For those seeking a premier spa experience on the island of Oahu while escaping the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, Naupaka Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a relaxing getaway that embodies the aloha spirit. The spa’s name, Naupaka, is inspired by the unique local flower and represents the quest for wholeness.

One of the things I love the most about Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is its location. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the resort town, the beachfront island property is set against a backdrop of tall palms, lush foliage, serene lagoons and ocean views. The hotel’s stylishly appointed guest rooms offer the best in comfort and privacy, and guests also enjoy access to world-class dining, amenities and activities.

Spa Profile: Naupaka Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Located in the beautiful resort community of Ko Olina on the island’s west side, the 35,000 square-foot resort spa offers luxurious amenities including a health club and wet rooms, a treatment menu featuring therapies inspired by ancient Hawaiian healing traditions, and unique wellness experiences such as Spa Under the Stars (oceanfront massages followed by a private stargazing session).

The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina also hosts various wellness experiences and healing retreats, and from September 16 to 19, renowned energy healer, intuitive and author Dana Childs will be leading a Transformational Wellness Retreat at the property. It will include meditations, healings, rituals, guided outdoor adventure and group workshops, and more. Read all about it and sign up here.

Here’s what you’ll love about Naupaka Spa & Wellness: 

• The 35,000 square-foot spa is located at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina surrounded by Hawaii’s tranquil beauty including swaying palms, blue ocean and lagoons, and tropical breezes.

• There are a wide selection of amenities ranging from a cutting-edge fitness center and lap pool to a beautiful Zen garden and indoor/outdoor relaxation lounges.

• Inspired by ancient Hawaiian healing traditions, Naupaka Spa & Wellness offers an array of treatments that are constructed around the belief of healing and sharing the gift of aloha with others.

• In addition to indoor treatment rooms, guests can also elect to receive certain services in private outdoor hales, which are open-air huts that overlook lush gardens and Lanikuhonua, a sacred ancestral area next to the resort.

• Customized and unique treatments are also available including Spa Under the Stars (beachfront massages followed by a private stargazing session), and much more.

• Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina hosts immersive wellness experiences and healing retreats that are designed to help guests cultivate self-empowerment through activities such as meditations and rituals, group workshops and guided outdoor adventure.

During a previous trip to Hawaii, my husband and I had scheduled spa appointments first thing in the morning at Naupaka Spa & Wellness—the perfect way to start the day in paradise.

As part of Naupaka Spa’s Lead With Care, an enhanced global health and safety program that takes proactive measures to keep its guests and employees safe during COVID, we had our temperatures taken and completed a quick health questionnaire to confirm that neither of us was feeling unwell or had symptoms of COVID at the time of our services.

After checking in and completing the health screening, we were greeted by two attendants and led to the separate men’s and women’s locker rooms and wet room facilities. As I headed downstairs to the women’s area, floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered expansive views of the lush, jungle-like outdoor Zen garden that instantly made me feel relaxed and connected with nature.

I was extremely impressed by the women’s spa facilities, which included a spacious locker room and changing area, sauna and steam room, as well as a whirlpool and cold plunge. The design and setting was reminiscent of an elegant bathhouse with beautiful tiles, lots of light, indigenous artwork and sculptures, and a detailed angled ceiling. Arriving half an hour early allowed me enough time to go around and experience all of the amenities—a great way to destress, detoxify, and rejuvenate the mind and body.

There is also an indoor relaxation lounge with comfortable chairs and foot rests where guests can spend quiet time before and after their services. Infused water and hot tea are also available as refreshments.

Opting to be outdoors amidst the beautiful Hawaiian foliage, I made my way to the Zen garden, which has several private areas for relaxing including a seated swing and a daybed-style recliner. Sitting in the midst of the mini-oasis while surrounded by tall bamboo and swaying palms was the ideal space for quieting my mind before heading into my spa service.

When it was time for our couples treatment to begin, an attendant led me to one of the spa’s outdoor hales, where my husband awaited. Hale is the Hawaiian word for “house” and the private hales open up to lush gardens and Lanikuhonua (“where Heaven meets the Earth”), the area next to the resort.

Once the beloved vacationing home for the 15th ruling chief of ancient O’ahu, Chief Kakuhihewa, the land is now the responsibility of the James Campbell Company, which continues the legacy of Alice Kamokilaikawai Campbell (aka Kamokila), the daughter of business and community leaders, James and Abigail Kuaihelani Maipinepine Campbell.

In 1939, Kamokila chose the beachfront property as her home, which included a thatched Hawaiian hale within the lush, tropical surroundings. She named the place Lanikuhonua, and throughout her life dedicated it as a place to celebrate Hawaiian cultural traditions because she knew that caring for the land’s resources would provide a better environment and a better quality of life for Hawaii’s people.

Lying just a few feet away from each other on treatment beds, my husband and I enjoyed side-by-side massages provided by our therapists as the relaxing tropical breezes gently flowed throughout the open-air hale.

He experienced the Warrior Massage, which incorporates deep pressure with therapeutic techniques to treat and stretch tight muscles while relieving pain. Blended arnica oil helps to release any blockage and congestion that has built up in the muscle tissue, resulting in improved circulation and range of motion. After his treatment, my husband said his muscles were much looser and his entire body felt incredibly relaxed.

Prior to receiving my Naupaka Lomilomi Massage, my therapist offered me the choice of a signature scent from either Makai (ocean) or Mauka (mountain). I selected Makai, and after being instructed to take several deep and slow breaths, my treatment began. Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that not only relaxes and heals the body, but also reflects one’s connection with the land, ancestors, and aloha (breath of life) to increase spiritual energy.

Using her hands and forearms, my therapist incorporated long flowing strokes that symbolized the fluidity of the ocean’s waves traveling along my body. She also included deep tissue techniques and range-of-motion work, and every movement felt nurturing and that there was intent or purpose behind it. After the service had concluded, I could sense that some of her positive energy had been transferred to me, and as a result I felt calmer, balanced, peaceful and content.

Upon conclusion of our spa services, my husband and I headed up to the private lap pool located on the fifth floor to relax. Because it was still fairly early in the morning, we were the only ones there so we basked in the sun and solitude while enjoying views of the palms and clear blue skies.

Our visit to Naupaka Spa & Wellness extended beyond simple relaxation—their services are constructed around the belief of healing and sharing the gift of aloha with others. From the spa’s beautiful design that celebrates and connects with nature to the treatments inspired by ancient traditions, we felt more connected to the island and its powerful energy—which in itself was truly a magical and transformational experience.

Cost: Warrior Massage ($215/50 min, $280/80 min) Naupaka Lomilomi Massage ($225/50 min, $290/80 min); Spa Hale (complimentary)

Insider Tip: Book treatments in advance. Arrive 30 minutes early to allow ample time to experience the spa facilities. Bring a swimsuit for the pool and water amenities.

Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Monday - Sunday)

Address: 92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI 96707

Phone: 808-679-3200

For more information and to book a service, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @fsoahu

[Photos by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk