If you want to relax and rejuvenate on your Hawaii vacation, there’s nothing better than a visit to one of its top spas — especially when you can just roll out of bed and walk a few steps to experience the nirvana of a Hawaiian lomilomi or heated lava rock massage. Locally sourced ingredients like sugar, honey, ginger, coffee and cacao make body wraps and facials delectable, too. Here are our favorite hotels with first-rate spas on the island of Hawai‘i from the Kohala Coast south to Kailua-Kona. Note: Some services may not be available currently due to Covid-19 precautions.
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Feature Photo: Fairmont Orchid Facebook
TIP: Most hotels have 4 pm check-in. Ask for an early check-in.
If they can’t accommodate, they will let you store your bags so you can head to the beach!
Fairmont Orchid
One of two hotels on the Mauna Lani Resort, the Fairmont Orchid lies on the northern edge, next to one of Hawaii’s largest collection of petroglyphs and 500 acres of kiawe (mesquite) trees, which help produce the hotel’s signature honey. Also sweet to experience are the Spa Without Walls, a series of open-air huts tucked into terraced gardens with waterfalls; a large oceanfront pool and, nearly hidden by tropical foliage, a roomy hot tub; and a top-tier tennis complex and onsite luau. Dining is superb, including the upscale, open-air Brown’s Beach House overlooking the Fairmont’s sandy swimming cove, and the casual, thatched-roof Hale Kai next to the pool; both make full use of the Big Island’s bountiful seafood, beef and produce.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Besides the eight private outdoor waterfall hales (huts), Spa Without Walls includes six oceanside hales, four indoor treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. The spa boutique has a thoughtful selection of organic and mineral-based skin care products, including sunscreens. Opt for the Big Island Flower Essence treatment, which combines a traditional lomi lomi-style massage with a Hawaiian mamaki volcanic mud wrap on the lower part of your legs and feet.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
This sprawling fantasy playground with more than 1,000 hotel rooms is not for the weak of heart — even with canal boats and a futuristic tram to shuttle you across the grounds, you can expect to do a fair amount of walking across its 62 acres to experience all its attractions. Adults will appreciate the similarly expansive Kohala Spa, which includes numerous tranquil rooms for massages, facials, body treatments and water rituals. Top of the list for kids is the 4-acre, protected saltwater lagoon with a private beach, waterfall, tropical fish and sea turtles; since it’s separated from the ocean, it’s a safe place for beginning snorkelers, kayakers and water tricycle riders. Three large pools (one just for adults) and the humane-certified Dolphin Quest dolphin encounter programs are a big draw too.Three towers of rooms (two currently open) offer a variety of views and accommodations, with frequent special packages that help offset the steep resort fees.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Known for its line of coconut mango body products, Kohala Spa features men’s and women’s spa areas with steam rooms, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor garden whirlpools, plus a 2,000-square-foot salon. Book the Naupaka Ritual, which starts with a foot rub with ‘awa root and Hawaiian ginger and includes body wraps with warmed herbs, or the Volcanic Body Ritual, which combines the exfoliation from volcanic pumice with the deep moisturizing of coconut oil.
Four Seasons Hualalai
Everything is exceptional here, from the newly renovated, subtly island-inspired guest rooms and the exquisite sushi and steaks at ‘Ulu Ocean Grill to guests-only amenities such as the enormous, indoor-outdoor spa with apothecary treatments and the championship golf course. Families will love the multiple pools, including the magical King’s Pond snorkeling experience and a sandy-bottomed one with miniature lounges just for kids; there’s also an adults-only pool, and all have ocean views. Ground-floor rooms boast large, outdoor showers with lava rock walls and tropical foliage.
The always-attentive staff will help you make the most of any activity.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The sprawling spa and fitness center is a resort unto itself, with a four-lane Olympic lap pool, climbing wall and large, separate structures for the latest in cardio equipment, Pilates, yoga and other wellness classes. Body treatments start with custom-blending of ingredients, many of them locally sourced, in the Apothecary; massages are excellent, including Hawaiian lomi lomi and techniques for expectant mothers. Allow time to enjoy the spa’s lush Waiea (Water of Life) garden, which includes a reflexology path through a gentle stream.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
This multi-wing hotel with open-air corridors spreads across 22 acres like one of the graceful manta rays that visit neighboring Keauhou Bay and can be spotted from the hotel grounds. Snorkeling and seasonal whale-watching cruises as well as a new water taxi to Kona that includes a cultural tour also depart from Keauhou Harbor, where King Kamehameha III was born. Currently closed, the vibrant dinner and happy-hour spot Rays on the Bay is expected to reopen post-pandemic; some of Kona’s best sushi, pizza and other dining choices lie a short drive uphill at the Keauhou Shopping Center. Within the sound of waves lapping on the rocky shoreline, Ho‘ola Spa takes its inspiration from traditional Hawaiian therapies as well as global techniques, with expert salon services as well.
HIGHLIGHTS
- This was the first spa in the islands to boast a Himalayan Salt Room with halo generator, a rejuvenating experience in a peaceful, glowing room; Hawaiian sea salt appears in several of the body wraps and scrubs, along with locally grown floral ingredients and other aromatics. Couples should book the Unforgettable Massage for Two, given on a private, ocean-view lanai with its own hot tub.
