Hawaiian Massage
Kahuna Bodywork

The Hawaiian massage known as kahuna bodywork is quite similar to lomilomi massage, but this massage was traditionally received by royalty on special ceremonial days. It is a deep, flowing and relaxing form of massage.

Kahuna massage incorporates Hawaiian spirituality into bodywork. The massage is said to deepen your awareness of self and your connection to your ancestors.

The movements of the massage come from a traditional Hawaiian dance based on the movements of a large bird. The therapist uses forearms, elbows, hands and fingers to do long flowing strokes. Plenty of oil is used during the massage to make sure the therapist can massage the whole body in long gliding strokes.

There are seven principles that are very important in the practice of kahuna massage.

• Ike--I am aware.
• Kala--I am free.
• Makia--I am focused.
• Manawa--I am here.
• Aloha--I am happy.
• Mana--I am confident.
• Pono--I am positive.

This massage usually lasts between 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours. You are asked to remove all of your clothes and only have a towel to cover you so that the therapist has access to your entire body. The massage is done on a massage table with no sheets or bolsters.

Here is a video of the massage. You'll notice that the look of the massage is very similar to lomi lomi.