Whether your body hurts from your 9–5, you just participated in the IRONMAN triathlon, or you just went out on a Hawai’i Island adventure, the best reward to a hard-fought week is a massage.

When in Hawai’i, do as the Hawaiians do: get a lomi lomi massage. Lomilomi, which means to massage, or to knead, is a traditional Hawaiian technique that integrates various nut oils, as well as being both relaxing and therapeutic. In its historical context, lomilomi is both a physical and spiritual experience and integrates the practice of ho’oponopono. Simplified, ho’oponopono is a practice of restoring balance and righting wrongs. Modern lomilomi practiced in spas instills more emphasis in the massage technique itself, rather than the spiritual aspect. That being said, you can still find plenty of traditional plants, minerals, and the occasional nod to spirituality in many spas.

If you prefer something familiar, there are massage options in the techniques of shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, and more.

Kailua-Kona offers a surplus of massage options, but these are no ka ‘oi (the best):

Best All-Around Massage in Kona: Mālama Pono Massage

Located in the oceanfront Kailua Bay Inn on Ali’i Drive, Mālama Pono Massage is led by its founder who grew up in Samoa and Micronesia. Excellent service that leaves guests feeling physically and mentally better has earned them a 5-star rating on Google. Rates start at $115 for a 60-minute massage. Mālama Pono Massage embodies the spirit of their name: mālama, meaning to take care, and pono, representing a state of harmony.

Available services:

• Hawaiian lomilomi
• Swedish
• Deep tissue
• Reflexology
• Specialize in Eastern modalities
• Add-on services available!

Best Value Massage in Kona: Kona Thai Massage

Kona Thai Massage specializes in Eastern practices, with a strong emphasis on traditional Thai and hot stone massages. Thai massage is sometimes colloquially referred to as assisted yoga, as it incorporates deep stretches. They also believe in quality service at an affordable price—rates begin at $90 for an hour. Find their shop in the Pa’a Pono Professional Plaza on Kuakini and Hualalai.

Available services:

• Traditional Thai massage
• Hot Stone massage
• Deep tissue
• Therapeutic massages
• Hawaiian Lomilomi

Best Splurge: Pau Hana Massage

Pau Hana Massage is locally-owned and operated since 2010, by spouses PuaLilia Paikuli and Phil Bruneau, who provide their services. The two owners are born and raised in Hawai’i and have a devout passion for quality service and facilitating their customers’ healing journeys. Rates begin at $80 for 30 minutes, and full-time residents always receive a 25% discount. Therapists will also travel to you for an additional fee. At Pau Hana Massage, you will experience the true spirit of aloha!

Available services:

• Hawaiian lomilomi
• Deep tissue
• Medical massage & injury care
• Myofascial release
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Muscular massage
• Sports-related injuries and therapy
• Swedish
• Prenatal care
• Reflexology
• Shiatsu
• Add-on services available!

Best Budget Massage on Hawai’i Island: Aloha Massage Academy

When looking for a budget-friendly massage, the best way to go about getting one is to consider a student massage. Without giving up quality for price, the Aloha Massage Academy consistently turns out adept masseuses, including the owners of well-known massage therapists on the Island. Student rates are available starting at $40/hour, with a licensed graduate option for $85/hour.

Available services:

• Student and graduate options
• Specializing in therapeutic massage combined with lomilomi

West Hawai’i resort spas you shouldn’t miss:

Sometimes, the best places to be pampered are only a few steps away from your room’s doorstep. It would be remiss not to consider visiting a luxury spa near your resort. Three of our favorites include:

The Spa Without Walls at Fairmont Orchid

A luxury experience at a luxury resort, The Spa Without Walls rejuvenates their guests in one of three venues: beside waterfall cascades, in an oceanfront hale, or in an indoor treatment room. At The Spa Without Walls you can experience award-winning techniques in lomilomi, Swedish, deep tissue, and more in a resplendent environment. No matter which space you choose, you can’t go wrong with their impeccable service. Rates begin at $225 for a 50-minute lomilomi massage. (Recommended by our publisher!)

Hualalai Spa at Four Seasons Resort

The Hualalai Spa service goes beyond a massage: the 28,000 square foot salon integrates ambience into the experience. Relax in a tropical open-air garden, beside a burbling stream, or in a private oceanfront hale. Guests can also enjoy the lap pool, cold plunges, and saunas. Massage therapies begin at $205 for 50 minutes.

Ohana Bali Spa near Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

While technically not a resort spa, the Ohana Bali Spa is reputed as one of the best spas on Hawai’i Island. Its location in the Pottery Terrace plaza makes it convenient for guests staying at the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort. Their masseuses specialize in the best practices from Bali and Thailand, as well as deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, and pregnancy massages. Services begin at $99/hour.

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