Go/Hawaii An

The Four Seasons Spa

Find Your Bliss

These world-class resorts offer such a vast variety of spa experiences. Why go to just one? MIMI TOWLE

Wailea Spa Crawl

This pristine area known for its crescentshaped beaches has some of the best restaurants and hotels on the planet, so it’s no surprise the spas here are worth exploring as well. For years, the multicolored Hawaiian sea-salt pools and island-inspired treatments of the marble-appointed Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea stole the show. However, these days there are four more not to miss.

• Ocean Potions

Starting at the top of the Wailea beach path is Fairmont Kea Lani’s Willow Stream Spa, named best hotel spa in Hawaii by readers of Travel + Leisure for both 2014 and 2015. Why? After a multimillion-dollar refresh, the Willow Stream Spa has all the latest treatments to satisfy the most worldly of spagoers, including a few unique experiences apropos for the beach location. These include the Nalu Suite, with a state-of-the-art wave massage table; the Wailele suite, offering Vichy shower treatments with infrared technology; and the in-spa lounge, a full sensory experience with steam room, sauna and showers inspired by Maui rain. One definite crowd-pleaser is the soothing palolo (mud) bar, with a variety of mixtures and a heated tile booth where guests can lounge as the therapeutic mud does its healing. fairmont. com/kea-lani-maui/willow-stream

• Med Spa Offerings

Spa director Pat Makozak has been infusing the Four Seasons Spa in Maui with wellness opportunities for more than a decade. So it was a natural evolution for her and local nutritionist and chiropractic doctor Mark Emerson to create a “Wellness Your Way” program, which can turn a visit into a transformational experience. Treatments address the entire body, whether the approach is physical (i-Lipo cold-laser body contouring) or emotional (inner clarity sessions), aiming to get visitors on the right track, or back on track. In addition to 13 treatment rooms, the spa features three outdoor Hawaiian treatment hales overlooking Wailea Beach. fourseasons.com/maui

• No Fluff

If you are willing to give up robes and elaborate steam showers in exchange for reduced cost, Olavine Spa in the Wailea Gateway Shopping Center is your spot. After 25 years of developing, opening and managing spas all over the world, Cecilia Hercik opened Olavine in 2013. The name is a combination of ola, meaning life and health in Hawaiian, and olivine, the sparkling green rocks called “Pele’s tears,” a lava mineral said to have properties of calmness, peacefulness and joy. Olavine also offers kids’ massage treatments as well as beauty services such as manicure and pedicure, waxing and hair styling, including a blowout for $45. olavinespa.com

• Signature Scent

While the treatments, rooms and amenities in the spa at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort are on (or above) par with most spas in the state, what sets the Awili Spa and Salon apart is the apothecary experience, a unique twist on the Japanese tradition of omakase (which translates as “caring for oneself”). An apothecary consultant assists in blending a personal product for a spa or salon service, featuring local ingredients from Maui. Best part: the

Fairmont Kea Lani’s Willow Stream Spa

recipe is saved, so guests who bring the product home can reorder it once the relaxing effects of Maui have worn off. The oceanfacing manicure and pedicure stations aren’t bad either. maui.andaz.hyatt.com

Waikiki Spa Crawl

Given the high-octane pace of Waikiki, a spa treatment there can bring many benefits, starting with sanity. Here are three different experiences sure to help you relax.

• Personalized Decadence

With one of the most decadent spas in the state, the award-winning Kahala Resort and Spa has stepped up its game with individual suites for treatments. Each session starts with a hoomaka, a cleansing foot massage that sets a pampering tone for your very personalized experience. kahalaresort.com

• Massage With a View

Moana Lani Spa, a Westin Heavenly Spa, has more than 18,000 square feet, including two oceanfront suites with whirlpool tubs, private restrooms and breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach, as well as nine treatment rooms. Hawaiian touches include hoawe wooden bowls filled with alaea salt. Guests are invited to leave their worries behind as they enter; the salt is then tossed into the sea at the end of the day, along with whatever woes it might contain. moanalanispa.com

• Urban Island Flair

As one might expect, the Spa at Trump, at Trump International Hotel Waikiki, has luxury “Gemstone” treatments and personalized service. But there’s also island flair in the use of Hawaiian botanicals and healing techniques. trumphotelcollection.com

Gemstone oil massage at the Spa at Trump

ASTON WAIKIKI BEACH TOWER Enjoy one of Waikiki’s most luxurious and private resort condominiums with elegant designer suites, gourmet kitchens and private balconies. Personalized service delivered with true island hospitality. 855·482·8793 | astonwaikikibeachtower.com

What’s in a Name?

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FOR TRAVELERS ON Oahu, giving or getting directions can be tricky, with the abundance of vowels and Ks and the unfamiliar words. For instance: “Take Ala Wai, left on Kalaimoku Street, past Kuhio, left onto Kalakaua and once you get to Kapahulu, Kapiolani Park will be to your left.” Now repeat that back. But it’s much easier to remember street names if you are familiar with where the names came from. Here’s a brief introduction. M.T.

PLACE Queen Kapiolani Park The largest and oldest public park in Hawaii, originally built as a place to watch and enjoy horse racing, today contains the Honolulu Zoo, tennis courts, basketball courts, an archery field, the Waikiki Shell and unobstructed views of the ocean. WHO Born December 31, 1834, Kapiolani Napelakapuokakae, who later became Queen Kapiolani, was the daughter of King Kaumualii, the last king of an independent Kauai before its amicable cession to Kamehameha the Great. Kapiolani is composed of three words (ka, pio, lani) and means “the heavenly arch.” WHAT TO DO The two-mile circle is a popular walking or running loop. On your way to the park, stop at one of the eateries on Monsarrat Avenue to grab a picnic or snack. Diamond Head Market & Grill, Monsarrat Avenue Shave Ice, South Shore Grill, Bogart’s Cafe and Shaka Pressed Juice are all great options. After lunch you can burn some calories with a pickup game of soccer or basketball. Sundays, enjoy the Hawaii State Band’s free concerts in the park.

PLACE Kalakaua Avenue If you are staying in Waikiki, you can’t miss Kalakaua Avenue, which fronts major hotels and Waikiki Beach. WHO This promenade is named for David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalakaua, aka the Merrie Monarch. Born in Honolulu in 1836, he was the last reigning king. In Hawaiian his name ominously translates as “the Day of Battle,” which refers to the treaty King Kamehameha III was forced to sign the day Kalakaua was born. He earned the name Merrie Monarch for his avid support of Hawaiian culture via the arts, music and hula. Kalakaua Avenue stretches to Queen Kapiolani Park, which is quite appropriate, considering the couple were married. WHAT TO DO The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center runs along Kalakaua Avenue, and offers free ukulele, lei-making and hula lessons. The king also famously enjoyed his spirits and you can toast his legacy at one of the many happy hours along his namesake street. One of the most popular spots is Duke’s on the waterfront. Speaking of Duke, don’t miss the photo op in front of the statue of the famous Olympian surfer Duke Kahanamoku.

PLACE Kuhio Avenue This two-way street runs through the middle of Waikiki between Ala Wai Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue. WHO Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was born on Kauai in 1871 and died in 1922 at age 50 as the first Hawaiian U.S. congressional delegate in the Territory of Hawaii. In Hawaiian the name Kuhio translates as “chief who leaned forward as he stood.” WHAT TO DO Kuhio Avenue is your spot for taste and affordability. Rivals at 2211, a sports bar with pizza and sandwiches, is popular with locals and tourists. Marukame Udon is an überpopular spot for noodles. And with all the pennies saved, you’ll soon be able to shop at the new Saks Fifth Avenue and International Market Place, both with access on Kuhio Avenue. m