian wisdom and Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage school based on unceded lands in Australia. We offer in-person and online trainings, supervision, professional development, and bodywork sessions rooted in aloha, cultural integrity, and heartfelt care.
What is Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage?
Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage is a holistic Hawaiian healing art that works with the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. It blends flowing touch, presence, pule (prayer), and intention to support balance, relaxation, and deeper connection to self. Read more about lomilomi massage.
Where do you offer your services?
We offer sessions and trainings across QLD, NSW, ACT, and VIC, with selected offerings available online. Our Practitioner Team also supports clients and students across Australia.
Who founded the school?
The Institute of Living Aloha was founded by Charlie Snow (Nani Ke Aloha), who teaches Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage with permission from respected Hawaiian Elder and Kumu Laʻau Lapaʻau Sylvester Keiliwaliu Kamaka Iki Aliʻi Paʻakaula Kamoa Kepilino Papa K.
What makes your approach unique?
Our work is grounded in Hawaiian culture, lineage, and responsibility. We honour the teachings passed down through our Kūmu (teachers) and Kūpuna (Elders) and we hold that lomilomi is far more than a technique —
it is a living practice of aloha, relationship, and integrity.
Who are your sessions for?
Our sessions are open to people of all genders, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We are committed to fostering respectful, welcoming, and affirming spaces, including for LGBTIQASB+ communities and trans/gender-diverse folk. We encourage open communication around individual needs, boundaries, and accessibility, so care can be offered as thoughtfully and appropriately as possible.
Further information around accessibility is provided below.
Is Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage sexual?
No. Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage is not sexual. The genitals are always covered, and practitioners do not work with sexual energy. Our sessions are held with respect, professionalism, and care.
What can I expect in a Lomilomi session?
A typical session begins with a brief consultation, followed by Hawaiian pule (prayer), nurturing and flowing oil massage, and time for integration at the end. Each session is designed to support relaxation, presence, and deep restoration.
What are the benefits of Lomilomi?
Lomilomi may support physical ease, improved circulation, stress relief, emotional release, and a greater sense of connection and balance. Many people also experience the work as grounding, nurturing, and spiritually restorative.
Is Lomilomi gentle?
Lomilomi is generally gentle, flowing, and nourishing. It can be deeply relaxing, whilst also going deeper where needed; allowing for meaningful physical and emotional release, depending on what is needed in each session.
Are there any situations where Lomilomi may not be suitable?
Yes. As with any bodywork, there are times when extra care is needed. If you have recently had surgery, have skin irritations, wounds, stitches, acute injuries, contagious illness, broken bones, dislocations, fever, lymphoedema, or if you are receiving treatment for cancer, please discuss this with your practitioner before booking.
How do I book a Lomilomi?
To find the right practitioner near you, visit our Practitioner Team. From there, you can connect with them individually to arrange your session—some offer online bookings, while others can be reached via direct message.
Who can attend your training?
Our 6-day Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage training is open to people of all levels. No prior massage experience is required, but you must have received at least one authentic lomilomi massage before attending.
What will I learn in the training?
You will learn how to give a full 90-minute Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage session, how to work with diverse bodies and backgrounds with care, how to use intention and breath within the practice, and how to support yourself as a practitioner. The training also includes cultural teachings, professional guidance, and space to deepen your own relationship with aloha.
How long is the training?
Our foundational Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage training runs over 6-days. Class times vary by day and location, and we always aim to honour the flow of the training while keeping within schedule where possible.
Do I receive certification?
Yes. Upon completion of the training, you receive Student Certification. This allows you to practice lomilomi, and if you choose, begin your pathway toward professional practice.
Can I get insurance with a Student Certificate & charge for sessions?
Yes. You can join IICT (International Institute for Complimentary Therapists) and gain membership + insurance at their Student Level. This allows you to charge for your sessions and practice legally within Australia.
Can I become a professional Lomilomi Practitioner?
Yes. If you feel called to continue after your initial training, you may apply for Practitioner Certification after completing 5 full Lomilomi practice sessions, attending a Paʻa Session to confirm readiness, and successfully passing a practical assessment.
This pathway supports you in offering professional sessions and stepping into your kuleana (cultural responsibility) with clarity and integrity.
Do you offer ongoing support after training?
Yes. We are committed to supporting our graduates through mentoring, online teachings, community connection, and continued professional development. When you train with us, you become part of a living Lomilomi ʻOhana.
Do you offer pathways to becoming a teacher?
Yes. Teacher Training is the highest level of our professional pathway and is designed for experienced practitioners who have demonstrated readiness, maturity, and alignment with the values of this work. Teachers are entrusted to carry Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage forward with integrity, cultural respect, and care. Learn about our Professional Pathways.
Do you offer scholarships or payment plans?
Yes. We offer partial scholarship places for First Nations Mob and for trans and/or gender-diverse people experiencing financial need. Payment plans may also be available for LGBTIQASB+ community members and other folk in need.
Do returning students receive a discount?
Yes. Returning students who revisit the 6-day training receive a 50% discount on the full fee, with limited places available in each training.
How do I book in for a training?
To begin your booking, please complete our Expression of Interest form.
A discovery call or pre-enrolment Zoom chat is required to ensure the training is the right fit. If you choose to go ahead, a non-refundable deposit will be needed to secure your place, after which you will receive your preparation details and a waiver form.
Who teaches your Lomilomi trainings?
Our trainings are designed by our founder, Charlie Snow. Classes are led by either Charlie or one of our emerging teachers, with an experienced Practitioner Team member providing support as an assistant. To ensure the integrity of our teachings, Charlie also personally assists each of our new teachers during their first training.
What are Paʻa Sessions?
Paʻa Sessions are online sessions with our founder and lead teacher, Charlie Snow, which support grounding, reflection, and personal or professional growth. “Paʻa” means an unshakeable foundation, and these sessions are designed to help you feel more steady, clear, and aligned.
Who are Paʻa Sessions for?
Paʻa Sessions are open to anyone. They are especially supportive for lomilomi practitioners, students preparing for assessment, and people seeking clarity, supervision, or deeper personal grounding.
How do I book a Paʻa Session?
When you’re ready, simply visit Charlie’s online booking page to select a day/time that suits you and submit a booking request. All booking requests are personally reviewed before being confirmed. If your request is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with an intake form to complete prior to your session, so we can prepare thoughtfully and best support you.
Who can join your online teachings?
Our online teachings are designed for graduates of the Institute of Living Aloha looking to deepen their professional development. Some of these sessions are also open to lomilomi practitioners from other lineages who feel called to join our supportive, culturally grounded community. Online teachings.
Are your sessions and trainings accessible?
We are committed to fostering respectful, welcoming, and inclusive spaces, and we warmly encourage open communication around accessibility needs so we can explore what may be possible.
Accessibility varies depending on the offering, venue, and practitioner.
Are your Lomilomi trainings wheelchair accessible?
At this time, our in-person Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage trainings are not currently wheelchair accessible, due to the physical nature of the venues and training setup.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we remain open to ongoing reflection about how accessibility can be improved as our school evolves.
Can accessibility accommodations be discussed for trainings?
Yes. If you have access needs, communication requirements, or questions about whether a training may be suitable for you, we warmly encourage you to reach out before enrolling.
While we may not be able to accommodate every need, we are always happy to have respectful and caring conversations about what may be possible.
For example, we have previously supported Deaf students by arranging Auslan interpreters, with adjusted training pricing so funds could be redirected toward interpreter costs.
Are Practitioner Team session spaces wheelchair accessible?
Some members of our Practitioner Team offer wheelchair accessible Lomilomi spaces and/or services, while others do not.
As practitioner spaces and services vary, please refer to individual practitioner profiles for specific accessibility information.
Can I discuss my access needs before booking in for a session or a training?
Absolutely. We warmly encourage open communication around access needs, boundaries, communication preferences, sensory considerations, or anything else that may support your experience.
This helps us prepare thoughtfully and determine what may be the best fit.
Do you offer accessible online options?
Yes. Paʻa Sessions (counselling, mentoring, supervision, and heart-centred support) are offered online via Zoom, which may be a more accessible option for some people.
Zoom also offers built-in accessibility features, including automated live captions and transcripts, which may be supportive for Deaf or hearing-impaired participants, as well as others who benefit from captioning. If you have specific communication or accessibility needs for an online session, we warmly encourage you to reach out so we can explore what may best support you.
Can I bring a support person or interpreter?
Please reach out to discuss your individual needs. We are happy to have conversations about what may be supportive and appropriate for the specific offering.