ʻĀwili Spa and Salon at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

A Personal and Meaningful Experience 

That philosophy becomes tangible the moment guests step inside the spa. As the Editor of LNE and Spa Magazine, my visit to ʻĀwili Spa and Salon was both professionally insightful and deeply personal. The resort itself holds special meaning for me as the place where I became engaged, and returning to the spa on two separate occasions only strengthened that sense of connection. There is an immediate feeling of ease within the space, one that encourages guests to slow down and fully arrive rather than rush into an appointment. 

Each visit felt intimate, unhurried and genuinely restorative, a balance that is increasingly rare in luxury spa environments. Both treatments were performed by therapist Mia, whose approach was intuitive, attentive and grounded. Her presence created a sense of trust from the beginning, and the massage itself was memorable. 

Beyond the treatment room, the amenities elevated the experience even further. The spa was impeccably clean and serene, with each space designed to support deep relaxation and flow. From the tranquility pool to the sauna and steam room, every amenity felt intentional and well maintained, offering guests the opportunity to extend their experience rather than move quickly through it. There was a sense of privacy throughout the spa that allowed for quiet reflection and personal restoration, reinforcing the feeling that this was a place designed to support both inner and outer well being. 

The ʻĀwili Massage Experience 

The spa’s most requested offering, the ʻĀwili Massage, exemplifies this approach. Named for the Hawaiian word meaning to mix blend and entwine, the treatment is intentionally fluid and personalized.“Our ʻĀwili Massage is never a set protocol,” Aina explains. “Every session begins with an individual assessment so we can understand each guest’s intention for their well being.” 

Offered in sixty ninety and one hundred twenty minute sessions, therapists intuitively blend therapeutic techniques with the option to incorporate deeper work as needed. Premium skin care and locally inspired ingredients further tailor the experience. During my own visits, the care felt deeply attentive yet never intrusive, allowing space to fully relax and reconnect. “No two treatments are alike,” Aina says. “The goal is for guests to leave feeling balanced, restored and deeply supported.” 

Building Loyalty Through Authentic Care 

Rather than relying heavily on promotion, ʻĀwili Spa and Salon builds loyalty through authenticity and consistency.“We focus on delivering genuine care,” Aina shares. “When guests feel seen and supported they naturally want to return. Word of mouth and personal experience become our strongest marketing tools.”While the spa maintains visibility through social media, local placements, airport advertising and community engagement across the island, it is the emotional resonance of the experience that leaves the deepest impression. 

A Culture of Education and Support 

Behind the guest experience is a team culture grounded in communication education and support. Weekly updates keep staff informed of spa hotel and community news while spa wide meetings held several times per year revisit mission standards and daily practices. “Staying aligned as a team is essential,” Aina says. “It allows us to deliver consistent care while honoring individuality.” Ongoing education is supported through annual modality refreshers product training and a close partnership with the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage. Performance reviews emphasize both personal and professional growth.“Leadership to me is about watching people thrive not only in their careers but in their lives,” she reflects. 

A People First Philosophy 

This people’s first philosophy guides how the spa motivates and retains its team.“We are in the business of caring for people,” Aina says. “That begins with creating a safe supportive environment for our colleagues. When they feel valued, that care naturally transfers to our guests.”This approach aligns seamlessly with the Andaz brand ethos of honoring individuality and self expression fostering a space rooted in acceptance, connection and genuine human care. 

Seasonal Rituals Rooted in Maui 

Seasonal offerings at ʻĀwili Spa and Salon are guided by the natural rhythms of Maui and planned well in advance. “During the festive season which coincides with Makahiki our focus is on renewal, peace and abundance,” Aina explains. “These offerings allow guests to release what no longer serves them and turn toward the future through healing arts.” 

Thoughtful Retail and Revenue Balance 

Retail reflects the same intentionality found throughout the spa. ʻĀwili Spa and Salon currently carries Natura Bissé and Eminence Organics selected for quality performance and alignment with the spa’s philosophy. “Our priority is always to support Maui businesses first, Hawai’i second and outside brands last when they meet our standards,” Aina says. 

Education remains central to the retail approach ensuring guests leave with products that truly support their well being. Approximately seventy six percent of spa revenue comes from massage and bodywork with eleven percent from skin care reflecting the needs of guests seeking restoration and relief from travel. 

A Diverse and Community Connected Clientele 

ʻĀwili Spa and Salon serves a diverse clientele with sixty six percent female and thirty four percent male guests. Seventy five percent are resort guests while twenty five percent are local residents. “Our local community is incredibly important to us,” Aina says. “Our memberships allow locals consistent access to our wellness spaces while continuing to honor the resort guest experience.” 

An Immersive Spa Environment 

The spa features ten treatment rooms, an outdoor cabana, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, tranquility pool, full service salon and multiple relaxation lounges. Every amenity supports ease and flow creating a complete sensory experience that feels expansive yet personal. 

Rooted in Hawaiian Philosophy 

What truly distinguishes ʻĀwili Spa and Salon is its philosophical foundation.“We are guided by ho‘onanea which centers ease and peace and ʻāwili which means to mix blend and entwine,” Aina shares. “We honor the mana of Maui and meet each guest where they are offering something meaningful and personal each time.” 

Leadership Grounded in Service 

Aina began her hospitality career as a massage therapist in nineteen ninety six grounding her leadership in quality service and human connection. The spa opened alongside Andaz Maui in 2013 and she stepped into the Spa Director role in August 2024. When asked what advice she would give her younger self Aina’s response is simple yet profound. 

“Compassion and empathy will always create a better world.” 

Spa Director Spotlight 

Marni Aina 

Marni Aina serves as Spa Director of ʻĀwili Spa and Salon at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. With more than a decade of experience in luxury spa and wellness operations she leads with a people first philosophy guided by the Hawaiian principles of ʻāwili and ho‘onanea. Her work centers on creating meaningful restorative experiences that honor Maui’s spirit while supporting both guests and colleagues in reconnecting with their well being.