5 Best Spas on Oahu
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Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best spas and resorts and while Oahu doesn’t do luxury and relaxing experiences quite as well as some of the other islands (mainly Maui), there are still quite a few noteworthy spas on the island. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious setting, a connection to ancient Hawaiian culture, lavish treatments, or convenience, you’ll find something that suits you at these Oahu spas:
Moana Lani Spa (Moana Surfrider): The best spa in Waikiki is located in the heart of the strip in the most historic hotel in Hawaii while still feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a huge menu of offerings available at lower prices than you’ll find at the spas in Ko’olina and Turtle Bay. You can also purchase a spa day pass to use the facilities (lockers, steam room, whirlpool, sauna, and lounge overlooking the ocean. Find more information here.
Nalu Kinetic Spa (Turtle Bay): If you’re staying on or near Oahu’s famed north shore, this is your best spa option. The oceanfront facility offers a wide range of treatment options including traditional Hawaiian practices. They offer the unique option of a sunset massage as well as weekly happy hour specials (Monday through Friday) which include special deals on treatments that all include a glass of bubbly. Find more information here.
RELATED: Not very familiar with Oahu? Read up on the lay of the (is)land and where to stay plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, condos, honeymoon resorts, family friendly resorts, luxury resorts, and boutique hotels.
Naupaka Spa (Four Seasons): It’s no surprise that one of the most luxurious spas on the island is at the Four Seasons. They’re known for their quality service and luxury details and that all translates perfectly to the spa. The facilities at the spa and wellness center take up four floors. Notable features of the spa include the world-class tennis center on the top floor, eucalyptus steam room, plus the ability to book a treatment inside a Himalayan salt chamber or near the ocean. Treatments here do cost more than most other spas on the island, but the quality of service is unparalleled. Find more information here.
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RELATED: Ultimate Guide to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
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The Kahala Spa (Kahala Resort): Located in East Honolulu, it’s only a hop, skip, and jump from Waikiki but it feels so far removed. The spa set up is a bit unique, too. Instead of a large shared facility, each treatment room (there are nine suites) features its own private glass shower, soaking tub, and changing area. There are eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, and an outdoor whirlpool in the fitness center though. Find more information here.
Laniwai Spa (Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa): On a recent stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu, I spent a morning enjoying the amenities of the Laniwai Spa. This amazing spa offers pretty much everything you can imagine from traditional Hawaiian massages to herbal remedies to facials (I really want to try skin yoga!). I opted for the Certified Organic facial and it was wonderful! While listening to traditional Hawaiian music, I was pampered for almost an hour (and got a bonus hand and foot massage). I’ve had facials at various day spas and resorts and this one was definitely on par, but what put this experience over the top were the facilities.
It’s the only spa on Oahu with an outdoor hydrotherapy garden. Ancient Hawaiians believed that bathing in fluctuating water temperatures had many benefits for the body and mind and Kula Wai incorporates this belief with a sense of luxury. This co-ed outdoor facility includes several soaking pools (some with whirlpool jets) and six different waterfall showers (all of varying temperatures and water pressures).
Treatments also include a stop at the Pulu Bar, a mixology station where you can create a custom body polish using a variety of fragrances, oils, herbs, and a base of cane sugar or sea salt. You can use your body polish during your time at the outdoor hydrotherapy garden or take it home to use later (a perfect souvenir!)
And because this is Disney and they’re in the family business, you’ll also find the only teen spa (Painted Sky Teen Spa) in Hawaii. It’s exclusively for guests aged 13-17 and besides massages, manicures, and pedicures, Painted Sky has an acai bowl bar, special teen wellness activities, and a mixology bar for body scrubs and face masks.
On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo. They’ve got the largest selection of rentals you’ll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what you’re looking for. Need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms? Narrowed it down to a certain location? Want flexible cancellation terms? Need to stay under a fixed budget? Click here to search for Oahu vacation rentals for your trip.
Want to read more? Don’t miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Oahu:
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay, you’re going to want to look at my favorite boutique resort in Waikiki and the lowdown on where to stay on Oahu besides Waikiki. Plus I’ve got the scoop on how to avoid illegal vacation rentals and a roundup of where to stay in Ko Olina and reviews of the Laylow and Disney’s Aulani Resort. And a LOT more on Aulani like is Aulani worth it?, tips for staying at Aulani, how many days to spend, and the best things to eat and drink at Aulani.
If you’re researching luaus on Oahu, I’ve written quite a bit. First, I’ve got a full breakdown of the best luaus (and the worst) on Oahu. Then I’ve got complete reviews of Paradise Cove, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Aulani’s Ka Wa’a Luau. And if you’ve narrowed it down to the top two most popular on the island and still can’t decide, here’s Paradise Cove vs Polynesian Cultural Center.
If you’re trying to put together an itinerary full of the best things to do, take a look at my best 5 day itinerary, and roundups of the best things to do in Waikiki, “secret” things to do on Oahu, plus my favorite things to do in Kailua and the windward coast, in Ko Olina, and on the north shore. And if you’re looking for food recommendations, I’ve got the best restaurants in Ko Olina and where locals eat in Waikiki.
And last but not least, some of my favorite things on Oahu like Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch, Shangri La and the Honolulu Museum of Art, tips for visiting Pearl Harbor, easy hikes on Oahu, and the best spas on Oahu. And everything you need to know BEFORE you go to Oahu.
P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!
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