Spa Halekulani | Vogue

How is the atmosphere?

A small oasis of tranquility, the Halekulani Hotel is itself an elegant retreat from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach. The spa’s interior features light wood and cream tones, with windows opening directly onto the hotel’s central lawn, which leads to the pool and beach.

history?

Halekulani is owned and operated by Japanese brand Mitsui Fudosan (as of 2019, there is also a Halekulani in Okinawa, Japan), which means it has chic décor and genuine professionalism. But before being acquired in 1981, the Halekulani Hotel was one of the original hotels in Waikiki. Built in 1883 as a private residence, it became a residential hotel in 1907 with five bungalows available for rent. Gray’s Beach, located in front of the hotel, is historically known for its healing waters, or kawehewehe (meaning “open”), which early Hawaiians sought relief from pain.

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What should you try? What’s new in 2026?

You might think a jewelry box like this is all about aesthetics – and I did get one of the best pedicures of my life there, sitting in a zero-gravity chair. But the most rewarding experience is the vibroacoustic massage, where a tension-relieving custom massage is followed by a brainwave-tingling audio session (delivered via headphones) on a gently vibrating waterbed-style massage table. You’ll leave feeling like you slept 9 hours in 20 minutes. There’s also a Korean high-tech head spa that offers scalp-specific treatments for optimal hair health (ultimately giving you the best hair day ever).

get something external The spa (besides the hotel’s famous coconut cake, which I consider a different but equally important form of wellness) is the surfing lessons offered by the SpaHalekulani team of local experienced sailors, making even the most inexperienced surfer feel safe and comfortable, just like on a surfboard. (“Our success rate in getting first-time surfers to their feet is about 100 percent,” the spa director told me.) Waikiki is the birthplace of the modern concept of surfing; Being out in the waves is completely healing for the body and soul.