Feet First
Go head over heels for these relaxing spa treatments.
People don’t travel thousands of miles to Hawai‘i to spend their leisure time surrounded by four walls.
Released from the artificial environments of our workday, many long for fresh air, hiking in the great outdoors, planting toes in the sand or the luxury of spending an entire day exploring museums or malls.
But that activity, all at once, takes a toll on poor aching feet. Nerve endings in the feet make them sensitive to the pressures of standing and walking.
On just a normal day, our feet absorb about 1,000 pounds of force.
Fortunately, there is relief for foot pain—and all within short walking distances in Waikiki.
Ashiyu Foot Spa
Few things in life are free, but Waikiki Sand Villa, eCool Hawaii and travel agency H.I.S. Hawaii partnered to invite travelers to dip their toes into Waikiki’s first solar-powered foot spa.
In Japan, the ashiyu is a public footbath that grew out of the practice of soaking one’s feet in hot springs. “Ashiyu” translates to “hot springs for the feet,” and is associated with health benefits, such as boosting circulation, alleviating leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. In Japan, it has also been reported to help relieve migraines and prevent the common cold and hangovers.
Located between the hotel’s bar and pool, the gazebo area features a stainless steel foot-soaking tub, which hotel and bar patrons can visit for free at leisure, resting their feet in the 104 F to 105.8 F water.
The foot spa is also equipped with electrical outlets and USB terminals to charge smart phones, tablets and laptops.
The ashiyu is open 10 a.m. to noon, and is free to hotel and bar patrons.
Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel
2375 Ala Wai Blvd. [A:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 922-4744
Moana Lani Spa
If you have few minutes, you can sit back and indulge in a therapeutic Relax-Ology session.
The spa’s therapists use techniques derived from traditional reflexology to ease muscle tension and release toxins in the body through light pressure massage.
With only feet involved, clients remain fully clothed during treatment. A 15or 25-minute Relax-Ology session runs $30 and $50, respectively.
There are also 25or 55-minute traditional European reflexology treatments available, tailored for your needs, with heavier pressure to help to reduce pain, increase circulation and improve overall well-being. The cost is $55 and $120, respectively.
Moana Lani Spa
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 237-2535
Spa Royal Hawaiian
Waikiki’s newest spa specializes in pampering its guests with the royal treatment, from head to toe, with a full menu of massage and facial treatments.
For those whose pain is focused on the feet, one hour or 90-minute reflexology services are available. The service utilizes the traditional method of stimulating pressure points on the feet to relieve pain in corresponding parts of the body.
The cost is $120 and $170, respectively.
Spa Royal Hawaiian
Royal Hawaiian Center
2201 Kalakaua Ave. [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 926-1689
BEST NEW SPA EXPERIENCE!
The new CARITA facials at Na Ho’ola Spa at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa are beyond any facial experience—the unique process uses signature CARITA products and hand massage only (no machines!) to boost oxygen absorption and stimulate cells and muscles of the face. Smooth and completely hydrated skin is the final result.
