Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, brings the tropics to Japan with swimsuit-friendly onsens (hot springs), unique water parks, fusion restaurants, and a touch of island magic. It’s the ultimate escape where East meets West in the most relaxing way imaginable.
Here’s everything this tropical retreat has to offer:
Indoor and Outdoor Hot Springs
Spa Resort Hawaiians biggest charm lies in its connection to Iwaki Yumoto Onsen, a historic hot spring with over 1,300 years of history and one of the best onsens near Tokyo. The mineral-rich water contains sulfur, sodium chloride, and sulfate, and is known for its subtle fragrance and lasting warmth that leaves the skin smooth and radiant. With excellent heat retention, it’s also often referred to as a “beauty bath” that promotes circulation and relaxation while restoring natural glow.
Guests can choose from both indoor and outdoor bathing areas, each offering its own atmosphere and appeal. The Spring Park, an indoor onsen, provides a swimsuit-friendly environment perfect for families and groups, where you can soak in hot spring water, rain or shine. Its gentle temperature allows you to relax for long stretches without feeling overheated, and the Southern European-style townscape evokes the atmosphere of a trip overseas.
Outdoors, the Spa GardenPAREO invites you to unwind beneath open skies, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. You can even bring a float ring and drift leisurely across the warm surface while gazing up at the clouds. For those who want to immerse themselves in true Japanese tradition, the Edo Jowa Yoichi open-air bath offers an unforgettable experience. Modeled after Edo-period (1603-1868) public bathhouses, this Guinness World Record-holding bath is the world’s largest open-air bath.
An All-Season Water Park
No matter the season, it’s always summer in Spa Resort Hawaiians, thanks to its Hawaiian-themed indoor Water Park in Japan’s tropical getaway in Fukushima. The Water Park, a dome where it’s always a perfect 28°C, is the perfect place to get soaked and have fun. The pools are filled with natural hot spring water, keeping the temperature pleasantly warm even in winter. You can splash around in the Giant Pool or drift along the flowing “Aquarium Pool” and enjoy an underwater stroll with tropical fish.
For the ultimate thrill, take on the Big Aloha, Japan’s longest body slide. It stretches about 283 meters with a heart-racing 40.5-meter drop, equal to the height of a 10-story building. Riders are treated to a breathtaking rush of speed as sunlight dances through the tunnel, casting vibrant reflections that enhance the ride. The Big Aloha is one of the highlights of the park, offering pure, adrenaline-filled fun that keeps visitors coming back for more.
After a refreshing swim, you can also head to the Water Park’s casual poolside restaurants, where you can dine in your swimsuit and savor Hawaiian-inspired favorites like garlic shrimp, loco moco, and Hawaiian-style ramen—all served in a lively, island-themed setting.
Accommodations Beyond the Ordinary
Spa Resort Hawaiians offers three distinct hotels, each designed to match different styles of travel and comfort. The Monolith Tower stands as the resort’s most modern and luxurious accommodation, combining elegant Hawaiian-inspired design with relaxing natural tones. Guests staying here enjoy exclusive access to two private onsen baths—Uzu no Yu and Sumi no Yu—where they can unwind in tranquil surroundings while soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen.
For those seeking a classic stay, Hotel Hawaiians offers both Japanese-style tatami rooms and Western-style accommodations, all conveniently connected to the main pool and one of the world’s largest open-air baths in the resort’s original main building. Meanwhile, Vir Port is perfect for families and casual travelers, located directly inside the main park.
All hotels feature early check-in at 1:30pm and easy access to soothing natural hot spring baths sourced directly from Iwaki Yumoto Onsen. Guests can move between their rooms and the pools in swimsuits.
Prefer a quieter retreat away from the lively pools? Mauna Village and its luxurious glamping experience surrounded by nature is a great alternative. It is located within the Spa Resort Hawaiians Golf Course area and offers a serene hideaway that combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of modern amenities. Guests can choose from five room types with stylish glamping tents that are fitted with cozy beds and air conditioning or fully equipped wood cabins that feature a kitchen, living room, and shower. Mauna Village is easily accessible with the resort’s free shuttle bus and provides a perfect place for open-air morning breakfasts and BBQ dinners.
Here’s a quick overview of Mauna Village’s five fully equipped cottages to help you find one that suits your trip:
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Wood Cabin: A log house–style building. Unlike a tent, it features a private toilet and shower inside the room.
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Lotus Tent: A large tent with four permanent beds.
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ASOBI Tent: A tent on a wooden deck, equipped with athletic facilities for children, such as a bouldering wall and slide.
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Hills Tent: Located at the highest part of the site, offering a panoramic view of the entire Mauna Village.
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Grand Tent: A standard tent type.
Fusion Restaurants Where East Meets West
If you’re ready to get out of the water or your hotel room and explore more dining options, the resort’s wide range of fusion restaurants awaits, and it has something for every taste—Hawaiian-style comfort food, international buffets, and fine Polynesian cuisine.
At Monolith Tower’s “Nesia,” guests can indulge in French-Polynesian cuisine, featuring live-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and vibrant dishes inspired by Hawaii’s multicultural heritage. Over at Hotel Hawaiians’ “The Pacific,” the buffet presents a colorful spread of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, offering something for every palate. For a more casual experience, the Water Park cafes “Palm” and “Diamond” let you enjoy your meal in a swimsuit, serving easy favorites like loco moco, garlic shrimp, and Hawaiian-style ramen—perfect for recharging between swims.
Hula Shows You Can’t Miss
Once you’ve had your fill of the pools, hot springs, and Hawaiian food, the evening brings a new experience to enjoy. The spotlight turns to the Hula Girls of Iwaki, who have been performing since the facility's foundation in 1966. When the coal mines shut down, their vibrant performances helped lift community spirits and gave Iwaki a new identity. Sixty years later, they remain a symbol of pride and resilience, so much so that their story was turned into the hit Japanese film, Hula Girls, in 2006. Today, you can catch their dazzling shows twice a day at Spa Resort Hawaiians.
The live shows ramp up with fire, rhythm, and color as the evening deepens. Japan’s only Fire Knife Dance team then takes the stage, lighting up the night with bold, high-energy performances. The production celebrates the broader Polynesian world—featuring dances from Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand.
Souvenirs To Bring the Island Home
If you feel like you’ve explored every corner of Spa Resort Hawaiians, there’s still one more experience to enjoy before you leave—shopping. Inside the resort, a variety of shops offer everything from tropical-themed merchandise to local specialties from Fukushima and the Tohoku region. One of the most popular items is the Spa Resort Hawaiians macadamia nut chocolate, available in a limited-edition Spa Resort Hawaiians-only package that makes it a perfect keepsake or gift. You’ll also find Fukushima’s famous Usukawa Manju, one of Japan’s three most celebrated manju sweets, along with a wide range of regional treats, crafts, and beauty products made with natural ingredients from local hot springs. Every item reflects the unique cultural blend that makes Spa Resort Hawaiians special, so make sure to grab one.
Getting There and Exploring More of Iwaki
Reaching Spa Resort Hawaiians hotel is surprisingly easy, making it a perfect getaway for those planning to travel from Tokyo to Fukushima or starting their Tohoku travel from Tokyo. The resort is located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, just about two hours from Tokyo. Visitors can take a train to Yumoto Station and hop on the resort’s convenient free shuttle bus. For those traveling by car, the drive from the Tokyo area takes less than three hours via the Joban Expressway, and parking is available on-site. There’s also the Hawaiians Express Bus, exclusively available for guests through reservation, which offers direct service from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Saitama, Matsudo, and Nishi-Funabashi, making the journey comfortable and hassle-free.
Once you’ve enjoyed the pools, hot springs, and Polynesian performances, take some time to explore Iwaki’s surrounding attractions. There’s a bunch of things to do in Iwaki that’ll keep you entertained all day. Just a short drive away is Wonder Farm, a local favorite where visitors can pick fresh tomatoes year-round and taste original products like tomato miso and tomato juice. For history lovers, the Shiramizu Amida-do, a National Treasure from the late Heian period (794-1185), offers a peaceful look into Japan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. Meanwhile, Michi-no-Eki Iwaki La La Mew is a lively seaside market where you can enjoy extra-large seafood bowls, octopus crackers, and freshly grilled squid while overlooking the Pacific.
Before heading home, stop by Onsen Shrine and the nearby Tsuru no Ashiyu Plaza, both within walking distance of Yumoto Station. These spots are steeped in local legend and powered by the same natural hot springs that feed Spa Resort Hawaiians, making them perfect for a final moment of relaxation. If time allows, you can also visit Shioya-zaki Lighthouse and Misaki Park, where panoramic coastal views capture the quiet beauty of the prefecture's shoreline—an ideal way to wrap up your Fukushima travel itinerary.
Iwaki is an easy getaway from Tokyo and a perfect destination for anyone who loves both culture and relaxation. Spa Resort Hawaiians embodies that same duality, offering the serenity of a Japanese onsen and the festive energy of Hawaii’s island culture, so guests can experience the rare harmony of two worlds in one destination and leave with memories that linger long after the trip ends.
