Hawaii Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Waikiki

[Photo by Robert Linder]

As embedded in our collective consciousness as Frankie and Annette and the bikini itself, Waikiki is more than a beach destination. It’s pop culture and fantasy. Historical significance and recreational allure. 

But more important, it’s real. It’s a magical realm where the aloha spirit, urban bustle, and a celebrated stretch of white sand beach converge, as if by divine arrangement. It’s where Diamond Head majestically looms from every angle and turquoise is always the color du jour.

Hawaii Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Oahu

Waikiki has been a playground for royalty, celebrities, and tourists alike for over a century yet its charms never wane. Aside from national historical monuments and museums, premium shopping and dining, you will find year-round festivals and events to capture your interest.

The King Kamehameha Floral Parade is not to be missed, as are the Honolulu Festival, Aloha Festival, and the Honolulu Food & Wine Festival, among many others.  There is more than enough culture to keep you busy, but days always end with a beach sunset.

Hawaii Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Maui

There are also ample spas to prim and pamper after a hard day of culture-tripping or sunbathing. We’ve assembled a list of our favorites to put the icing on the cake (or extra fruit in your daiquiri) to your Waikiki visit. Check out our Hawaii spa guide to discover the best spas in Waikiki.

If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Hawaii, click here.

Abhasa Waikiki Spa at The Royal Hawaiian

2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 923-7311

Often referred to as the “Pink Palace,” The Royal Hawaiian is as enigmatic and glamorous as a silent movie star. The legendary hotel has served as a second home to many dignitaries and socialites for over a century. A walk through the lobby and main ballroom will transport you to a roaring 1920s palatial ball. An exercise in splendor of a by-gone era, it is consistently ranked as one of America’s landmark hotel properties.

Abhasa means "illusion" in Sankrit and is known for being the only spa in Honolulu that offers spa treatments in a garden setting in the midst of world-famous Waikiki. The outdoor garden cabanas at Abhasa Waikiki Spa are a world unto itself where guests can discreetly enjoy a massage amidst the hum of nature and lush foliage. 

Spa Profile: Abhasa Waikiki Spa at The Royal Hawaiian

Spend all the time you need in the sauna, steam room, hot tubs, and relaxations lounges with a cup of herbal tea or fresh pressed juice. They are also the only spa to offer massage classes called the "Abhasa Academy.”

To get the most out of your spa getaway, we recommend one of their packages, such as the Royal Combination. This consists of a tradition Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and an organic tropical facial to ensure you are relaxed and rejuvenated from head to toe.

Infinity Spa at the Outrigger Resort

2335 Kalākaua Ave Penthouse, Honolulu, HI 96815; (800) 430-1561

Infinity Spa is a two-story, oceanfront penthouse oasis located on the top two floors of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Relax on a hammock or hanging chair on the open-air lanai as you indulge in the tropical sea air or nap to the sound of crashing waves.

Therapists use traditional and international massage techniques in a wide array of spa services. Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish, hot stone, and sports are among the specialty offerings. Showers are available; however, there is no sauna or steam room.

The Infinity fitness team offers group and private classes to hotel guests such as yoga, core power, stretch, and more.

Lava Massage & Day Spa

1750 Kalākaua Ave # 2502, Honolulu, HI 96826; (808) 909-7880

Good things come in converted apartment spaces. Cozy, warm, and full of good vibes, Lava Massage & Day Spa is where you can indulge in a guilt-free day spa package and still have money left over for a night out.  Located on the 25th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows, treat yourself to a massage or facial with a view without overdrawing from your checking account.

Go for one of the packages such as the Essence Spa Package, which includes a 1-hour Aromatherapy Massage, 40-minute Signature Facial, and a 20-minute Foot Massage—all for $150. That’s the best deal around!

Also be sure to check out their new beauty studio on the first floor for nail, lash, and brow services.

Mandara Spa at Hilton Hawaiian Village

2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 949-4321

Hilton Hawaiian Village is the largest resort in Waikiki and is also home to the largest spa. The delightful space encompasses 25 treatment rooms, lounge areas, beauty salon, and a full-service fitness studio. Treatments are infused with native Polynesian plants and botanicals such as tropical coconut, chocolate macadamia, papaya, vanilla, island coffee, Hawaiian sea salt, limu Kala (seaweed), and Pikake flowers.

Mandara Spa is also proud to offer Elemis facials for those who wish to experience the latest in skincare technology. This includes the advanced Elemis Biotec Line Eraser Facial. Wrinkles are targeted with firming and toning microcurrent pulses to stimulate the skin cells toward dynamic functionality.

Circulation is improved, increasing the production of collagen and elastin while the dermis is flooded with super hyaluronic hydrating activators, sealed with a re-energizing amber balm. Red and blue light therapy warms and de-stresses the skin as a blast of oxygen delivers a breath of fresh air, effectively ironing out wrinkles and filling in lines. 

Enhance your spa service with a Wellness Wonder ritual or choose a complete spa package that centers on the elements of air, water, fire, or earth—incorporating global ingredients and techniques for a more connected mind and body experience.

Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 98615; (888) 236-2427

Enter a world of Victorian grace and elegance at the historic Moana Surfrider, which opened its doors in 1901 and holds its traditions close to its heart. Watch the sunset from one of the famous rocking chairs on the front porch or catch high tea on The Veranda. If you’re fortunate enough to visit during the holiday season, the festive amenities are a sight to behold. Enjoy refined or casual cuisine at one of several dining options, including the return of their legendary breakfast buffet.

Moana Lani Spa is the only oceanfront spa on Waikiki. A Heavenly Spa by Westin, Moana Lani offers a full range of aesthetic and massage services in a serene and luxurious setting with panoramic ocean vistas.

Spa Profile: Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider

Hawaii is known for chocolate, so why not indulge in the Sweet Treat Body Bliss? Experience a luxurious chocolate peppermint body scrub and body brush technique that stimulates and nourishes the skin. This experience will kick start your holiday season with a warm cocoon wrap, lotion application, and mini facial, leaving your body with a head-to-toe glow.

Westin is proud to offer their exclusive RUN Concierge to keep you fit and active—even on a beach holiday. The personalized concierge will guide you to the best running or hiking routes with maps and expert tidbits to get the most out of your excursion. Also ask about WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Kits to keep you fit even if living out of a suitcase.

SpaHalekulani at Halekulani Resort & Spa

2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 923-2311

Since opening in 1907, Halekulani has been Oahu’s leading luxury property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Characterized by its “Seven Shades of White” signature decor and sublime attention to detail.  Halekulani is also home to some of Honolulu’s best dining and entertainment options, including Lewers Lounge which features international jazz artists, and everyone’s favorite outdoor hangout, House Without A Key. It is also home to La Mer, Honolulu’s premier AAA five-diamond French restaurant.

The award-winning Spa Halekulani is undergoing its own renewal process and will re-open in late 2024. In the meantime, guests may enjoy massage services in the satellite lobby location and participate in their selection of curated wellness workshops.

Spa Profile: SpaHalekulani at Halekulani Resort & Spa

Spa Halekulani’s wellness concept, the Art of Wellbeing, represents an evolution of their acclaimed spa program, designed to expand intellect, incite wonder, and tap into emotions necessary for well-being.

 “Living Well” lectures are where guests and residents learn how to better themselves by eating well and establishing healthy habits. These lectures are offered on a monthly basis. They are complimentary for Halekulani guests and $25 per session for non-hotel guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

383 Kalaimoku St, Waikiki Beach, HI 96815; (844) 244-1100

Rated number one in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice, The Ritz-Carlton is Waikiki’s most distinguished beach resort. With over 500 rooms, there isn’t a bad view in the house. Dining is serious business here, including an outpost of NYC’s renowned Dean & DeLuca and the dramatic minimalist ambiance of Sushi Sho. Take a dip in one of the infinity pools or stroll along bustling Kalakaua Avenue right outside the front door.

Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is an intimate haven after a day of shopping or sun-bathing. Chill out in the relaxation lounge before or after your service. The spa features four treatment rooms, including a couples room, and incorporates native elements into its services such as volcanic stones, rainforest leaves, Lehua blossoms, and lomi-lomi massage techniques to heal and revive. A full-service gym with yoga studio is available to all hotel guests.

Experience the nourishing properties of native Hawaiian plants with the Huki Huki - Renew Treatment. The kī plant is entwined through Hawaiian life and is used to renew and cleanse body, mind, and spirit. This sumptuous treatment includes a mud wrap, energizing lomi lomi massage, and scalp treatment. 

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

Some of the links on our site may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.