I was an absolute beginner before visiting the Moana Lani Spa inside the regal Moana Surfrider, having never — I do mean never — experienced a manicure or pedicure before. (Blame it on my hippie roots!) Now, well into my adult years, I have to wonder: What took me so long?
If you don’t know what you’re missing, you can’t miss it, right? Now that I do know, I’m seriously considering Moana Lani’s kamaaina club membership, so that I can visit more often.
The spa is Waikiki’s only oceanfront establishment, and prices reflect its exclusive, elegant reputation. Visiting during “happy hour” — 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays — lets you indulge somewhat more frugally.
Happy hour beauty treatments cost between $30 and $55 (plus a service charge that includes the tip), accompanied by a glass of champagne, light refreshments and access to the spa’s whirlpool, steam room, dry sauna, showers and ocean-view lounge until spa closing time, 8 p.m. It’s a refreshing way to dip into the spa experience.
THE EXPERIENCE
It’s important to know a few things about spa protocol before you take part in the Moana Lani’s “spa-tacular” happy hour.
First, make an appointment, noting that you are booking a happy hour service.
Second, be there at least 20 minutes early, so that you can fill out a registration form and, if desired, change into a robe and slippers before the treatment. The Moana Lani has lockers similar to a hotel safe — you set the code to lock and unlock them — and a changing room.
Most happy hour appointments will be set between 5 and 5:30 p.m. — oh yes, during rush hour. If your goal is to relax, give yourself plenty of time to get through Waikiki in order to start things off right.
The spa is on the second floor of the Banyan Wing, ewa of the porte-cochere, up the escalators near the Moana’s check-in desk.
You’ll fill out a guest form in the spa’s entry room, with comfortable seating and access to refreshing mamaki tea or citrus-flavored water.
For a quick burst of beautification, consider a 25-minute manicure, at $30, or pedicure, $50. These can also be combined for an hour long session of your time. Note that men can also indulge, skipping the nail polish if they choose.
The stylists are expert here, and as someone who’d never had her nails shaped and cuticles trimmed before, I can tell you that you will look better and feel more put-together after the process.
My manicurist used a soft touch and carried on friendly conversation while she trimmed and buffed my nails.
A pedicure includes seating in a lightly vibrating massage chair, with a heated lavender pillow under your neck and a comfy blanket. What’s not to like?
A blowout or makeup application, well-timed for a dinner date, are also on the menu at $55.
After my mani-pedi, I had full run of the lounge, whirlpool, sauna, showers, changing room and locker room.
The whirlpool looks out over the ocean; go ahead and take that Instagram shot. There are chilled washcloths in a refrigerator nearby — also useful for the sauna.
The lounge overlooks the hotel’s pool and beach. It’s outfitted with zero-gravity lounge chairs, upright seating and small tables near the open windows. Low light and calming music add to the elegant, meditative effect.
Once you’re there, it’s ahhhh time. It’s easy to slip off into dream time for a few minutes, looking out over the waves, with gentle music rising up from the Moana’s Banyan Bar.
THE FOOD
I went into this happy hour with expectations honed by my usual pau hana experience, thinking “snacks” might be something pupu-like. That just goes to show what a newbie I am.
The experience here is luxe, but it’s not designed to quell your hunger; it’s a spa, after all.
If your appetite is whetted by the glass of delicious champagne that caps off the experience, you can snack on an assortment of deluxe mixed nuts, an apple or an orange.
The nuts are fresh and tasty; the fruit is standard. Sliced papaya, apple bananas or the like would have been welcome, especially if grown in Hawaii.
THE DRINK
Happy hour at Moana Lani Spa comes with a fluted glass of complimentary champagne. Since I signed up for both a manicure and pedicure, my champagne was served at the beginning, so that I could relax with a sip before having my nails done. Ah. Good call.
I watched the bubbles effervesce through my champagne glass while having my toes painted, then gingerly carried the wine back to the spa’s relaxation room, where I watched the clouds turn pink over Waikiki beach.
THE VERDICT
After my stint in the vibrating pedicure chair, whirlpool and relaxation room, I experienced an endorphin boost that lasted a good 24 hours. There aren’t too many better ways to spend an afternoon!
I’d recommend this happy hour experience for anyone who enjoys a bit of pampering, capped off with a champagne toast. Moana Lani’s staff delivers to the highest standard.
MOANA LANI SPA
Moana Surfrider, 2365 Kalakaua Ave.
237-2535, moanalanispa.com
Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. daily; lounge access until 8 p.m.
>> 25-minute manicure, $30
>> 25-minute pedicure, $50
>> Blowout, $55
>> Makeup application, $55
