Abhasa Waikiki Spa

I was staying a night at the Royal Hawaiian and just couldn’t pass up a massage in my own private outdoor cabana. I checked in 20 minutes before my appointment time and relaxed in the outdoor lounge. There’s also a lounge indoors with showers, lockers, steam room, and jacuzzi.
My therapist was Maureen and I had the 50 minute abhasa Harmony (50 min $ ¹⁵⁰⁄₈₀ min $ 210). Kamaaina get a 15% discount! Woohoo!
The abhasa harmony is a Hawaiian inspired Lomi Lomi massage infused with Japanese Shiatsu and pressure is applied to tsu-​bo points along the meridian of your body followed by a rhythmic Lomi Lomi. The shiatsu was new to me so it took a little getting used to, but I loved the entire experience. I asked her to spend more time on my back and she checked with me if the pressure was okay. Having the massage outdoors also added to the relaxing experience.
The cabanas are located in a garden setting in the Royal Hawaiian’s Royal Grove Courtyard. You could opt for a massage indoors, but why would you want to? There’s nothing else like it in Waikiki.

This is another one of those experiences that is hard to shrink down to one number that captures it all. Elements of my Abhasa experience were exceptional, others, less so.
First things first… people complaining about the price… I think it’s pretty comparable to another spa at a 4 or 5 star hotel in Waikiki. Reasonable, for certain. Yes, it’s more than you’ll pay in Missouri. Their rent is $ 300 a month, and the parking lot is mud. What do you want, it’s one of the most expensive cities in America. If your Big Mac Value Meal is $ 9, your massage isn’t going to be $ 100.
Secondly, this place has a TON of potential, but you can tell that the management company is trying to keep costs down. There’s just an overarching feel of «How can we keep costs down» that’s a bit of a bummer. If you’ve been to a Burke Williams, or if you’re fortunate enough to have ever been to the Gendarmerie in Los Angeles, you know what it feels like when corners aren’t cut and client satisfaction leads every decision. That’s not the feel here. The tiles could be glossier, the towels could be softer, the steamroom could be bigger, the products in the bathroom could be better.
The staff were fabulous. All of the ladies up front were as nice as could be, and my massage therapist, Yiu-​Cheung, was world-​class. I’d put him easily in the top three I’ve had in my life, out of about 100. Probably top two. Good communication, perfect pressure, really felt amazing. The outdoor cabana setting, too, was luxurious and very «Hawaiian» and a nice option. If I were a local I’d come to him weekly. His girlfriend is one lucky lady.
Good people. Excellent massage. Reasonable prices. Good location. Outdoor cabana is lovely, but seriously managers, spend the extra few dollars and watch your business double. Voltaire said «The Gods live in the details», and for a luxury spa you need to take a few things up a click or two.

Great staff and pricing is in line with other 5 star hotels and spa. Waiting area/​dressing area is dated though. Get outdoor service for a more unique experience if you’re comfortable with that. Facial has great results but not sure about he detox/​slimming treatment.

When I notified the «manager» she didn’t offer anything more than a «I sorry to hear about that» and «yeah, that happens sometimes» which is another indication of catering to vacationers rather than retaining business. I won’t refer or recommend anyone to this spa.

Overall, a forgettable experience. I had a Swedish massage with 25 minute reflexology add on. The massage itself just felt very amateurish — no real technique or finesse. At times, it felt like the therapist (Bernie) was just rubbing my back or holding my foot, not massaging or treating anything. The spa itself is very small and the facilities are not what I would have expected for the price.

Very elegant spa in a beautiful garden setting. The massages were good, not great, and pricy. $ 368 for 2 people. We were here 4 years ago and both the massages and prices were better. We’ll keep looking.

I visited this salon again today for another appointment with the amazing Aoi. I had low lights put in my hair today and she did another amazing job and I am very pleased with the results!
I am also happy to say that I noticed some updates in the spa area while I was waiting for my hair appointment. They’ve placed some beautiful decorative vases in the restroom that have beautiful Hawaii orchids displayed. (The old wooden bowl in the hallway has been replaced with some beautiful wooden flower trays that are filled with lovely orchids.
The more I visit this salon the more I like it!
Thank you to the manager for making these improvements! Your customers appreciate it.

I give this place 2.5 stars. Wow. The massage was a joke. I receive massages regularly and coming from LA, the land of very decent and thorough $ 15 foot massages, I was terribly disappointed that spending as much as I did, I had such a low a quality of massage. I purchased the lomilomi massage and facial package. first of all, they have you choose a lotion based on scent. The options are rosemary, coconut and lavender. I chose coconut, and the woman proceeded to rub lavender on me. ok, no problem. not a big deal, but then she proceeded to do nothing else but rub the lotion on the skin… I kept thinking to myself «ok. she will start the massage soon. yes, I paid for a massage, this will start» but guess what, I basically paid the girl $ 160 + service charge just to rub lotion on me without even an inch of effort to massage or focus on any of the areas I said I was experiencing tension. so horrible… I then proceeded to my facial. thank god the girl was different and she is what won them the 2.5 stars. what I was mainly unhappy about during this facial is I asked specifically for black head extraction. as she was doing this portion of the facial, I felt that she seemed very rushed and in then end when I looked at my face, I still had the majority of my black heads. I am an easy going gal who usually pays a lot lot less to receive these services back home, so to go to a fancy hotel (which I absolutely loved) and pay the price I did at a beautiful facility, expecting at least slightly above average services I was heavily disappointed… Royal Hawaiian, you should really hold your spa to as high a standard as your hotel. So so disappointed. I highly do NOT recommend this place to anyone. The whole experience was rushed and not relaxing. Just don’t go here. Abhasa, please use this review to improve yourselves and quality of services.

To my surprise, this spa is quite expensive for the value that I have received.
Some of their receptionists don’t speak English well. It was very difficult for me to make changes to my appointment because they do not know whats going on and I asked about specials, they seem clueless until the manager came over to explain the specials.
As for spa facilities, it is sure lacking. They do not offer you drinks before treatment, and after the treatment, you got a cup of water, that is all. Facilities were lacking too. Tiny steam room fits 2, and very small changing area with two showers and not to mention that the towels often run out in the men’s locker area. Can’t they just provide more showers there just like other spas?
For the treatment itself is decent, I picked the signature massage but I do not notice any significant difference between lomi lomi and the regular massage that I received. You also get to choose to have your treatment inside the building our outside in the tent. I do not recommend doing it in the tent because the hotel guests can easily look down and see people if they do not close their curtains.
For the price that they are charging, I am expecting lots more in order to be consider as «luxury» spa.

My son and his wife treated me to a birthday massage
i asked the massage therapist not to work on my injured shoulder
she went for it anyway, when i complained loudly she put some heat on it.
aside from that she was very abrupt almost military style.
I get a lot of massage, and good ones
Places like this tend to overcharge and as I found out it is a real crap shoot who you get. Save your money for someone you know is good at half the price. Go look at the ocean instead it may turn out to be more relaxing.
If you do go there do not ask for Amber
Today I have to go and get a shot… the result of this massage

Worst experience ever, do not go to this spa for your health nor well being! The massage therapist left bruises all along my arm (I have had many massages and NEVER had this happen). There was no apology or concern for my well being, nor even adjustment to the «required gratuity» that was not transparent upon registration. The interior is dated and mediocre hotel towels and robes/​sandals look like have been used for a decade.

My spa day was a surprise birthday present while I was in Waikiki this past June so I’m not sure which treatment I got. However, based on the descriptions on the website it was the 80-​minute Hawaiian Organic Spa Experience.
The treatment itself was amazing. It completely erased my jet lag, and the coconut oil used in my hair stayed in there for 2 days, protecting it from salty seawater and making me smell delicious! The treatment also took place in an outdoor cabana (the curtains were closed when I needed privacy to dress or undress) which was very luxurious.
The spa itself was gorgeous and clean, and I spent a long time in the jacuzzi which had a very pretty fountain. The only thing I wasn’t in love with is the sauna which the sign said takes 5 – 10 minutes to activate after you press the button. I waited and it never did, but by then it was time for my treatment!

Highly, highly recommend having multiple treatments at this spa, if you can afford it. It is quite pricey, located at a luxury hotel. However, you will not regret it. Their massages are amazing, especially from Amber, who’s been there the longest. Also, their pedicures include the full deal– your feet will feel completely pampered. Their amenities are the best– from organic products in the shower to a lovely smelling steam room and delicious unsweetened iced tea. I highly recommend the deep tissue massage in an outdoor cabana– so luxurious!

Tried the spa for the first time as I received a 50 min deep tissue massage gift from my boyfriend. The spa is very clean, inviting, not as big as I thought it would be at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The therapist were all very courteous, great technique, and both my mother and I felt that 50 min was too short. We were placed in a shared tent located outdoors with blinds. Unfortunately we went in the evening at 6pm so the happy hour music started playing and it didn’t really go with the flow of the massage. It was not as relaxing and serene as we wanted.
Inside the ladies section there is a hot spa and a steam room. The showers are very nicely done.

What to do when your vow renewal ceremony is rained out and you are floundering for a makeup artist and hair stylist on VERY short notice (read: a day) because neither could re-​schedule?
We were staying in Ko Olina and then moving to the Royal Hawaiian for the remainder of our trip so I called Abhasa Spa for hair and makeup services. I was kindly told that the stylist Paul would be available. The receptionist assured me that I should come early for a consult and that I was in good hands. I was very apprehensive because I had been working with a hair stylist and makeup artist for my ceremony look and here I was blindly going to someone I never met nor seen their portfolio.
The spa is beautiful and nestled in the Royal Hawaiian. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Paul was the absolute consummate professional and listened attentively to my needs and concerns. He had less than three hours to do hair and make-​yp. I showed him several looks on my iPad and then he proceeded to work his «magic» on me. My hair and makeup exceeded my expectations. He is funny, personable, and extremely talented. I felt like we were old friends.
I recommend Paul for anyone vacationing or living in Waikiki. He is fabulous and will make you look and feel like a queen.

This was a great way to end a week in Hawaii. I opted for the Abhasa Tropical facial. I chose the 80-​minute package. I arrived early to use the facility. It’s small, but it wasn’t busy. Very clean and it felt like a spa (relaxing). I arrived around 12:15 and my appt. was @ 1:30 pm. I enjoyed the steam room to myself, but it was quite hot. The steam just kept flowing so I could only stand about 5 minutes. Then I went into the jacuzzi for a bit. I took a quick shower. The body wash smelled really good — so good I purchased a tube when I left. Then I sat in the waiting room, enjoying my Kindle. The facial was very nice. I upgraded to a chemical peel, which cost me an additional $ 50 on top of the $ 190 fee. As each layer of chemicals and moisturizer that was put on and off me, I could feel that my skin felt so much cleaner. Warm towels were constantly put on my front shoulder and face. I almost fell asleep.
I am only giving it 4 stars because there was hardly any shoulder, arm, or foot massage. The foot massage was really just a foot scrub. The scalp massage was good, but I’ve had much better from my hair dresser!
I was glad there was no push on any facial products. This is one reason I hate getting facials. But after seeing how great my skin looked, I purchased a couple of items and walked out $ 500 poorer.
But at least I get to enjoy 2 products when I get back home to remind me of my last day in Hawaii.

Lucky us rec’d a couples massage gift certificate from some good friends as a generous wedding gift. I made reservations over the phone with a reservationist that had a heavy Japanese accent, which made communication slightly difficult (maybe b/​c I have trouble with accents), but in the end we were booked for a couples massage in an outdoor cabana! Check-​in was a breeze, and soon we were separately whisked away to our respective locker rooms. The women’s area had a small sitting area, lockers w/​the standard robe and slippers, a couple showers, and a hot tub and a steam sauna room. The outdoor cabana was nice and clean. The massages were good and the overall experience was relaxing!

I went to the Abhasa Spa when we stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for a night. It was kind of hard to find fom inside the hotel. The spa was very clean and relaxing. I didn’t get to try anything in their facility because of time constraints, but I really enjoyed the facial with my therapist Nani. It was on the pricey side; thank goodness for the kama’aina discount. I also don’t like that they add the gratuity on. Except it saved me money because I would’be given more than charged. Overall it was a very nice experience.

We were staying at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. So, I called to schedule a facial for myself and my step-​mom. What a crazy hassle that was. When I called to make the appointment I asked about the different types of facials. The clerk directed me to the website. I told her I had the list in front of me, but that I wasn’t familiar with the types of facials. She told me that I needed to choose. We went back and forth and finally she said the esthetician could talk to me. I think she was just not knowledgeable and sick of my questions.
I booked two 80 minute facials at the same time for the two of us. We arrived early as requested and filled out some paperwork in a very small reception area. We were shown to the ladies locker room and shown the amenities. This spa is small. It makes sense because The Royal Hawaiian where this spa is located is also small.
The locker room was a bit cramped. A small spa doesn’t have to be small everywhere. Everything is so close together that the waiting area/​lounge is directly next to the only two bathroom stalls. No one wants to go to the bathroom while ladies are waiting directly outside the doors in the lounge; we’re talking a few feet away.
I was given the choice of an inside or outside treatment room when I made the reservation. The cost is the same, but I thought inside would be more relaxing. The outside cabanas are completely enclosed, so there is complete privacy (see photos).
Akiko, my esthetician, was very good. She was quiet and attentive. The only thing I was disappointed in was that I asked for a facial recommendation (which type I should get) and she just kept reading the descriptions to me. I believe that the person who does the facial should have the ability and expertise to look at your skin and determine what you need. I settled on the basic Abhasa Tropical facial (80 minutes, $ 180). I also got the facial enhancement ($ 30) and the eye zone treatment ($ 30). The eye zone treatment was a nice add on. It was a cool eye mask that I enjoyed. I’m not sure the facial enhancement was anything special. The arm, hand, leg, and foot massage with the facial was nice but not really what I think of in a facial. No extractions were done during the facial even though my paperwork asked if I wanted them and I said yes. Akiko was very nice and made an effort to make sure I was comfortable. The table was too flat for my bad back so she was able to change the angle.
Overall the facial was nice, but pricey for what it was. The phone receptionist was ignorant of her own spa details. The spa facilities are small and cramped, but modern and attractive.
I don’t think I’ll be back because I like a relaxing area in the spa where I can spend some time. At this spa I’d have to relax next to bathroom stalls. Also, there is a jacuzzi but you are right in the middle of everything.
If you do go, ask for Akiko. She’s very good and professional.

You know how spas try to sell the idea of bliss? And you’re happy enough but have a nagging feeling there were better ways to relax and save some money in the process, like a jump in the ocean and a mai tai?
This was bliss. The body cocoon is my new addiction. The facial actually made my skin look better. The steam room was heaven.
This is almost five stars but the facilities are probably too small for that. The dressing area is pretty small and if you’re modest, you’ll have an uncomfortable moment or two. The waiting area is also very small and the two restrooms are right next to the chairs and across from the counter. If the restrooms were elsewhere, the area would be hugely improved. I liked the small size because it meant that the place wasn’t like Grand Central but it also limited the area where you would hang out & relax.
Otherwise: First, the staff is everything a good spa staff should be. Second, they have a 15% kamaaina discount, which I do appreciate. Then, the body cocoon. This thing is amazing. Not that over-​worked word «amazing» as in, «this smoothie is amazing,» but amazing. While you’re wrapped up, you get a mini-​facial. I got the Vitamin C and eye zone add-​ons, which made it considerably more expensive, but I think it would be fine just as a regular facial too. Then you sink into the water, warmly wrapped in the goop of your choice, and drift off into neverland.
My friend got a body treatment with hair mask, which also sounded pretty incredible and involved two massages. I’m going to try it but it’ll be hard to pass up the body cocoon. Anyway, she was happy.
Finally, the steam room is great and here’s also a big jacuzzi. Everything was just very nice. I’m sure you could complain if you were determined to do so, but otherwise, this is a nice escape.