There is nothing like the experience at Laniwai Spa at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the amount of detail is unlike anywhere else in the world – and that is just the location. The treatments at Laniwai Spa relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Laniwai means “freshwater heaven,” and this luxurious location spans 18,000 square feet of interior treatment rooms with an additional 5,000 square feet outdoors at the Kula Wai therapy garden – the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on O`ahu. The “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series continues today with an inside look at the start of your journey at Laniwai Spa.
Upon check-in, you first select a wishing stone etched with a word in both Hawaiian and English to focus on during your treatment. A cast member will then escort you past a water wall, through the transformation corridor. Along its curving walls, notice that one side consists of rougher surfaces and the other feels smooth. This attention to detail makes for a balanced and revitalizing experience. You begin to hear the sound of a passing rain shower and above your head hangs a web of `ohi`a logs and branches. This `ohi`a web seems to rise and fall along the pathway to give a sense of leaving the stresses and distractions of the outside world behind.
At the end of the transformation corridor, you will arrive the spa’s focal point – the “room of heavenly reflection”. This beautiful rotunda is known as the Lumi Akalani and features a single crystal raindrop suspended from the center. Smooth pebbles fill the shallow pool below and here is where you will cast your wishing stone. Listen for the single drops of water and gaze upon the shimmering walls all around. You feel a sense of enlightenment as your Laniwai Spa journey is just beginning …
Which wishing stone did you focus on during your treatment at Laniwai Spa? I focused on Hau`oli, “Happiness” – leave your answer in the comments below.
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We have been to Aulani twice and I have used Laniwai both times. Can’t wait til my next time. I have one word for Laniwai, “Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”.
I went to Aulani back in February and oh my goodness, I think I’ve been ruined for all future spas! What an amazing experience. The hydrotherapy garden was exquisite (couldn’t stayed there for hours) and the massage was top notch. My favorite thing? It may sound odd, but I absolutely loved the chilled rose water towels. I need those in my life all the time! 🙂
How fantastic, Reese! That sounds like the best way to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary!
My wife hasn’t been yet, November 2015, here she comes. I know she is looking forward to a day at the spa! My wife Edna and I will be going to Aulani to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. 1st trip to Hawaii for both of us, we can’t wait.
We just got back from ten days of bliss Aulan’i yesterday. Our vacation of relaxation started right there in the Lanawai Spa. After an eight hour flight from Texas directly to Honolulu, we knew a spa visit was the BEST way to start out our vacation and the Lanawai Spa was even more luxurious and relaxing than even these pictures could do justice to. The staff was just as courteous, helpful and knowledgeable as any other Cast Member we’ve ever interacted with. On your visit to Aulan’i, absolutely schedule a visit to the Lanawai Spa! DVC members, be sure to ask for your special discount and upgrade too!!
That is absolutely fantastic, Randall! Thank you sharing and I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Laniwai Spa as much as I do.
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