Spa Khakara

After a five-​hour flight, we were in dire need of a massage. The spa wasn’t picking up their telephone, so we went down and booked it at a table in front of the hotel elevators.
For me, I got the 50-​minute deep tissue massage and it seemed to go by pretty fast (doesn’t it always when you feel good and are having fun?). I’m pretty picky about my massages and often have trouble finding masseuses who understand the kind of kneading and strength that I need. Most masseuses assume because I’m a girl, I like to be touched gently, but nope. I want you to get in there and knead out all my knots and stress! My masseuse went a little harder than I liked, but overall was very good at getting most of my knots out (there was a big one left on my left shoulder but I only know of one person who can get out ALL my knots, so that’s not really her fault).
Wendy W. and I requested to be in the same room, so we were given a couple’s massage room, which was convenient, so we didn’t have to wait for another.
The spa amenities were really mediocre. The relaxation area is nice, but too bright to nap. The overall spa area consists of showers, steam rooms, and a changing room, which were all very small and felt a bit claustrophobic to me.
I would go back, but not before trying somewhere else first.

First off this place has a very calm environment. The customer service is amazing. Also the massage was absolutely helpful after our wedding day. We had Mina and Akiko do our couples massage. It was perfect.

I just want to report how disappointed my wife and I were after our facials. We were both completely underwhelmed by the service as well as the facility. We expected so much more from a spa located at the Sheraton. I received hardly any extraction during my treatment This was overpriced for the level of service and both the facility and the personnel was cold and unfriendly. Avoid it!

Valentine’s Day in Honolulu ended up being pretty gloomy. The morning brought high winds and pouring rain — even in Waikiki, which is pretty unusual for the area. Luckily, a spa day is actually a great romantic activity — rain or shine.
I saw they were running a special for a couples lomilomi massage (50 min. for $ 220, regular $ 280), so I booked it as a present for my boyfriend Jake. He’s always complaining of aches and things, and I thought it’d be a great way for us to de-​stress together. Let me tell you, the massage did not disappoint!
We waited in the lounge until our massage therapists came and greeted us. The massage starts out with a foot scrub, and we got to choose from lavender, rosemary, or kukui coconut scents. Let me warn you, it’s a little ticklish! But it left my feet feeling very moisturized. The woman who performed my massage used the perfect amount of pressure, and I left the room feeling completely relaxed. She only spoke a few times, once to ask me if the pressure was alright and again to ask me to flip over. She let her fingers do the talking — the massage did wonders for my neck, shoulders, and legs.
After your treatment, our therapists gave us some privacy so we could put our robes back on then met us at the door with cups of water. They led us back to the lounge where they explained we could hang out as long as we wanted. There was juice, water, hot tea, and comfy chairs where we could cuddle up together and watch the blustery scenery through big shaded windows that let just enough light in. It really was very relaxing.
If there’s any part of you that you don’t want massaged, you can let them know in the short form you fill out when you check in for your appointment at the spa located on the 4^th floor of the Sheraton Waikiki. On the form, there’s a diagram where you circle areas you want your therapist to focus on, or X out places you don’t want touched. For example, I passed on the stomach massage… They ask that you arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment so you can fill out the form and get ready.
The only thing that annoyed me in the slightest was the fact that before your massage gets started, right as you enter the room they show you a list of add-​ons you can buy ranging from $ 20 — $ 40. I’m trying to relax and already paying you a lot of money, and now you’re asking for more? They ended up not being pushy at all, so I let it slide.
I paid on the way out and my total after automatic gratuity and tax was $ 270. I also received a 20% off coupon I could use during my next visit. The best part? There’s no expiration date! It’s a small spa, but I really enjoyed our time there. I’ll definitely be back — coupon in hand!
AMENITIES: Compared to other spas I’ve been to, there weren’t that many extra amenities you could enjoy after your treatment. There’s a steam room, but otherwise that’s really it. You’ll also find men and women’s locker rooms that each have their own showers, bathrooms, and of course lockers where you can store your belongings.

This place was not great, I’m afraid. I booked the massage on a whim without Unilocaling it first-that’s what I get for digital detoxing:) Anyway, don’t go here, or if you do, don’t get the massage therapist I had. I wish i knew who it was, but I don’t. It was a lady, so just get a man to be on the safe side.
First of all, I ordered Swedish, and even made the «kneading with fingers» motion to emphasize what i wanted. But I still ended up with one of those people that just digs their elbow into your back and smears it around, which I just don’t like. I need to be kneaded, ok?!
So I asked her if she could use her hands. She said ok, then proceeded to literally rub my back for the rest of the time, very, very, lightly.
I was not into it.
The one bright spot was the receptionist. She was SO cute and nice, not Corporate Nice, but a genuinely great person.

This was by far, the worst massage I’ve ever had and is severely over-​priced if they can’t deliver the premium quality associated with the price. Sure. They had the warm massage bed and gazillion towels for whatever. However, I felt like a piece of meat, heavily marinated in oil, ready to be grilled… I still have the same aches as I did before the massage except I’m $ 300 poorer!!!
AVOID and go to Sukothai — no frills but you’ll leave relieved of body aches.

I stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki and while doing my research I found that there is a spa in the hotel! I told myself I wouldn’t schedule anything until I got there, so first night I booked for the following day and man was it worth it. I was lucky enough to have Maria work on me, and OMG it was amazing. I’ve been getting massages for years and she is on my top 3 list, she’s that good. I booked the Lomi Lomi massage holy crap I thought they were going to have to peel me off that table I was so relaxed I swore I had melted. Ask for MARIA she is magic.

I do not recommend this spa to anyone, especially not a Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party or Girls Day Out. It is NOT worth $ 150 plus when they allow && acknowledge they allow filthy, dirty «known» homeless people in for $ 20-​$ 25
One of my bestest girlfriends is getting married on Saturday so we planned a spa day for her and the rest of the bridesmaids plus the groom, so FIVE people totaling over $ 700. Apparently ANYONE is allowed to utilize the amenities for $ 20/​$ 25. WELL, a DIRTY, FILTHY GUY WALKED IN && the workers ADMITTED TO THE GROOM OF OUR WEDDING PARTY THAT HE WAS HOMELESS && THAT HE USES THEIR AMENITIES OFTEN. gRoSSssss… && sUPeR dIsGuStInG
STOP reading here and do not go to this place if you have any fear of germs or care about your safety and health. *********************************
But I feel that I do need to give credit where credit is due :)
(Rewind let me tell you about our experience) …
We were planning a bachelorette party and invited the groom along to our «spa day.» After researching and looking around at other spas, I decided to go to this Spa because it was in the SHERATON WAIKIKI hotel meaning it would be a clean, decent, relaxing experience, right? NO!
*Appointments:
I spoke to a few of the spa attendants on the phone, got familiar with services and prices of the spa. We chose the Lomi Aroma for $ 140, I believe this is plus tax and tip, which is pretty standard for Spa Treatments. On top of that they give a KAMAAINA RATE… yAy!!! They emailed the rates, got our names, and also requested we put a credit card to hold the reservation, only to be used if someone cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment.
*Location: In the Sheraton Waikiki, go to the elevators and its on the 4^th floor.
*Check in: 20 minutes prior to the appointment time.
*Spa Treatment:
They start off touring the spa. There is a relaxation room with chairs set up in pairs facing the window. In this room there is water, juice they bottle themselves, and tea. Then they show you the men’s and women’s changing area which includes a Sauna, bathrooms, two sinks (one of which was BROKEN), and a few bathrooms. There is also a room with lockers which also has the hair dryers, brushes, etc.
So you change into your robe and put your things into the locker and hold onto the key. Then, your masseuse comes out and gets you for the massage.
The massage was average. First they have you choose a few aroma therapies and have you lie face down. Then they scrub your feet which surprised me. And finally they massage you. I feel that a 50 minute massage isn’t enough. If I were to do it again, WHICH I AM NOT, I would have gotten an 80 minute massage because they spend a lot of time washing your feet.
*Relaxation Room:
We spent about an hour sitting in the chairs of the relaxation room. Our groom is very tall and bigger. He was not able to lie on the chairs or fit into the robe. But overall this was not a problem.
*Changing rooms:
We used the Sauna and the showers and the changing room. They provide towels, razors, shampoo, conditioner, and shaving cream. The bride noticed that the showers did not seem clean. So how often do they clean the showers? We could not tell.
Had this been the end of my experience with Spa Khakara I would give them a ⁴⁄₅ Stars, just because I felt like they should have been able to accommodate our party. The robe didn’t fit the groom. I thought that the massage could have been better. But overall the experience was Very Good :)
HERES the KICKER:
I emailed my concerns to the spa after hearing the groom saw a «bum» walk into his changing area, thinking that may be he was mistaken. When I talked to them on the phone their response was, «He did not look that way the other day, let me check with the desk girls.» I could not imagine that the spa was allowing dirty people who looked and dressed «filthily» to utilize the SAME amenities we use at such a minimal cost. Imagine this: You are using the same showers. If you go to the steam room the same germs that are on the filthy dirty guy are not ALL OVER YOU!!! Although the spa never admitted they allow the homeless to utilize their amenities they were NOT SURPRISED at our grooms observation && the BEST part was that they knew EXACTLY who I was talking about
Currently I am requesting a 50% refund. It has been difficult to get in contact with the Spa. I have had to call the Sheraton Waikiki’s front desk to have them contact the Spa for me.

My girlfriend went there when homeless people walked in and used the place to… it’s gross because of that… warning it’s a homeless shelter there you may catch something… it ruined their bridal party… don’t ever go there… how can homeless people share the same place as a party that spent big money to be there

My partner and I got a couples lomi lomi massage, and it was quite nice. We both greatly enjoyed the steam rooms in our locker rooms, and found the appearance of the spa to be very soothing. They play typical muzak in the background which feels cheesy, but what can you expect from a hotel spa?
I recommend getting to the spa at least 30 minutes early to enjoy the steam room and a shower before getting your massage.
Also, if you’re plus-​sized like me, you should know there are larger robes that can be provided. Ask the staff person who actually works in the locker rooms cleaning and replacing supplies. They have the knowledge and time to provide this for you. I also have very large feet, so the sandals provided in my locker were like 4 sizes too small. The staff person gave me men’s sandals that were very comfortable and fit me great.
When you walk in for your appointment you fill out a form discussing your physical needs and health issues. There is a place to ask for focused attention on problem areas or parts that should be avoided. My massage therapist did ask me about my notes, but didn’t focus on the areas I mentioned needed extra attention. The lomi lomi massage sems very scripted and doesn’t allow for much extra time spent on one area or another. My partner experienced the same with his masseuse.
We greatly enjoyed the massages and were incredibly relaxed afterward. Choose the lomi lomi if your goal is a dreamy zen feeling. This is not the spa to go to for intense work or injury recovery.

Decided to stay at the Sheraton for our weekend, I usually don’t have weekends off. One reason I picked this hotel is because I noticed they have a Spa. Checked out their menu on the web then gave them a call. Very easy to make reservations, don’t forget to mention about a kamaaina rate it’s 15% off.
They ask you to come 20 minutes early to change and use their steam room or shower if you want or just relax in the waiting room drinking ice water or some red looking drink and I think tea.
My gf’s masseuse was Mina and I didn’t catch my masseuse’s name, darn it and she was awesome. She was a skinny, tall, light color hair maybe blond, caucasian girl. She gave the BEST massage I ever had! I’ve been to other Spa’s and this place was it! My gf loved it too! We had the Harmony massage 80 min. + Reflexology 25 min (foot). Whole body felt like jello after soooo relaxed! I didn’t ask for it but they gave us the couple’s room. When the massage was over they left so we could get dressed then as we were leaving the room they both we waiting outside with a cold drink! Wow talk about being pampered!
I highly recommend Spa Khakara, you won’t be disappointed!

I always go into resort spa treatments slightly hesitantly. I’ve had the best and the worst at resorts — no in between.
The BEST!
I enjoyed the lomi lomi massage and recommend it. Others were right on about the spa facility. Sheraton Waikiki is a great place not only to stay, but also to spa.
Aloha

One of the best massages I’ve had in a long time. My masseuse was gentle and used the right amount of pressure, the goldilocks effect — not too hard, not too soft, yeaa just right.
You also get full use of the spa before and after your massage. And it’s super clean in here, most important. ‘ve been to dozens of spas, but this one had everything a woman might need in the locker room: showers, every hair product, razors individually wrapped, robes, mouth wash, hair brushes, a steam room. Oh i loved the hell out of this steam room. It was the perfect ending to my perfect rub down.

I’d give this spa 4.5 stars. I took a friend here for her birthday and we got facials together. The atmosphere was pleasant and the estheticians were fantastic. We felt very relaxed and were very happy with our treatments (we opted for the tropical facials, which we picked off the comprehensive website menu)
The only reason I hesitate to give it the full five stars is because there was a TON of communication errors between the woman/​women at the front desk. We originally scheduled the 80 min. facials and when we got there they said the girl had booked us the 50 min. treatment instead, they ALSO told us we couldn’t valet if we wanted our parking validated. As it would turn out, they ONLY validate valet parking… this created a large problem when we tried to exit the parking structure. If you’re going to put someone in a position that requires good communication skills, you should try to find someone that is adequately skilled in BOTH languages that they speak. But alas, once we were in the spa itself, we completely forgot about all that and just enjoyed ourselves. The amenities in the spa were great. Full showers with everything you could need, the robes were fantastic, slippers included in your little locker and a nice and steamy steam room. Just a lovely time. :)

I miss you soft skin, cool evening breeze, smelling like paradise. What a great experience! After reading the in-​room menu a few times I decided to treat myself to the exfoliation body treatment (mainly because I wanted to be pampered and it was the cheapest service.) I had never had an exfoliation treatment before but love massages, reflexology, spa pedicures etc so I figured it would be relaxing at worst — but it rocked!
The menu says 50 minutes but it felt longer — in a good way — I used the steam room, relaxed with cucumber water and magazines and then the serious business began. I’ll break it down:
-«A specially designed body exfoliation experience,» true, I choose the scent and type of scrub.
-” you will be swept away as your therapist captivates your senses with a botanical rich scalp massage and hair mask.” true, I take scalp massages as payment or gifts due to their sheer awesomeness and the hair mask left my hair luxurious for frickin’ days!
-” A relaxing foot massage follows.” true, seriously soft and relaxed feet
-” An invigorating body polish leaves your skin with a velvety smooth glow.” true true true! like my hair the velvety smoothness lasted a long time and I smelled pretty darn good too!
Afterwards I took full advantage of the showers (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, robes, and more) and then in the locker room there were all sorts of hair products, lotions and clean brushes and combs.
After I got home I tried to recreate the experience but the spas here are actually more expensive! I know right! for what you get and definitely not the same level of service or results.

Staying at the Sheraton Waikiki on the same floor as Spa Khakara, I was repeatedly tempted to use this facility. In my guest room, there was a brochure listing full details (price, procedure, length of time) on each type of massage, facial, or body treatment.
If your not willing to spend a decent amount of cash then look the other way! I received the 50 minute Swedish massage and eye zone treatment, which cost me $ 180. After walking around Waikiki doing tours and tons of shopping, I did not think twice about the price because my body ached for a massage!
The massage itself was $ 120, the eye zone treatment $ 25, and 18% gratuity is added to every bill.
The massage/​facility= HEAVEN.
Every staff member I encountered was overall friendly and wanted my time in their care to be pleasant. Upon arrival, you are greeted, charged, and everything is explained in full detail. There is a form you fill out stating if you are sun-​burnt, what type of pressure you prefer, if there are any areas you want more focus on, etc.
They suggest getting there at least 30 – 40 minutes early to use their showers and/​or steam room. The robes and slippers they give you make you feel totally relaxed right when you slip them on. The changing room has everything you could ever need such as mouthwash, brand new hair brushes, feminine products, razors, etc.
Once your ready to wait for your massage, you can head to the waiting relaxation room which has reclining chairs, pillows, and beverages. Soft music plays that puts you in that massage mood.
Once in the room, I can tell you that the massage beds are soft and fluffy and the massage was to die for. I wanted to handcuff myself to the bed and refuse to leave.
As for overall prices, the cheapest is $ 115 and full spa packages can range up to $ 330.
Next year when I go to Hawaii, I will be returning to Sheraton and Spa Khakara for one of the longer, more expensive and amazing packages. Look out Spa Khakara.
PS: I love you.

This smallish day spa in the Sheraton Waikiki is fine and, actually I didn’t have a service here so take that into consideration when reading the review. Instead, I purchased a spa entry to use the facilities … something I like to do when I travel. I love steam, sauna, and spa atmospheres.
I did peek in the treatment rooms and they seemed nice. There was only one other person in the spa while I was there and she was having a massage.
The relaxation area is nice enough, but the view is down a corridor of hotels, so there’s not much to look out at and zone out. They have some iced tea, hot tea, and water. The selection of magazine to read there was rather slim and slanted heavily toward women. Hey, guys like spas, too!
The changerooms and steam room area was unisex, so no bathing suit required, but they were very tiny. The steamrooms hold three people max (shoulder to shoulder). Only two showers. No areas in the changeroom to rest, cool down from the steam. And there’s no sauna. Booo.
Generally when I visit a spa and pay an entry fee, they’ll let me return any time during the same day. Not here. Pay $ 20 once and if you leave you pay $ 20 again if you come back the same day. No flexibility on that even though I was the only one in the entire spa at that point. This is a marked departure from the rest of the Sheraton’s high-​level of customer service. As I understand it, though, this spa is independently owned and operated and is not under Sheraton’s control.

I was given a gc for a massage and I was dying for one, so I thought I’d take advantage of it. It was AMAZING! The masseuse’s name is Caimy? (pronounced «came-​ee») Not sure if I spelled her name correctly, but I highly recommend her. She was very gentle and asked me if she was usingn the right pressure. The beds are amazing and you even get to choose the massage oil/​lotion that they use on you. The treatments are pricey, but if you’re will to splurge on a massage, this is the place to go!