Stepping into the Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, one feels awakened by the different phases of the moon. What makes this spa distinctive from others in Maui, is its celestial wellness concept. Ancient wisdom of Hawaiian language and culture translates the name Kilolani to stargazer, and the spa is inspired by the Hawaiian Moon calendar.
Since opening in 2024, Kilolani Spa has established itself a 50,000 sq. ft., wellness ecosystem rooted in Hawaiian traditions. The spa’s approach to wellness follows the natural rhythms of the moon, with treatments, products and rituals evolving in tandem with the lunar cycle. The moon has helped guide many aspects of life in Hawaiʻi, including activities connected to nature and navigation.
Drawing inspiration from the kaulana mahina, the Hawaiian moon calendar, spa guests learn each month experiences three helu pō or moon phases. Stargazers of ancient Hawaiʻi gazed up into the sky to navigate their course. They noticed that every 10 days the moon phase changes and so does one’s focus.
When the moon is enlarging, it is in the Anahulu Hoʻonui phase. This is a time for self discovery, manifestation, new beginnings and intention setting.
When the moon is rounding, it is in the Anahulu Poepoe phase that promotes clarity, illumination and wholeness. Hawaiians believe this phase fortifies the body while priming the mind-body connection.
When the moon is diminishing, it’s in the Anahulu Hoʻēmi phase where one should surrender, reflect, transform and rest. This is the time to rest, recover and for spiritual awakening.
Once spa guests check-in, they receive a special Hawaiian welcome ceremony at a large quartz podium. Inside is pure white Hawaiian sea salt and a black bowl filled with water. This mineral represents grounding and cleansing, while the water represents activation. Guests are encouraged to touch the salt and scoop a little in their hands as they set an intention. Then they are instructed to dip their hands in the water, raise them above their head and shake the water droplets to activate a cleanse before one’s treatment.
Next enter the locker room and change into a bathing suit to experience the spa’s tropical Hawaiian Hydrotherapy Gardens. Each spa guest receives a small bowl filled with Hawaiian sea salt mixed with kukui-coconut. One is to rub this mixture all over their body and wash it off in one of the specialty showers. This ritual enhances the spa experience by preparing the body and mind for cleansing, relaxation and rejuvenation.
This private outdoor space allows one to relax, reflect, and soak away stress before a reserved treatment. Amenities include separate men’s and women’s dry saunas, aromatherapy steam rooms, and hot whirlpool with a pulsating waterfall. Communal amenities in the middle of the garden includes a Hawaiian-inspired hammam, wet lounge, salt water vitality pool, and halotherapy-infused infrared saunas.
It is recommended that you arrive one hour prior to your treatment or service to enjoy the maximum benefits of the Hydrotherapy Gardens.
Popular spa treatments include the Hawaiian Healing Reset. Begin with water-based therapy through the spa’s Hydrotherapy Gardens, followed by a Hawaiian Lomilomi massage. This healing full body massage has been passed down through the generations and is inspired by the cleansing waves of the ocean. The long and flowing movements all over one’s body promote deep relaxation for the mind and body. Before it’s finished one receives a coconut scalp massage enhancement and afterwards a refreshing cacao elixir to sip in the oceanview relaxation lounge.
At the Kilolani Spa guests have the opportunity to experience tranquility, peace, and get in tune with the natural cycles of nature and the world.
Learn how to chart your own course with a slower and more intentional approach towards wellbeing under Maui’s sun and moon.
