‘Walk In, Float Out’ Of This Spa

TRAVIS KONO, owner and manager of Spa U‘ilani

Being in the hospitality/ spa industry at various high-end resorts on O‘ahu for over 20 years, I helped cultivate luxury spa experiences that included additional amenities that match their high prices. Massage and facial businesses only provide a treatment service, and my goal was to bridge the gap and create a boutique space where you can enjoy a resort-like experience without the premium cost, and guests can indulge more frequently without breaking the bank.

Spa U‘ilani (which means “heavenly beauty”) opened early March 2020 in the heart of Kaka‘ako at Keauhou Lane. We place you at the center of each experience, customizing every aspect so that you walk in and float out. We offer facial services based on your skin needs, ranging from an express treatment to our U‘ilani JetPeel. Our massage therapists are skilled in various modalities, such as deep tissue, Swedish and lomi lomi. We also offer fully customizable and prenatal massage treatments.

The team of Spa U‘ilani is ready to serve guests. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPA U‘ILANI

Guests are welcome to use the full-service amenities, which include an aroma steam room, showers and secured lockers for their belongings. After the personalized treatment, they are invited to relax in our Ola Lounge.

We love supporting our local community as much as possible and give back to local nonprofits with donations, supporting small local businesses such as artwork commissioned by POW! WOW! Hawai‘i artists that are displayed in our treatment rooms and lounge. Okoshi (puffed rice) from Huff n Puff is served alongside our signature tea. The aroma and fragrances are specially selected from Jules + Gem Hawai‘i. For special occasions, we can prearrange with our guests post-treatment celebrations catered by neighboring businesses like HICraft Kitchen.

The pandemic has made it challenging for me and this new business. We pride ourselves in providing a clean and sanitary space as part of our standard practice, before and after your treatment. For the added safety of our guests, appointments are staggered to minimize interaction between others. We’ve also heightened our rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols by using hospital-grade, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants, sterilizing rooms and common areas between usage with a UVC light, and requiring staff and guests to use personal protective equipment. We are happy to have celebrated our first year in business providing a luxury spa experience for guests at an affordable price.

Spa U‘ilani is located in The Shops at Keahou Lane, 520 Keawe St., Honolulu.

For more information, visit spauilani.com