"Pampering" spas
These spas are definitely higher priced since they are geared towards tourists, but great for a treat during your vacation. Besides the tropical atmosphere and use of local ingredients (mango, papaya, hawaiian sea salts, coffee, etc.), the services are typically of the quality I've received at most mainland pampering spas.
Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Mandara Spa chain, which runs spas at luxury hotels around the world, moved their headquarters here so this spa was supposed to be designed as their flagship spa.
Hyatt Na Ho`ola Spa
This spa is located in the Hyatt Waikiki. It is a very luxurious and big spa.
Spa Olakino
This spa is the newest luxury spa and located in the Marriott Hotel. It is independently run by Paul Brown and is the luxury spa version of his other salon and spa in the Ward Center.
Spa Halekulani
Anything Halekulani is top notch with prices to match. Love this hotel.
Serenity Day Spa and Salon
This spa is in the Outrigger Reef Hotel between the Hale Koa and Halekulani hotels. Less fluff than above spas. If you go for a lomi lomi massage, ask for Malia. She is a bona fide lomi lomi practitioner.
Less "pampering" spas
These are places that are not in Waikiki and geared more towards more local clientele.
Heaven on Earth
This is a spa located in downtown Honolulu. There is municipal parking across the street (75 cents per half hour for the first 2 hours). You can also easily get here by bus from Waikiki. The massages definitely melt your tense muscles.
Paul Brown Salon in the Ward Center
This is the local and less pampering version of the spa in the Marriott above.
Shiatsu Therapists of Hawaii
1365 Nuuanu Ave # 12, Honolulu
Phone: (808) 533-4171
This is the real thing with everyone in the same big room.
Have a good time! TF
