The Perfect Mother-Daughter Wellness Getaway
An old co-worker from my Airbnb days recently reached out looking for the perfect 4-day mother-daughter spa trip. Their must-haves: a $1K per night budget, a direct United flight from SFO that’s not too long, a top-notch wellness experience, plus hiking and beach access. My mind immediately started spinning — so many great options! They’re aiming for a trip between early September and early October.
Sedona was my first thought, but unfortunately, United canceled their direct flights there, so scratch that.
September and October are actually awesome months to visit Hawai‘i — the hurricane season is winding down, so less rain, plus amazing hikes and spas. Below, I’ve put together my top recommendations along with a quick summary of my two cents for them.
Honolulu, Hawai’i
Direct flight on United to HNL: ~5.5 hours
Weather: Average high around 85°F and lows of 70°F
September to early October is Honolulu's shoulder season, with fewer tourists, lighter crowds, and better travel deals. However, the Aloha Festival in mid-September may bring a brief spike in local events and activity.
Recommended activities off property: Great shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center, lots of awesome hikes within uber distance (Diamond Head at sunrise, Manoa Falls), great food & beverage with beautiful views.
Halekulani Hotel [I’ve stayed here many times, it’s a classic with outstanding food on property]
Halekulani, meaning “House Befitting Heaven,” is a luxurious oceanfront hotel located on Waikiki Beach. Established in 1917 and spanning five acres, it offers 453 rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Renowned for its exceptional service, Halekulani boasts award-winning dining options like La Mer, the only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond restaurant in Hawaii, as well as the acclaimed SpaHalekulani, which blends Hawaiian, Asian, and South Pacific healing traditions.
This property would be the best luxury choice for being located in Waikiki, within walking distance of off-property activities. Their spa and food & beverage on site would not disappoint. Their bar "House Without A Key" has a beautiful sunset cocktail hour with live hula dancing and the pool has full views of Diamond Head. Note that the beach here wouldn’t be “pristine” tropical water that you’d imagine, and instead a small area with no beach chairs.
Perks available with my partnership:
Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (Partial Ocean View to Ocean View or Ocean View to Oceanfront)
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Bookings in our Pool View Suite or higher categories will receive an additional $100 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $200 during stay)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Kahala Hotel & Resort [I’ve stayed here countless times, beautiful sanctuary outside of Waikiki]
A luxurious oceanfront retreat nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Kahala, just minutes from Waikiki. Renowned for its exclusivity, the resort has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and U.S. presidents, offering world-class amenities including five acclaimed restaurants, a private lagoon with resident dolphins, and a full-service spa. Its serene beachfront location and exceptional service make it a premier destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and sophistication.
This property is nestled in a residential neighborhood within a short ride into Waikiki. Their restaurants on site are fabulous and the beach has chairs to relax on including a casual bar on the sand.
Perks available with my partnership:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Maui, Hawai’i
Direct flight on United to OGG: ~5.5 hours
Weather: average high of 89°F and low of 70°F
Post-wildfire recovery is in progress, but many resorts in Wailea and Kapalua are open and pristine. It will be shoulder season, so you’ll likely find fewer crowds and better rates on accommodations compared to peak summer and winter holidays.
Recommended activities off property: Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā (dormant volcano and the highest point on the Hawaiian island of Maui) and the road to Hāna (waterfalls, bamboo forests, black sand beaches).
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort [I’ve heard from many people this is their favorite property in Hawaii]
A luxury beachfront property featuring modern rooms, multiple infinity pools, and a spa offering Hawaiian-inspired treatments. Guests can enjoy five on-site restaurants, including Morimoto Maui, blending Japanese and Western flavors. You would be able to accrue Hyatt points here.
Perks available with my partnership:
Welcome letter from hotel leadership
Welcome amenity
Daily complimentary full breakfast at a hotel restaurant for up to two guests.
Property credit (would confirm upon booking)
Priority for room upgrade (subject to forecasted occupancy)
Early check-in/late check-out/connecting rooms (subject to forecasted occupancy)
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea [White Lotus Season 1 was filmed here, their adult pool is 10/10. I’ve stayed here before and loved it]
An award-winning luxury resort nestled on 15 oceanfront acres in Wailea, offering a blend of elegance and Hawaiian charm. With 383 spacious rooms and suites featuring private lanais and marble bathrooms, guests enjoy panoramic ocean views and exceptional service. Dining options include Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, and DUO Steak and Seafood, all emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
Perks available with my partnership:
Daily breakfast for 2
100USD hotel credit for rooms or 200USD for suites & private retreats
Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)
Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Kauai, Hawai’i
Direct flight on United to LIH: ~6 hours
Weather: average high of 88°F and lows of 70°F
It’s still the tail end of the drier season, so rainfall is generally light, though occasional brief showers can occur - especially in the island’s lush, mountainous areas.
Recommended activities off property: Napali Coast Hike (Kalalau Trail), Waimea Canyon, Kuilau Ridge Trail
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay [This is one of the most-talked about newer hotels]
A sustainable luxury resort on Kauai’s North Shore, offering sweeping views of the ocean and mountains. The property features wellness-focused amenities including a full-service spa, daily fitness classes, and immersive nature-based experiences. It’s an ideal retreat for travelers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and eco-conscious design.
Perks available with my partnership:
Daily Breakfast Buffet For 2
100 USD Resort Credit
Early Checkin Late Checkout (upon availability)
Room upgrade (if available)
My top 2 choices, in no particular order, knowing what you are looking for on this trip:
A note on Honolulu: I absolutely love it there and playing tourist however my fear is that it won’t be as tropical as you’d like it to feel. Downtown Waikiki can have a lot of foot traffic. The food & beverage is so awesome, sometimes even with hole in the wall Korean BBQ and high-end sushi, however for a fully luxe resort feel with a 5-star spa on property and accessibility for hiking - I would recommend Maui or Kauai. If you do select a resort in Honolulu, renting a car to go drive to the other sides of the island (Kailua/Lanikai and North Shore) would be a must, especially for additional hikes and beaches since Waikiki Beach is not one to sit on for the day. There is a Four Seasons on Oahu, however it is remote and you'd need to rent a car for the duration of your stay. I'd be happy to send information on that property if it is of interest but again, I'd recommend Maui or Kauai over this choice.
If you’re dreaming of a solo trip, couples getaway, or something in between focused on wellness and the great outdoors, Hawai‘i is an amazing place to start — and I’m here to help you get there!