Honolulu’s beauty savvy seek Ho‘onani
Some places just work. The staff exudes aloha, the services are top-notch and the prices are reasonable. Ho‘onani, a salon and day spa located just outside the hype of Waikīkī Beach, at 909 Kapahulu Avenue, is such a place.
In Hawaiian Ho‘onani means "to beautify" and with such reasonable prices you can pamper yourself without wincing from the high price tags of a resort spa.
You can't go wrong with the spa pedicure. It's one-hour of sheer ten-toe bliss. From an exfoliating foot scrub to an intense yet relaxing massage, this pedi wraps up - no pun intended, with a luscious hot towel treatment. And I was impressed that my faux rhinestones and pretty, pale pink polish lasted for almost three-weeks even with frequent surf sessions and runs on the beach.
Owner Jennifer Greneaux also recommends the Pohaku Hot Stone Massage, a full-body therapeutic massage that uses heated smooth stones and massage oil to release tension and revive those achy shoulders and weary back muscles.
Greneaux says Ho‘onani's Lomi Lomi is a must for anyone visiting the islands. Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage. In old Hawai‘i techniques were handed down within each family and were specific to your ahupua‘a (region). But today you can treat yourself to this holistic massage without being born and raised here.
However, if you are a kama‘āina (local) chances are you'll run into someone you know at Ho‘onani. Greneaux explains that approximately 75 percent of her clients are local and around 25 percent are visitors. She says, "We're right outside Waikīkī, half the price, and we give much better customer service."
I was thoroughly impressed by the staff and the lengthy spa menu. With more than 80 services to choose from this one-stop beauty shop has four private treatment rooms including a couples suite, a full service salon, and delicious half or full day spa packages. Many locals agree Ho‘onani is one of the best ways to recoup after too much sun, saltwater, or city stress.
For more information or to make an appointment call 808.737.1013 or visit their Web site at www.hoonanispa.com.
