Kohala Spa — Local services in Hawaii

I love massage. Especially at the beginning of a trip as a way to unwind and get into the spirit of being on vacation. And I usually look forward to resort spas because they often have great facilities that are an enjoyable place to hang out and relax. So I was pretty disappointed to discover that Kohala Spa isn't one of these places. They may have all of the expected features of a resort spa, but this place is an average facility that fails to create an environment where I would want to spend any time at all. And that's a greater disspointement when you get the bill for what will likely be the most expensive massage you've ever had.

Now, before I go on, I should say that I expect resort spas to be expensive. And I really enjoyed my treatment. In fact, its one of the best I've ever had. Enough to (almost) make me overlook the cost. But there's a difference between and expensive treatment and price gouging. Also, I believe that a good massage is also a personal and subjective thing, and it's very likely that you will appreciate different things about a treatment or a practitioner than I do. It's also only one part of a complete experience. Which is why place so much emphasis on the venue. Because whether or not someone else liked their treatment isn't really as helpful and knowing the merits of the facility itself. Is the staff engaged, polite, and helpful? How is the design of the facility? What is the environment like? What amenities are available? And what is the depth and breadth of the treatments provided? Is it a nice place to spend time before or after a treatment? Do they have a variety of practitioners able to meet the needs of various patrons? By addressing these questions, a reviewer will tell me much more about the quality of any spa than by sharing their opinion about their treatment. And the facilities is where the Hilton Waikoloa's Kohala spa falls flat.

To start, it's in basement that's dark and uninviting and away from the sun and palms. The lounge seating is uncomfortable, there are limited refreshments, no good locations to spend down time, and no outdoor views of any kind. The highlight of the space is a lava rock hot tub that isn't very hot or comfortable. There is a steam room and showers. But again, nothing opulent or special considering price point. No immersive showers. No hot and cold pools. No real lounge area other than a couple chaises by the lava rock pool. And no special refreshments or signature nibbles. Basically, I couldn't wait to get outta here.

What they do have have is a solid menu of services performed by a stable of very good practitioners. But while that's enough for some, given the very high price--$270 for an 80 (not 90) minute treatment--I would also expect a facility that's special, inviting, and full of top notch amenities. And frankly, I seen better at some health clubs.

You may enjoy yourself, but temper your...

My wife had booked a massage for her and myself on our anniversary. My wife thought she had booked a couples massage. When we showed up we were seperated into male/female dressing rooms. It was then explained to my wife that what she had booked was not a couples massage. The staff said it was a frequent issue and that the website is confusing.

My wife asked her masseuse, Deborah if she could accomadate her and do a couples massage. She said no- that the massage she booked could not be done as a couple. My wife explained to her she didn't care she just wanted a couples massage becauase it was our anniversary. Deborah told my wife that there were no couples rooms available and that my treatment had already begun. My wife told Deborah that she would rather not have a massage and would rather just hang out by the pool if she couldn't have a couples massage. After threatening to leave she finally accomadated my wife.

The spa was rather empty. I only noticed one other guest. There were at least two couples rooms unoccupied. I am unsure the reason why Deborah lied to my wife about there not being a room available. Anyways we ended up having a couples massage. My wifes massage experience was rather poor as she was so frusterated after arguing with Deborah. My massage was fine.

When we were finished my wife went to check out with the front desk as I was still changing. We were being charged for an 80 min massage. My wife explained to the front desk lady that after going back and forth with deborah and the time to set up a couples room we didnt even end up with a 50 min massage. Not exactly sure the exaxt words she said to my wife but what was communicated was: too bad, thats what you booked thats what you pay- you are lucky we accomadated you for a couples massage.

I came out of the changing room (not knowing what happened with deborah or the front desk) and paid and tipped and we left.

After leaving my wife explained to me everything that happened. How Deborah had treated her and how indifferent the front desk was to her. She told me she wished we never went to the spa and had just sat by the pool. She was stressed and frusterated from the spa. It definitely put a damper on a day that was suppose to be special for us.

I was very frusterated hearing my how my wife was treated that I went back to complain. The manager was kind and apologetic. She ended up giving me a full refund. She was great but some of her staff treated my wife very poorly. I would not...

I had a wonderful 80 minute prenatal massage with Jason yesterday. He had the room ready with the support cushions (so you can lay face down, comfortably!), explained that he would not use pressure in my low back area, and helped me feel so much better than when I went in. I was in good hands! Thank you, Jason!

I arrived 15 minutes early and had plenty of time to put my stuff away in the locker room, change into a robe, etc. The massage lasted the full 80 minutes. The other spa staff were very kind and welcoming.

A visit to the spa does not also grant you access to the pools/hot tubs at the hotel. I bought day passes for the pool for myself and my husband, so did feel like we made a day of visiting the hotel and enjoying amenities. Self-parking was validated (bring your ticket! It’s $48/ day...