Hawaii conjures up thoughts of sunshine and ocean, surfing and diving, golfing and dining and now some of the world’s finest spas. The Hawaiian Islands offer different hotels and spas for different tastes and budgets. To get an in-depth description of many of the best spas in Hawaii, along with their spa ingredients of Hawaii, I suggest a great new book called, Hawaii’s Spa Experience – here you will learn more about Hawaiian healing methods, as well as Asian traditions and thoughts. The book has great reviews of the best spas of Hawaii. Not only does it have great information, the pages are scented with lavender, so it makes a great gift for your favorite spa addict. To see some excerpts from the book and to purchase your copy, click here.
If you happen to be traveling to Oahu, a visit to Waikiki Beach is a must as it is the center of activity for Hawaii's biggest industry; tourism. It is one of the world's greatest resort playgrounds, featuring some great beaches and some of the best hotels in the world. Visitors from all over the universe flock there to enjoy the sun, the sand, the water, and the best nightlife on the islands.
Besides enjoying the beaches, visitors to Honolulu take tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. The tours highlight the beautiful rainforests and fascinating volcanoes. Animal and plant life thrive, and the scenery is lush. Several museums, including the Bishop Museum, combine exhibits of Hawaiian natural history with lessons about the history and culture of its diverse peoples.
The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States and features many of Hawaii's most interesting sea animals. The Honolulu Zoo house some of the unique mammals, birds, and reptiles that inhabit the forests just outside the city.
The history of Oahu is rich, as the islands have always attracted people representing many cultures. Visitors can tour the Iolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs (I suggest you make reservations before going). You can also visit the Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the Battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II.
Honolulu exhibits the best of Hawaii in every way. From its famous beaches to its natural preserves, this town attracts millions of people from around the world. Many visitors have stayed, helping to make Hawaii one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse vacation destinations in the United States. The thought of a visit to Honolulu is an experience to be happily anticipated. The visit itself is a joy to recall.
Hawaii’s branding focuses on your experience, the true spirit of Aloha.
For more travel tips on visiting Hawaii, go to the Hawaii Visitors Bureau site at: http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com/
Hawaii’s native plants, growing in the rich volcanic soil, come bearing healing powers. The mixture of cultures has created a very unique approach to medicine. It is a blend of Japanese, Chinese, Polynesian and Western philosophy that make up their dedication to health and wellness. Visitors come to Hawaii to leave their world behind, to escape and rejuvenate.
Spas add another dimension, as the Hawaiians have always approached life holistically. A vacation to Hawaii is usually though of for relaxing and de-stressing. Committed to their heritage, the Hawaiians create their treatments with the indigenous ingredients of Polynesian and Island themes, using local fruits, oils, plants and flowers to enhance the healing Hawaiian experience. With these wonderful ingredients come the integration of their healing and restorative philosophy.
Hotels outside of Waikiki:
Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko ‘Olina
The drive to Ko’ Olina is worth the wait! As you drive up the driveway to the JW Marriott Ihilani, leave your cares behind, as this luxury resort is lush and located on 640 acres of tropical opulence. The Spa is located in a separate building near the entrance to the resort.
Once you make your way to the locker room and put on your robe and slippers, it’s easy to slip into the nearby hot Roman tub, set at about 103 degrees. Nearby, also is a steam, sauna, and Vichy shower.
My first spa experience was the Thallaso tub, 125 jets rotating on your bottom-side, starting up by my neck and pulsating on my upper back, then moving down to the undersides and sides of my thighs, calves, and then feet. There are bars in the Jacuzzi-like tub, to hold your feet in place and hand bars to hold onto. It is one of the only two Thallaso tubs in the USA. It is fed by filtered sea water. There are options colors to chose, to enhance your bathing experience. Each color has a different significance. Red for energy, orange for joy, yellow for wisdom, green for harmony and love, blue for calm and peace, indigo for awakening intuition and violet for awareness and creativity. They are meant to enhance and realign the spirit. It was such a soothing, relaxing experience! My attendant, Lee, was so serene and caring. She left me to the music and the jets. What a wonderful feeling and experience!
Lee came back and led me to the wet treatment room for my Pua Kai (Flower by the Sea) signature scent scrub and wrap. It is meant to express the romantic nature of the naupaka, one of Hawaii’s most common beach plants. One of Hawaii’s most famous legends is built around naupaka, in which early Hawaiians believed it was based on a love story of a couple, one from royalty and another a commoner. As it was strictly forbidden for members of royalty to marry people from the common ranks, the two lovers were separated. There are different versions of the naupaka legend, but all carry the same theme: lovers that are separated forever, one banished to the mountains, the other to the beach and that when the beach flower and the mountain flower are once again brought together, the couple would be together again.
Lee scrubbed my body gently with this lovely scent – reminding me of bits of jasmine, roses, orange blossoms, coconut and ginger. After thoroughly rubbing my body with this mixture, she then showered me down with the overhead vichy-shower arm. I was then led to a large vichy shower to rinse off completely, and then into another room to make a choice of a masque lotion or oil mixture for the wrap portion of the treatment.
After my relaxing treatments, I made my way out to the lanai and ordered a refreshing lunch, relaxed for a while afterwards and then made it back into the amenities area and got freshened up before my walk around the grounds.
Suggested improvements:
The lanai where I had lunch was right off of the hotel, meaning that if it’s a high-traffic time, one has to deal with the hotel traffic.
With that said, they say at the Ihilani Spa that they will do everything they can to make sure your visit is not only relaxing, but uplifting. This 35,000 square-foot oasis offers state-of-the-art facilities, helpful conveniences, and service intended to cater to your wellness. There is a fitness center, tennis courts, Pilates room and Yoga is offered on the ocean-front lawn.
This beautiful resort by the sea is set away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Golf (Ted Robinson 18-hole course), snorkeling, whale and dolphin excursions are offered from the property. There is a 43-acre marina with 270 full-service slips imbedded into the Ko ‘Olina community. While on my stroll, I crossed bridges with small hammerhead sharks, rays and assorted fish below. The property offers unique interactive and interpretive guest activity programs here, utilizing this ocean water pond -- Reef Shark Feeding, Hawaiian Fish Feed, Seafari Hunt, Hawaiian Ray Experience and the Keiki (children’s) program. There are kids and teens programs, also tennis lessons and clinics for young adults and adults.
The JW can accommodate your small group or a several-course dinner for 1100.
Get away, relax, and enjoy at this oasis as their motto is: Every Step Reveals Paradise...
Here the ocean does not care where you've been, the cascading sun does not care where you are going. All that matters is that you are right here.
Book your stay at the Ihilani
Turtle Bay Resort – North Shore Oahu
Close your eyes and listen……the pounding of waves is probably the first thing you’ll notice. Now, open your eyes and look out at the ocean. That’s easy to do, as the resort faces Turtle Bay on one side and Kulilima Cove on the other, which has a protected beach with a swimming and snorkel area. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, take the drive to the other side of heaven. 5 1/2 miles of pristine beaches and 12 miles of ocean trails for strolls along the ocean, await you on 880 acres. If you take a stroll along the bay, you will probably have the opportunity to see the many turtles that make their home here. There are seven color-coded trails to follow.
There is something for everyone here. Tennis (10 courts), two championship golf courses (36 holes of Arnold Palmer and George Fazio Courses), horse-back riding stables (a wide variety of choices for beginners to advanced riders, including evening and horse-drawn carriage rides). They also have helicopter tours right on site, and much more!
The property can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 for meetings and has hosted concerts of up to 5,000. There was a wedding gong on during my stay and besides seeing guests all dressed up in their “Hawaii best”, one wouldn’t even know it was going on.
While I was working out in the fitness center, I was speaking with a nice gal. She was working out while her husband was taking advantage of the surfing school that they have on property. That makes sense as this is where the surfers live. Turtle Bay Resort is surrounded by little surfing towns, which lends to the very casual atmosphere at the resort. My new friend then left her work-out to join the yoga class, which was starting just outside on the patio. Another lady that I spoke with said that she and her family have been coming back to the resort every year since her two boys were young. One had just graduated from Cordon Bleu School and had even chosen to do his internship here.
The Turtle Bay Resort recently went through a $60 million renovation of the property. The rooms are spacious (ranging from 478 to 2000 square feet in size) and they also have cottages set away from the main hotel. They have Kallista (deep-soak) tubs, and you can enjoy your own exclusive butler (ho'okipa) service. Rub elbows with the locals as they make their way to the restaurants and partake in the yoga classes, golf and other activities at the resort. It lends itself to a very friendly atmosphere. If you like spinach and bacon, go to Lei Lei’s, their casual golf club dining restaurant and get their spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (it’s great, and loaded with bacon pieces!) and poke (marinated raw ahi tuna). Their poke is very popular, so get there early to get yours.
THE SPA LUANA
Spa Luana takes its meaning from the spirit of relaxation. ancient practices of healing and relaxation that incorporate mind, body and spirit. The Na Ho’ola’s (many healers) used Hawaiian plants, fruits, flowers, and the natural healing properties from the Honua (earth) and the Moana (ocean) to care for the islanders. Experience the collection of Hawaiian indigenous spa treatments that reflect the spirit of Malama (to care, serve and honor).
I arrived at the hotel after a long day in airports and airplanes, and then the 45-minute drive to the hotel. The drive is easy and easy on the eyes, as there are pineapple plantations (Dole) and many other farms and greenery. I checked in, opened the lanai (balcony) and heard beautiful island music playing. There was a function being held outside of my room, but if I hadn’t looked over, I would never have known they were all there, enjoying their early dinner. I just got to enjoy the relaxing music that was filling the air. I then headed down to the spa to get the last treatment of the day.
Signature Treatements:
Hawaiian Ti-Leave Body Wrap
I was greeted by my therapist, Sonia and led to the wet therapy room. I laid down on the treatment bed and she spread an application of fresh coconut pulp all over my body and then followed it by patting my body with a warm pure kukui nut oil. She then wrapped me in a cocoon of ti-leaves on my underside and mylar wrap over my body. During the relaxation period, she placed soothing ti-leafs, held on with small cooled stones eye pillows, and an aromatic essential oil of your choice. During the wrap, Sonia rubbed my head and neck with her great, strong hands, and then massaged my feet. Once complete, she then rinsed my body down with a long overhead Vichy Rain Shower bar. After the rinse, she rolled the sheets and towels out from under me, to provide a clean surface to work from so that she could then apply a natural body moisturizer made with pure, hydrating Aloe Vera gel and coconut juice. She recommended that I let it soak into my body overnight. This treatment alternated from cool to warm and then cool again. They say that this treatment is meant to cool burned skin, prevents peeling and is the ideal spa treatment for those who spent a little too much time in the sun.
Spa massage treatments range from hot stone therapy to Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages. The Lomi-Lomi originally known as lomi ka’ ala hoku, “massage journey to the stars”, is an ancient Hawaiian Massage system. It has been passed down from one generation to the next. Native Hawaiians believed that all nature is replete with the same energy or spirit which they called aloha ‘aina. This system of massage was kept secret from the West until the 1970’s.
It is meant to revive the body, to move blood and lymph, release muscle spasms, and facilitate waste product removal from muscle and connective tissue. The concepts of unconditional love, grace, beauty and spirituality are inherent in Lomi.
The most distinctive movement of Lomi is a kneading motion done toward the heart. However, a full range of massage strokes are also used. Special attention is paid to the na ‘au, the lower abdomen, which ancient Hawaiian philosophy considers the center of all emotion and power.
The practitioner will predominantly use the soft part of the forearm coupled with a dancing motion to create the long, gliding strokes intrinsic to Lomi. Finger tips, hands, knuckles and elbow may also be used.
I spoke with two different women who had this massage and both were extremely relaxed and pleased with their treatments.
Pineapple Pedicure
For lack of time, I was not able to experience this luxurious treatment, but I was able to speak with a lady having it done.
First, this treatment is performed out on the patio, facing the pounding waves. This was also just before sunset so the atmosphere was enhanced by the sun setting. She said that she was loving the total experience and her pedicurist was a delightful young lady, also.
A truly pampering tropical foot treatment that began with a warmed coconut milk footbath soak, filled with fresh orchids, followed by a Hawaiian Sea Salt exfoliation and lava rock buff. Next her feet were wrapped with a mask of crushed pineapple and island honey for deep conditioning. During that period, she enjoyed a soothing kukui nut oil hand massage. Then she had an invigorating foot massage, and ended with a moisturizing application of kukui oil.
The locker room and spa itself is small, with a steam room, a couple of showers and limited amenities, but the trip to your room is short. They even have a spa floor, on the second floor above the spa. The elevator misses the ground floor traffic, so you won’t be running into lobby guests. For larger groups, they convert suites into treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy the sound of the waves from these private suites. The Jacuzzi is located just outside the spa doors
Needs improvement:
The sitting area was very well lit, with only one large comfy chair and another two-person backless bench.
All in all, everyone that I spoke with truly enjoyed the property and the spa. If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax, on Oahu, this is the place.
Book your next stay at Turtle Bay Resort here
Kahala Mandarin Oriental
Excerpt from the new lavender-scented book by Sherrie Strausfogel and Sophia V. Schweitzer, Hawaii’s Spa Experience:
Just east of Diamond Head, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental resort hugs the Blue Pacific in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. A tranquil garden path leads to five enclosed mini-gardens, that serve as the entrances to five peaceful, spacious suites with eucalyptus floors, sea-grass carpets, bright anthuriums, Balinese teaks, and Hawaiian plantation louvers that let in the breezes.
Each treatment at Spa Suites begins with a brief foot-cleansing ritual. Your therapist eases your feet into a kamani-wood bowl filled with warm water and Hawaiian ‘alaea salts. After a relaxing soak, she massages and exfoliates your feet with refreshing spearmint to energize and uplift. This is also the time to choose, from the spa’s several organic aromatherapy oils, the blend that in your subsequent massage and bath will heal and please you most.
To read the review in it’s entirety, buy this book here.
Book your stay at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental
Waikiki
In recent years, Waikiki’s hoteliers, retailers and other businesses have spent millions of dollars in renovations and new facilities, including lavish spas. Kalakaua Avenue is the main street and one would think that they had landed in Beverly Hills, with the rows of high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Company, Gucci, Chanel and many more. Spas fit right into this collection of fine hotels and restaurants.
SpaHalekulani
Before any treatments are performed, your spa pleasure begins with SpaHalekulani’s exclusive gentle foot pounding ritual. Your feet are first wrapped in fragrant, steaming towels, gently tapped with Polynesian bamboo ("ton ton" pounders), and finished with a light scent-ual misting. The maile (pronounced my-lee) vine is their signature fragrance and is used in many of the products used in their treatments. Each treatment room is a spa suite, equipped with private steam showers. There is also a couples suite for couples treatments, with a Japanese-style furo tub.
Their Bridal Suite has two treatment beds, as well as an adjoining room for hair, manicure and pedicure stations. The day that I toured the spa, they were preparing for a bride and her attendants. They were all getting some type of treatment, as well as spa cuisine delivered to the suite. There is also an outdoor private lanai for those in between treatments.
Regular guests also can enjoy a private (lanai) spa terrace, separated by foliage, also allowing a view of Gray’s Beach known by the Hawaiians for its healing “Kawehewehe” waters.
They offer a Samoan massage that uses smooth stones wrapped in mulberry bark, and toning, revitalizing noni juice and a Signature spa treatment Polynesian Steam Therapy, inspired by Tongan traditions. After a gentle tapping-style massage to loosen the upper chest and back, this treatment envelops you in your own humidifying steam tent made of kapa cloth. While your feet are pampered with reflexology, you inhale the lemony vapors of lemongrass, said to have antiseptic and skin-healing properties, along with earthy mists of kava root, said to ease anxiety and instill a profound calm, and eucalyptus to let you breath easy.
SpaHalekulani was developed by Sylvia Sepielli, operator of SPAd, (Sylvia Planning and Design). She has also overseen projects at The Mauna Lani Spa, on the Big Island, and Mii Amo at the Enchantment in Sedona, AZ as well as many spas in Japan & Asia. SpaHalekulani was the first spa to fully explore the healing traditions of Hawaii's diverse cultures, especially those from the Pacific Islands such as Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. The Polynesian ambiance is abound – with sliding Japanese doors to the sandal-wood-scented massage beds.
Book your next stay at Halekulani here
Marriott Waikiki Beach
Spa Olakino Salon
The Hawaiian concept of olakino denotes “a state of well being and health”. You’ll find faux lava walls, tropical prints, Balinese teaks and water fountains in this small oasis. At Spa Olakino, they take pride in the fact that they use natural, fresh Hawaiian ingredients, which are incorporated into the treatments.
You may want to do the Olakino Experience, an all day affair, starting with a foot wash using warm mineral water, Hawaiian salt and peppermint oil. Next, you’ll enjoy their signature Magic Island Massage using an infusion of grape seed oil and Awapuhi-kauiwi (wild ginger). A pineapple and papaya enzyme body scrub follows the massage. Then they finish it off with their Aloe and Hawaiian spirulina wrap, leaving a relaxing aromatherapy facial to end your experience. A healthy lunch is also included in this service.
You may want to take this lunch in the relaxation room, which faces Waikiki Beach. Beforehand, you might even take advantage of their adjacent fitness center. There is also a hair salon right on the premises.
Stay at Marriott Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
Na Ho’Ola Spa
As they say right inside their brochure:
“From the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, and the four corners of the body”. It is an expression used in prayers of healing. The four corners of the body are the shoulders, hips and between them are the vital organs of the body.
As you walk into the spa, you’ll notice a water wall and orchid bins on the wall. They say, “Natural paradise and urban Mecca embrace like yin and yang”.
This two story spa has fantastic views of the pool and Waikiki Beach with their floor to ceiling windows it enhances the viewing pleasure. You can see out into the beautiful Hawaiian waters from the relaxation rooms, facing the ocean on both levels. You can even sit in a multi-jet bath and soak in the view from the tub! When you get out of the bath, grab your warmed towel to dry off with. The massage tables are all heated for your comfort. There are different-smelling large sachets draped across the treatment tables, so you smell beautiful scents such as lavender. They use other sachets on the doors as their Do Not Disturb tags. They, of course, have the sachets and drawer liners for sale in the small shop, with an assortment of their own body wash, shampoo, conditioners and moisturizers.
Try the Ná Hóola Body Polish:
A fine grain, gentle body cleansing scrub using macadamia nut oil and a synergistic blend (specifically made for their Spa) of Noni (the Noni plant is grown locally in Tahiti), Aloe Vera and other essential oil extracts.
The Hyatt has some great restaurants – there is a sushi restaurant on street level, Furasaki…it is so good that I make a point of going every time I visit Waikiki! It won’t be difficult to miss, as there is usually a small line outside during meal times. The Hyatt also has a great Italian/Chinese (yes, you read right) restaurant Ciao Mein. It is a unique combo of the two foods and is served family style. I have never had a bad meal there, either!
Book your next stay at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa here
Royal Hawaiian (the pink Palace of the Pacific) – built in 1927
The Abhasa Waikiki Spa
Think oasis….and you have the Royal Hawaiian. From their lush gardens and walkways to the grandeur you feel when walking the grand halls. There is a beautiful giant monkeypod tree on the grounds. I have yet to visit this hotel without seeing a bridal party, as anyone that marries here must feel like a prince or princess!
The spa is around the corner and downstairs from the lobby, to add to the quiet and solitude of the spa. Right in the middle of their tropical gardens are four cabanas for massages -- the only spa in the area to offer outdoor treatments. The luxury resort spa now occupies a 7,000 square-foot space in the right wing of the hotel and has announced plans to expand its garden area, doubling the number of outdoor treatment cabanas.
You must not miss the Abhasa’s cocoon treatments! The treatment starts with the application of the unique formulas – Lihau – the most moisturizing cocoon, using coconut milk and aloe, Hemolele - detoxifying using seaweed to purify, Ola Honua – nourishing, warm mud, rich in natural vitamins and minerals, or Piahi - contouring with slimming get and cellulite cream. You are then wrapped in a “cocoon” of heat on a table that inflates to become a waterbed that fits around your body. A long soothing shower follows the wrap.
Abhasa also has a Hydro Color Light Therapy, which is a powerful water massage, with 240 air jets and 70 water jets, to massage and lift you while you soak in a scented mineral bath.
One of their new signature treatments is the Hawaiian Sugar Cane Body Exfoliant – an invigorating full-body exfoliation to wake up your skin, utilizing a blend of sugar and essential oils applied with loofa gloves.
To book your next stay click here
Aloha!
