Laniwai Spa — Local services in Oʻahu

How often is the experience as important than anything else? When it's incredible, it often is. When it nearly is, it's a solid 4 stars...

I'll preface this with I'm a bit more critical in this review, since the services were about $400. Stars are on a sliding scale in my book.

From this first call for an appointment, to the follow-up calls, and reminder email, the timing and customer service was awesome. Parking was validated (valet and self parking), check-in took about 10 minutes though - I think it was delayed as they waited for someone to show us around (though I showed up on time). It felt a bit rushed, and though I was anxious to get started, would have preferred either less talking, or more informative information.

The instructions are to arrive a hour prior. I think I tried everything: the 45 degree pool is freezing (but feels great jumping immediately into the jacuzzi), the showers are great (one was broken), and the vitality tubs were...tubs (didn't see any floating seaweed)? Irregardless, it was relaxing and well worth it.

Perhaps not many men go here, but I also had the steam room and sauna to myself. The steam room was perfect. I wish the sauna had coals (or whatever they commonly have) to heat the room up a bit more. Subjective.

I had requested a female masseur and had one. Incredibly nice, but just couldn't get the kinks out that my normal $50 masseur could. I was relaxed though - I fell asleep about 3/4 of the way through, which I usually do when I'm totally at ease. The heated eye, head, and neck warmer was also a first.

All in all, it was great. Terrific customer service, everyone was helpful, and I wasn't rushed. If I had a better massage, it would easily be a 5 and even without, my review teeters close to a 5. Will definitely return and would recommend to anyone who wants a relaxing...

Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth every penny? YES.

My husband and I booked a couples Lomi Lomi (traditional Hawaiian) 50 min massage. Slightly apprehensive with sticker shock, we stuck with the shorter, cheaper option. During and after the service, I wish I would have booked the longer service. You are getting so much more than just a massage. This is an EXPERIENCE. This spa has it all!

My husband and I really enjoyed the hot jacuzzi and cold plunge combo before the treatment, as well as the sauna and steam room. The light snacks and refreshments were a nice touch, as well. You are also assigned a cast member to guide you through the experience and keep track of time for you. Time and stress don’t exist here.

As someone who works in this industry, I appreciated every detail Laniwai and Disney put into the spa. The atmosphere is elegant yet cozy. The staff is professional yet warm. The 50 min massage was actually a full two hour experience. I heavily debated coming back for more services after ours was over. We even ended buying the robes they give you to wear there because they are so comfortable. Thank you to the front desk for letting us try them on and helping us pick the perfect fit.

As for the actual massage, it was quite comprehensive for 50 minutes. My therapist was Jamie and she was absolutely wonderful. She made sure I was comfortable and the pressure was perfect throughout the service. I have had many massages and this one was one I will never forgot. I even joked with Jamie to come back to Ohio with me :) thank you Jamie and the entire team at Laniwai! This is now a must do for us every time...

Small, very expensive, with a surprise 20% service fee and some other additional fees. The facial was great deserving all 5 stars. Fitness belongs to Laniwai and is awesome and intense which is so rare for a resort, also deserves all 5 stars. The trainers are amazing! Coach Tyrus, Kapiolani and Patricia are excellent. Don’t miss those classes. Almost all are complementary.

But back to the spa, which I generously give 1 star. The staff talks to you in whispering baby voices. I had a gift card and was doubted and warned that not all the gift cards are accepted (mine was, but the questioning was outrageous). You can only spend 1 extra hour prior to your treatment, nothing after. Then they rush you out into the craziness of hundreds of yelling children at Aulani. If you are a spa lover like me, don’t plan on hanging there all day. The facilities are ok, small, with limited stuff to do. Sauna is barely warm, there are two knee-high lukewarm pools the meaning of which I did not understand. I decided to do the eucalyptus steam room and cold plunge to make it worth the time/money. The staff is constantly following you to ask when is your treatment while you are trying to enjoy yourself. After I spent $350 for a facial and 1 hour at the spa I got one teaspoon of soaking salt, but they did make me get very excited with so much foreplay leading to receiving it. Generosity has no limits.

I hope this is helpful and again, the hydra-facial treatment was amazing with lasting results. And if you are into exercising, you are covered. If you are into chilling at the spa, forget about it and save your money for a real spa....