Hawaii has some fabulous spas from the Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid to the huge hydrotherapy spa (Terme Wailea) at the Grand Wailea and so many more.  Many of the spas will create their own customized oils and massage products featuring locally sources elements from Hawaii.  Spa menus can be pages long with names like Lomilomi or Pohaku massages.

Anara Spa Hale
photo credit Grand Hyatt Kauai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But there are a few new additions to the resort spa menus that are innovative in the path to health and wellness.

Float Therapy at the Anara Spa Grand Hyatt Kauai

Called Healing Hi’u wai- immersing yourself into water to refresh and clean, the Float Pod soothes guests in a solution of water and Epsom salt, keeping them buoyant and providing health benefits. The lack of gravity decompresses the spine and joints, aids recovery from exercise and quiets the mind.   You can choose to have the pod open or closed, with or without music.

Modern Cupping at the Lather Spa at Modern Honolulu

Even though cupping has been around for thousands of years, the Modern’s version is a bit more- well, modern.   Using dry, warm cups, the therapist will create suction on various parts of the body, to assist in pain reduction, detoxification, joint mobilization and lymph drainage.

Nanea Ritual at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas in Maui

Named after the Hawaiian word for relaxation this treatment is inspired by local customs and plants.  Using an exclusive oil with a Hawaiian sandalwood base, guests can customize the blend by adding oils made from island flowers, including tuberose and gardenia. With the help of lomi lomi (loving hands) massage techniques and smooth, heated lava shells, the therapist will massages your body with rhythmic patterns to release tension and calm restlessness.

Sound Therapy at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in the Big Island

Taking an old approach and bringing it to the modern century, the therapist will tap copper bowls with a small mallet, producing a range of frequencies.  Those bowls are then placed on the guest’s back.  The vibration will soothe the senses on an unconscious level.

Taro Honey Body Therapy at the Kohala Spa at Waikoloa Village in the Big Island

Taro has deep roots in local culture and is a staple of the Hawaiian diet.  The Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Kohala Spa is now tapping the plant’s restorative qualities as a body mask,  the therapy uses other island ingredients as well, such as coconut milk to cleanse and condition the skin; organic honey for softening; aloe vera for hydrating; kukui oil for moisturizing; and banana for a rich source of nutrients.  It’s a truly indigenous Hawaiian experience.
Thanks to Marty Wentzel, contributing editor of Travel Agent West for bringing these new treatments to our attention.
My Vacation Lady is a Hawaii destination specialist and we send lots of clients to Hawaii for honeymoons, adventure travel and wellness travel.   Let our first hand knowledge and experience help take your Hawaii vacation from a trip to an experience!