From Maui to Oahu, Five Wellness Experiences in Hawaii for National Wellness Month

Hawaiians have a profound respect for mindfulness and rest. They recognize the importance of “nanea” – relaxation of the mind, body and spirit. For National Wellness Month (August) and National Wellness Day (Aug. 15), travelers to the islands of Maui and Oahu can discover wellness experiences that will leave them in a state of nanea - from a new oceanfront vegan afternoon high tea and Ho‘ala Ritual to yoga atop the iconic Puu Kekaa.

For a Hawaii getaway that restores balance and reconnects you, indulge in five wellness-focused experiences including:

• Yoga at Moana at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa – Set atop Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), Sheraton Maui Resort’s coveted Moana Oceanfront guest rooms offer the most awe-inspiring seascapes in all of Kaanapali. Floating above the ocean like a majestic waa (canoe), Moana reinvigorates guests with a renewed connection to the ocean’s timeless rhythm. Rise to a new day with a self-guided yoga experience on Moana’s oceanfront lawn with complimentary yoga mats while taking in panoramic views. Prefer a guided class? The resort also offers three yoga course levels - sunrise yoga, slow flow, and stretch & release.
• Partake in a Healing Morning Ritual in Oahu – Experience the Ho‘ala Ritual on the beach in front of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Following a brief chant by a cultural advisor, guests are invited to step into the ocean to mindfully focus and prepare for the day ahead. Hiuwai is a unique tradition practiced for centuries by Hawaiians. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort’s Hiuwai is a spiritual bathing that takes place in the healing waters of Waikiki called Kawehewehe. Guests are invited to the ocean’s edge in the morning to allow the waters’ salt and other elements to bring balance to their lives. This is a reenergizing tradition that sparks self-reflection, purification, and spiritual rebirth. Ho‘ala Ritual and Hiuwai are complimentary for resort guests.
• Savor a New Vegan Afternoon High Tea – A tradition for more than a century, high tea at the Moana Surfrider is an unforgettable oceanfront experience. New to the beloved tea tradition this summer, the Veranda culinary team has introduced a vegan tea set. Highlights include “Soup & Sandwich” with Hamakua tomato gazpacho, taro croquette, crushed avocado, and Ho Farms tomato tapenade served alongside a savory green papaya and mixed greens salad with tea-infused dressing. Afternoon Tea starts at $65.
• Learn to Surf from a Waikiki Beachboy – Experience Waikiki surfing at its best by learning from a Beachboy at Sheraton Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian. The award-winning Waikiki Beach Services team at both resorts is made up of expert watermen and women. No matter your level of experience, the Waikiki Beachboys will customize surf lessons so you can work on your core and gain a full-body workout. They can also point out the wide variety of surf breaks in Waikiki, renowned for having some of the best waves in the world. Lessons start at $85 per person.
• Relax with a Couple’s Massage at Waikiki’s Only Oceanfront Spa – Boasting iconic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin offers two couples treatment rooms with an oceanfront private whirlpool spa. Couples begin their treatment journey with a ritual involving Hawaiian alaea salt and are invited to leave their worries at the door by placing their thoughts and energy in an alaea-filled, koa wood hoawe (burden) bowl. The salt absorbs what is being released, and once the treatment is completed, is returned to the ocean allowing guests' troubles to be blessed and carried out to sea. Don’t miss the Pohaku Ola, a Hawaiian inspired massage utilizing the warmth in the pohaku (stone) to encourage muscle relaxation and increase blood flow throughout the body. A 50-minute treatment is $190 per person.