Bright Ideas in Travel 2024

"This luxurious Maui property is putting Native Hawaiian healing traditions in the spotlight with its Kilolani Spa, which opened in February 2024 with 40 treatment rooms spread across 50,000 square feet of space. In accordance with the kaulana mahina, Hawaiʻi’s lunar calendar, programming rotates with each ten-day period (or anahulu). Culturally informed services include lomilomi massage, facials with botanical oils handmade on the island, and a traditional Polynesian ‘awa (or “kava”) ceremony led by a Native Hawaiian practitioner. The concept—a significant $55-million investment—was developed in part by Grand Wailea’s cultural programming director and leadership educator, Kalei ‘Uwēko‘olani. Spa staff have been retrained by local healers, and the property made sure the opportunities for healing are not limited to tourists: in addition to special Kamaʻāina (“local”) offers with discounted services, the spa will host quarterly Kamaʻāina Night paid events to bring the Hawaiian community into the resort."