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Oahu is known as the "Gathering Place" in Hawaii and is the third largest of the four major islands, but by far the most populous. It is home to the well-known Diamond Head Crater, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and two Outrigger Hotel properties which boast two of Honolulu's best spas.    I visited the spas, which are within two Outrigger Honolulu hotel  properties. I started my visit with the family friendly Outrigger Reef on the Beach, and ended it with Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.   While I genuinely enjoyed both properties, I'd have to give the nod to Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach as a my favorite of the two because of its dramatic roof top spa.   To my readers, I invite you to tour this beautiful spa property with me, and to my hosts, I say "Maholo (thank you) for showing me that Honolulu is a beautiful and restful spa destination." -- K.M.

I was escorted to an oceanfront one-bedroom suite -- situated on the corner with a wrap around balcony designed to frame the view  (pictured, right).   

All of Outrigger's suites are appointed with locally inspired art. Suites and corridors also display koa-framed Hawaiian quilts of island flora, including ulu, anthuriums, hibiscus, bird of paradise and pineapple, but I enjoyed the fact the room was elegant but restful -- the muted tones and natural native wood furniture lets the Waikiki ocean view take center stage.

The sitting / living room area was equipped with a  large sofa, bed television armoire, writing and computer desk, and access to the Lanai balcony.  My balcony doors stayed open a good amount of the time so that I could take advantage of the sound of waves right outside my bedroom, during the night, and glider chairs on the balcony make for a nice place to sit and read or take in sun.

In 15 of the larger Deluxe Oceanfront rooms, whirlpool tubs are  positioned to take in the view (pictured, left), where you can unwind after an activity-filled day.

The Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki spa hotels both have the “Outrigger Connection” for guests, which includes complimentary high speed internet, wireless access, direct calls to the mainland, local calls and inter island.

I give kudus to Outrigger Hotels for breaking from the industry trend of charging what I think are often outrageous fees for services most guests consider a necessity, and not a luxury, during a hotel stay.    Outrigger's level of hospitality is excellent in this regard.

Hawaii is a natural and special place for a spa experience, based on the location alone. Native Hawaiians were for centuries isolated from other societies and developed, of necessity, skilled healing based on local flora and fauna and a profound spirituality. 

Two of the most well known treatments originating in Hawaii are the vigorous Lomi Lomi, a form of massage passed down from  kupuna (elders), and an early form of Hot Stone Massage.  Native Hawaiians long ago knew that fire-heating ili'ili (little) lava rocks and other stones and positioning them on a body rubbed with local nut oils was beneficial to the mind and body.

There are two ancient sites on Oahu which pay tribute to Hawaiian healers: Waikiki’s Healing Stones at Kuhio Beach, which, according to tradition, honors the visit of  Tahitian healers centuries ago, and Keaiwa Heiau Temple at the top of Aiea Heights Drive, which was once a venerated Hawaiian medical center and school.

Hawaiians believe strongly in promoting the wellness of mind, heart, body and spirit and welcome visitors with natural healing energy and spirituality.  Indeed, the entirety of the Hawaiian Islands is a living definition for a profound spa experience.

Hawaii has an abundance of beautiful views, tropical gardens,  cascading flora on mountain slops, white sandy beaches, and quiet lagoons.  There is no shortage of beautiful spa gardens, outdoor massage cabanas, and similar settings. Before my visit to Honolulu, however, I didn't know there was a hotel where you can a have day of pampering at the penthouse level, surrounded by both beauty and urban luxury. Waikiki Plantation Spa offers exactly that.

In 2006, Outrigger launched the Waikiki Plantation Spa at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.   I'm impressed that the space with the best views in the hotel are devoted to the spa.  Rather than being a "hotel which made room for a spa" -- this hotel remodeled to devote it's best space, and more than 4,000 square feet, for the wellbeing of its spa guests.  

The Waikiki Plantation Spa  is located on the top of the Outrigger Waikiki, and is serviced by a dedicated express elevator which whisks you right to the spa.   The Waikiki Plantation Spa uses both the 17th and 18th floors in a unique bi-level design. It is filled with natural koa wood, bamboo and sunlight streams through numerous windows.  The effect is a feeling the spa floats on top of the hotel. 

I was first given a tour by owner and operator Sheryl Bell, who also created the Serenity Spa at the Outrigger Reef, and then escorted to the changing room.  A relaxation room in soft hues with comfortable chairs and sofas permits you to lounge while waiting for services to begin. 

I often feel stateside spas trying to recreate a tropical ambiance go over the top with Hawaiiana decor, aloha patterns and prints, and excessive  flora and fauna.  When the real beauty of the Islands surrounds you, you can be understated, elegant, and distinctly tropical, all the same time, lending a wonderfully relaxing feel instead of the frenetic "faux island" feel.  Waikiki Plantation Spa captures this perfectly.

Lynda, an eighteen year veteran of spa wellness directed me to one of six treatment rooms where I was to have the Plantation Spa's signature massage, Hawaiian Lomi Pohaku. This massage is a fusion of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and lava stone massage. Lynda told me a traditional Lomi Lomi  experience would last for hours. It would begin with a prayer, the stones would be washed in the ocean, and when the process was complete, I would cleanse my body in the ocean, as well.  Not surprisingly, a penthouse spa doesn't permit the traditional method, but Plantation's signature treatment and Lynda's expertise made for an excellent substitute.
 
After my massage, I visited the Plantation Spa deck with a glass of iced water and sat outside for awhile.  I relaxed while watching whitecaps and listening to waves.   I imagined it being beautiful at night -- the perfect location for a spa party, or reception.  When I remarked on this to Sheryl, she agreed and told me the spa deck is often booked for spa parties, corporate gatherings, photo shoots, and music recitals.

The full-service Waikiki Plantation Spa is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and guests may use the exclusive rooftop lounge deck to rest, dine, or read in the ocean breeze before or after spa services, or fitness activities in the adjoining gym.  The spa also offers a lovely whirlpool area, private steam showers, and a Zen tropical deck.

The service menu include Massages, including Hawaiian, Lomi Lomi, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lava Stone, Pre and Post Natal, Sports, and Aromatherapy; Skincare, featuring Hydrotherapy, Purification, Whitening, Teen, and Men’s facials; Ayurveda facials, utilizing ancient techniques and rare extracts of exotic ingredients; Body treatments, including a wide range of wraps, scrubs, polishes, and exfoliates; Makeup applications, for Day or Evening wear, with an Eyes Only option; Waxing, for bikini, half-leg, brows, lips, chins, and underarms; Manicures and pedicures, with intensive treatments and options for men; Spa Packages, featuring Ocean Dream, It’s All About Me, Pele’s Package, Plantation Escape, and Island Retreat Couple’s Package; and a Create Your Own Package, so you can design just what you’d like for your birthday or bridal party, business retreat, or “girls day out."

I think one of the more charming amenities offered by the Outrigger Waikiki and its sister property, Outrigger Reef, is its beautiful Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremonies, which are complimentary for its guests. 

Every Tuesday and Friday, at 8:00 a.m., couples gather  on the sand of Waikiki Beach to renew their commitment to one another, surrounded by friends and family.  The cultural and non-denominational ceremony draws on an ancient Hawaiian custom -- Ho'ao Pa'a, in which a man and woman are bound in a lasting union.  The ceremony is led by a Hawaiian kahu (priest).

The ceremony is on the beach in order to put you in touch with the elements, the sand at your feet, waves gently lapping on the shore, breezes on your skin.  The practicing kahu walks into the ocean and offers a chant to cleanse the past, present and future -- ho'oma'ema'eana -- and to bless water which is sprinkled on the man and woman -- pikai -- preserving their love.  A ceremonial kiss, song and dance of love follow, and a ka palapala oia'i'o, a Hawaiian certificate signifying that you were honored this traditional ceremony according to the words and wisdom of the ancients. 

For traditional wedding ceremonies, receptions and special events, the Outrigger Waikiki's Diamond Head Terrace, with more than 2500 square feet, is ideal, and the Serenity Spa offers complete bridal party packages to ready you for the event.

Hula Grill Waikiki is a casual plantation style cafe, located above Duke's and has pretty views, as well. The menu features Hawaii regional seafood, locally grown produce, and simple traditional cooking. I enjoyed chocolate pancakes for breakfast with Outrigger personnel.

Chuck’s Steak House is a tradition in Waikiki Beach.  Chuck Rolles is credited with creating the first "salad bar" concept, in 1959 in Waikiki, where diners could select their own steaks and create their own salads.  This location enjoys another lovely Outrigger beachfront setting, and specializes in USDA prime steaks, fresh island seafood, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.  When I mentioned Chuck's to our editor, she immediately remembered selecting a steak and making her own salad as a youngster in the early 1970's, and what a novel experience eating at Chuck's Steakhouse was. "Fun times, great food" she said.  This institution is to be renovated this year.   Additional Outrigger options include a smoothie and sandwich cafe, a coffee cafe, and room service.  

Outrigger Waikiki is located nine miles from Honolulu International Airport (HNL), a short taxi ride or shuttle away.  A word about traveling to Honolulu by air -- it's easy to print your airline boarding pass online at home, when you leave for your trip, but coming back can be less convenient if you don't have a business center available to you. I was glad I traveled by Hawaiian Airlines for my trip, because as soon as I arrived at both Outrigger hotels I noted the lobby hosts a Hawaiian Airlines kiosk for checking flights printing boarding passes right from the hotel lobby.  You can avoid the lines at the airport by checking out of your room and checking in for your flight in the hotel lobby. Non-hotel guests are welcome to use this kiosk also -- a wonderful service.

Outrigger Waikiki and the Plantation Spa have put together this wonderful spa package, which includes a spa credit so that you may design your own spa package.  Warm stone massage, Hawaiian salt glow body polish, Ayurvedic facial, or a balancing seaweed body wrap, invigorating Kona Coffee scrub, and vitamin-rich hydrating mango facial are just some of the special treatments offered.

• Three nights in Ocean View or Oceanfront guest room
• Waikiki Plantation Spa amenity basket
• 200 USD credit at Waikiki Plantation Spa per room, per stay
• Spa voucher to be issued at check-in. Voucher is not transferable, and expires on the date of departure.
• Valid through December 21, 2007
• $1,212 USD Ocean View
• $1,374 USD Oceanfront
• Per room, two persons sharing, for a three-night package

Outrigger Waikiki combines traditional Hawaiian elegance with contemporary island style on beautiful Waikiki Beach. From the warm welcome that greets you to the rich koa wood furnishings that surround you, Outrigger Waikiki is destined to be a experience you'll treasure. Outrigger's flagship hotel offers an oceanfront swimming pool, complimentary high-speed internet access in every guest room, complimentary local and long distance calls to the mainland U.S. and Canada, and family-friendly accommodations. Legendary Duke's Canoe Club and refined Hula Grill Waikiki restaurant are among the most popular gathering places in Waikiki for Happy Hour, dinner, and gazing at a spectacular Hawaiian sunset.

• Minimum five-night stay
• Includes one night free
• Special promotional room rates

Valid through March 31, 2007:

269 USD City View
339 USD Partial Ocean View
409 USD Ocean View
479 USD Oceanfront

Valid April 1 - June 7, 2007

295 USD Partial Ocean View
365 USD Ocean View
425 USD Oceanfront

Valid June 8 - August 25, 2007

359 USD Partial Ocean View
439 USD Ocean View
519 USD Oceanfront

Valid August 26 - December 21, 2007

295 USD Partial Ocean View
365 USD Ocean View
425 USD Oceanfront

VISIT OUTRIGGER Waikiki ONLINE