All About Laniwai Spa at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii
One of the best decisions I made on my first trip to Aulani Resort & Spa was to kick off the vacation with a visit to the Laniwai Spa. I booked a massage for a few hours after our expected arrival to allow for any travel delays. This allowed me to fast-forward into relaxed, vacation mode. But no matter when you book a service at the spa, it will add to the magic of your vacation. The Laniwai Spa at Aulani is quite possibly the best spa I’ve ever experienced, and here is your essential guide to everything you need to know before you visit.
Aulani is already very relaxed as far as Disney vacations go, but the Laniwai Spa takes that relaxation to another level. Even though their Kula Wai Hydrotherapy Garden is outdoors, it’s so peaceful and quiet, and even though you’re at a massive resort, the spa feels so secluded.
You’ll find the spa on the ground floor level, which is floor one (while the lobby is actually on floor 3) in the Waianae tower. The spa is next to the Mikimiki Fitness Center and easily accessible from the pool area or the Waianae tower elevators.
The Laniwai Spa offers a typical spa services list that includes massages, herbal body remedies, couples treatments and salon offerings, and select salon services too. But what makes Laniwai Spa unique is the attention to Hawaiian culture. In each treatment room, you’re given the choice of traditional spa music or Hawaiian music, and some treatments are unique to Hawaii. Their signature services include a few versions of Lomilomi, which is a traditional Hawaiian massage. Even the hydrotherapy garden is inspired by the way early Hawaiians used water as therapy.
Here are some things to know before you visit Laniwai Spa:
You Don’t Have to Be a Disney Fan
While the Laniwai Spa is a Disney spa at a Disney Resort, the Disney part isn’t in your face, so both Disney fans and non-Disney fans alike can equally enjoy the experience. The only things that screamed Disney to me were the level of service and the cleanliness of the facilities. You won’t see Disney theming or Disney characters anywhere in the spa (unless there are hidden Mickeys that are really hidden!), and even the spa gift shop has merchandise unique to Hawaii rather than Disney souvenirs. Just like Aulani in general, the Laniwai Spa does a great job of honoring the local culture.
Book Ahead (But Might Not Have To)
You can book spa appointments as far out as 90 days ahead of your vacation, but you might find last-minute openings depending on the season. I visited in January and their calendar was wide open one week before our trip. If your travel dates land in the off-season, you have a great chance at a last minute appointment and even during the busy season, there are always cancellations!
How to Book
To book a spa experience, use the Aulani app or website.
You Don’t Need to be an Aulani Guest
Whether you’re staying in a Disney Vacation Club villa, a standard room, or not staying at Aulani at all, you can visit the Laniwai Spa. The resort offers parking, or you can walk straight onto the property from neighboring resorts in Ko’Olina.
Allow for Extra Time
To make the most of your spa visit, spend some extra time there before and after your treatment. All spa experiences at Laniwai allow you to check in one hour before your service to relax in the shared spa areas, and you can take advantage of these areas again post-treatment. Don’t miss the Hydrotherapy Garden, which includes 5,000 square feet of soaking tubs that offer a variety of water temperatures, rain-style showers, and even a cold plunge and hot tub.
Bring Swimwear
Some spas are clothing optional in the relaxation area, but because their soaking tubs and showers are outside and accessible for both male and female guests, swimwear is required. Honestly, I think this removes some awkwardness and makes it that much more relaxing. Less decision making means less stress!
Facilities
The spa facilities resemble many spas outside of Hawaii, but the outdoor hydrotherapy garden makes them unique. Here is a list of the indoor and outdoor offerings:
Indoors:
- Steam room with essential oils
- Sauna
- Showers
- Relaxation room with reclining massage chairs
- Refreshments room
- Locker rooms with facilities including private showers and toiletries
Outdoors:
- Soaking pools with varying temperatures
- Cold plunge
- hot tub
- Unique waterfall rain showers
Childcare is Available
If you are a hotel guest at Aulani and traveling solo with kids, or you want to book a couples treatment, you can make reservations at Aunty’s Beach House for the children in your party. This service is paid and separate from the Laniwai Spa, but they are a short walk from each other on the Aulani property.
Painted Sky: HI Style Studio
Speaking of children, the Laniwai Spa even offers a kids boutique called Painted Sky. Consider Painted Sky Aulani’s island-inspired answer to the Bippity Boppity Boutique at the parks. Kids ages 3 to 12 can get an island-style makeover, which, depending on the package, includes temporary tattoos, hair braiding, and Moana costumes.
Is Laniwai Spa Worth It?
In short? Yes! The longer answer? It depends. It is an added expense to an already luxury vacation, but if you have trouble relaxing, it is a great way to sink into that island vibe. The location is convenient, and some of the services are unique. However, you might not have time on a shorter trip, and I will admit that it is expensive, but I’ve yet to visit a budget luxury spa. Unlike with some of the restaurants at Aulani, you can find all of Laniwai Spa’s prices online before your trip, so you can pretty accurately anticipate the cost.
