Oʻahu's natural beauty and cultural diversity make it the perfect place to experience unique health and wellness activities to help soothe the mind, body and soul. Regardless of a visitor’s preferred method of rejuvenation, respite is always at hand, whether in a sunset yoga session, the distinct healing touch of lomilomi (massage), or a luxurious spa experience. Oʻahu is the ideal destination for couples and families alike, especially during this time.

Cutting Edge Wellness…Oʻahu style
With its beautiful outdoors and the entrepreneurial spirit of Oʻahu's health-conscious community, the island produces some of the most intriguing ways to rejuvenate and stay fit. Below is a snapshot of cutting edge health and wellness activities on Oʻahu.

Dream Float Hawaiʻi
Sensory deprivation – affectionately known as “floating” – has hit Oʻahu as a unique way to relax, meditate and rejuvenate. A float tank is filled with a shallow amount of skin-temperature water and 1,000 pounds of epsom salt, allowing the user to float effortlessly. The experience is often described as floating in space, or being back in the womb. Dream Float Hawaiʻi offers this experience, which touts stress reduction, better sleep, and increased athletic and cognitive performance in a secluded tropical neighborhood setting.  

Moniz Family Surf
Founded by professional surfer and big wave rider, Tony Moniz, Moniz Family Surf offers group and private surf lessons conveniently located in Waikīkī. The school also offers canoe surfing and board rentals.

Still & Moving Center
Still & Moving offers mind-body movement classes and workshops. Classes currently being offered include martial arts, healing arts and dance arts classes.        

Yoga Floats
This class is perfect for anyone who has never stepped on a stand up paddle board (SUP) or taken a yoga class, as well as anyone with yoga and/or SUP experience. This Honolulu paddle boarding class begins on the beach, as participants are taught safety points and basic SUP yoga principles that will guide the group throughout the lesson.

Wellness Wisdom from Oʻahu's Cultural Melting Pot
Since the planation era, Oʻahu has become a meeting place for cultures from all over the world, which has been reflected in everything from food and music to architecture. An often-overlooked aspect is the wealth of cultural knowledge when it comes to health and wellness that is accessible on Oʻahu due to the blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Asian cultures.

ʻAwa
ʻAwa is the Hawaiian name for a plant that has been cultivated in Polynesia for centuries and is commonly known as “kava” or “kava-kava.” The root of the plant is usually prepared into a potent drink that has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. The drink was traditionally served on occasions of celebration, or as an expression of hospitality. Visitors can experience the drink at Da Cove Health Bar.

Kukui Nut Oil
The kukui tree is the official tree of the State of Hawaiʻi. The oil that is processed from kukui nuts was originally used in cultural ceremonies, as a paint or varnish, or even in candle making. Due to its high level of poly- and monounsaturated fats, as well as vitamins C, D, E and other powerful antioxidants, modern studies have shown the benefits of kukui nut oil to be many. Applied to the hair, it can increase hair strength and prevent dandruff while applying it to the skin can serve as a moisturizer and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Most prominently, kukui nut oil is used in massage as its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe muscles and joints. Kukui nut oil products can be found in the skin care aisle of nearly any store on Oʻahu. One of the prominent local producers is Oils of Aloha, which creates a variety of products using kukui nut oil.

Noni
Noni is a plant native to many tropical regions including the Hawaiian Islands. The strange looking fruit is touted for its health benefits like lowering cholesterol, lowering blood sugar and has been shown to have an immune-boosting effect. The fruit can be made into a juice or even distilled into tablets, teas, and many other forms. Local producers of noni products include Hawaiian Organic Noni, Puna Noni, and Hawaiian Ola. 

Poi
Poi, a paste made from the mashed corm of the kalo (taro), has been a staple of the Hawaiian diet for generations. Kalo is highly regarded by Hawaiians, and according to cultural stories, is associated with Hāloanakalaukapalili, the first kalo plant who represents the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people. In modern times it has been discovered that poi has unique properties causing some to dub it the next “super food.” Poi is high in vitamins, minerals and enzymes, and when left out, naturally ferments giving it probiotic properties similar to yogurt cultures. It is also hypoallergenic, gluten free and easily digestible, making it an ideal natural food for infants or those with gastrointestinal ailments. On Oʻahu, poi can be found at a variety of restaurants and even in grocery stores. For an authentic taste of poi and other Hawaiian foods, visitors should stop by the family-owned Waiāhole Poi Factory.