Healing Hands

November 7, 2013 | By Nadine Kam

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Experience Hawaiian lomilomi massage, and leave feeling relaxed and balanced.

Lomilomi, traditionally meaning “to rub, knead, press and massage,” is now commonly used to refer to a style of massage unique to Hawai’i, incorporating long, rhythmic, gliding strokes over the body to release tension, eliminate toxins and relieve pain.

Therapists may use their palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles and elbows to increase the flow of blood, oxygen and energy throughout the body.

In ancient times, it was a spiritual technique incorporating meditation, deep healing breathing and medicinal plants chosen specifically for an individual’s needs.

Many top spas have reintroduced some of the spiritual rituals, such as channeling negative energy into small bowls of salt to lighten one’s burden before treatment begins.

Whether you believe it or not, the goal is the same: To heal mind, body and spirit by helping to restore harmony and balance.

Na Ho’ola Spa

The spa offers a full plate of lomilomi therapies designed for face and body, from beginner to advanced treatment.

To start, there’s the basic Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage to soothe pain and improve circulation, offered at 50 minutes for $155, or 80 minutes at $205.

Na Ho’ola’s signature Lomi Facial treatment starts with a consultation with an aesthetician to determine the perfect blend of organic products for restoring essential elements to the skin. This includes a customized mask and soothing massage of the neck and shoulders, at 50 minutes for $150.

Recommended for frequent spa goers is the Lomi Wawae treatment was developed by one of the spa’s therapists and her kumu, or teacher. It starts with the Hawaiian Lomilomi massage, a salt scrub along the back and ends with 30 minutes of Hawaiian foot therapy that stimulates pressure points on the foot, leading to overall wellbeing. It runs 80 minutes for $215.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-1234

Spa Halekulani

The lomilomi Hawaiian massage here utilizes native kukui nut oil, noted for its healing, hydrating and protective qualities. Ancient Hawaiians recognized its restorative properties, also used to soothe sunburns. The therapeutic oil allows therapists to perform the long, gliding strokes to ease tired muscles. A 50-minute massage is $185; 80 minutes for $235.

Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road [D:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 931-5322

Moana Lani Spa

The Lomi Lomi Ola treatment incorporates techniques passed on to the spa’s therapists through generations of kumu, whose lineage is from kahuna lomilomi, or those who heal through massage. The treatment will bring relaxation and a sense of the culture and history of this unique art form. It runs 100 minutes, with 90-minute massage for $275.

Also offered is Lomi Ho’okipa, for 50 minutes of relaxation for $155, or 80 minutes for $210.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 237-2535