Great Places for Self-Care in Hawaii

People come to Hawaii to relax, unwind, and take better care of themselves. Whether that means a relaxing walk on the beach or a refreshing massage, there are plenty of great places to engage in some much-needed self-care. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of great places to include for a nice “me” day on the islands. From beauty salons to shoe stores to an ice cream shop (hey, it’s your day — indulge), these are the places you’ll want to stop by in between beach combing and surfing.

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Bath & Body Works

Friendly service guides you to the best in fragrant body care

1450 Ala Moana Boulevard | Ala Moana/ bathandbodyworks.com

If you’re looking for the scent of self-care, look no further than Bath & Body Works. For over 20 years, this popular cosmetics & beauty supply store has been providing perfumes, scented soaps, candles, and even hand sanitizer. And while you can find these stores in practically any state across the U.S., we think you’ll find the one at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu particularly inviting.

That’s because customer regularly rave about how helpful and friendly the staff at this Bath & Body Works are. Displaying the true Aloha spirit, you can always count on an associate to guide you to your favorite cosmetics or suggest a quality soap that will help you experience excellent body care. Plus, let’s be honest — if you’re going to smell good and take a scented bath, wouldn’t you rather do it in Hawaii?  

“Oh, how I look forward to every seasons and what the newest scents and hand sanitizer holders they come up with, it always just makes me smile… The staff here is so friendly and helpful with any questions.” — Yelp Review

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The Vitamin Shoppe

Get all of your supplements and vitamins safely and conveniently at The Vitamin Shoppe

1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Space 1305 | Honolulu/ vitaminshoppe.com

Self-care includes taking care of your physical health, and the Vitamin Shoppe at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu offers a nice selection of supplements and vitamins to keep you feeling good. You can interact with the sale associates here to get their take on the types of supplements and health aids that are best for you. There are even healthy treats, like The Complete Cookie that let you indulge while keeping up your health.

Of course, if you already know what you need, then The Vitamin Shoppe also offers convenient online ordering (often with discounts). Quick tip: when you pick up your items, use the curbside pickup. It’ll save you time, allowing you to run any additional errands (and let’s be frank: when you’re at the Ala Moana Center, there are plenty of additional stops you can make).

“They have a vast selection of different supplements/brands and their prices are lower from what I’ve seen at GNC or other stores.” — Yelp Review

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Nordstrom Rack

Great deals and amazing selection at Nordstrom Rack

1170 Auahi St. | Ala Moana/ nordstromrack.com

All right, you knew this was coming. No day of self-care would be complete without at least a little clothes shopping. And at Nordstrom Rack, you’ll find plenty of stylish selections, often for very reasonable prices.

Find designer brands like Gucci, Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch. Spend some time trying on new shoes and then pick up a new dress or a crop top and leggings to show off on the beach walk. There are also plenty of bags and accessories (including Gucci Sunglasses and Ray-Bans) that you can add to your outfits for the perfect day out. Need some beauty products? Nordstrom Rack supplies you with your favorite makeup and skincare brands, everything from Charlotte Tilbury to M.A.C. Cosmetics.

Of course, Nordstrom Rack isn’t just for women. There are plenty of great deals on menswear and kids’ clothes. In fact, you can easily make this a family day out if you need to build new wardrobes for family members — just don’t forget to visit the clearance racks for some really good deals.

“This is the store that I love to shop at. I normally come here for the shoes! This is one of the only places I can find the bright and funky shoes for my collection. Plus, they have a huge selection in my size!” — Yelp Review

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Clarks

Find your favorite boots, slippers, sandals, sneakers and more at Clarks

94-790 Lumiaina St. | Waipahu/ clarksusa.com

You know it, we know it — shoe shopping is therapeutic. And at Clarks, you’ll find plenty of footwear to help you decompress. Located at Waikele Premium Outlets, Clarks supplies you with all your favorite boots, sneakers, slippers, and sandals. Try on some sculpted black leather sandals by Emily Rae. Slip into a pair of Wallabees or Pure Easy shoes. Whatever your footwear needs, Clarks will have something to put a new spring in your step.

Want to save some money? Visit the Clarks website before you come in. You’ll find coupons and lots of online deals. And you’ll be able to browse through all the new arrivals and best sellers in Clarks’ catalogue.

That being said, some things require a personal touch, which is why you’ll want to block out your schedule to spend some quality time at Clarks’ physical store where friendly sales associates will let you try on shoes to your heart’s content.

“Wow, I’m blown away at the quality of the footwear and the customer service at this store… Kim our sales associate was very helpful and kind, she went above and beyond with knowing exactly what to use for care of leather to knowing the history of this company.” — Yelp Review

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Ulta Beauty

Transform your hair and look at Ulta Beauty

609 Kailua Rd. Ste 106 | Kailua/ ulta.com

Ready for some pampering? Ulta Beauty isn’t just a cosmetics & beauty supply store. It’s also a hair salon where you can try out some bold new looks. Visit the Kailua Town Center in Kailua and spend some quality time in their salon where expert stylists will give your hair the care and treatment it deserves. This store also offers eyebrow services, skin services, and ear piercing.

Your day of beauty doesn’t end with the salon though. Being the United States’ largest beauty retailer means Ulta Beauty is prepared to provide you with all your favorite cosmetics, fragrances, haircare products and skin care items. You’ll find plenty of top brands here, including Tarte, Redken, and Kylie Cosmetics. And if you need some help, a beauty specialist will be on hand to provide you with information and advice about a product.

“Love the layout if the Kailua store but even better is that they have Erik. He treats all customers like VIPs. He was very patient and friendly, and enough reason for me to return.” — Yelp Review

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Dave’s Ice Cream

Flavors you didn’t know existed await you at Dave’s Ice Cream

98-820 Moanalua Rd. Ste I-8 | Aiea

Okay, let’s face it — it wouldn’t be a true self-care day if you didn’t get to indulge in something sweet. But being Hawaii, we’ve decided to choose one of the more unique ice cream shops on the islands, one that’s been delighting islanders and visitors since 1982.

Dave’s Ice Cream is one of Hawaii’s best local ice cream shoppes. With 32 flavors available every day, you’re sure to find something new and wonderful to delight your sweet tooth. Try the Hawaiian Mud Pie, green tea, or kulolo. Odds are you’ll get a chance to try something you’ve never heard of before – like ube ice cream, a colorful treat made from the purple yams of the Philippines. Sweet and nutty, this ice cream carries flavors you’ll remember long after your trip is over.

Located in Newtown Business Park in Aiea, Dave’s Ice Cream makes the perfect place to pause for a break in your shopping to enjoy some freshly made ice cream, shaved ice, or frozen yogurt. Come visit and see what all the talk is about!

“The green tea made by Dave’s Ice Cream is my favorite. It’s locally made and made from scratch. There are several franchises all over the island. Dave’s has other local flavors that you can’t get at the retail stores or restaurants.” — Yelp Review

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