A Tropical Escape in Fukushima
It sounds almost too strange to be true: a sprawling tropical resort with palm trees, hula dancing, waterslides, and Hawaiian-themed pools — located in a small city in northern Japan's Tohoku region. Yet Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki is exactly that, and it has been one of Japan's most beloved leisure facilities for over half a century. Understanding how and why it exists tells you something profound about Iwaki's spirit.
The Origin Story
The resort began life in 1966 as the Joban Hawaiian Center, born from necessity and creativity. When the Joban coal mines began their decline, the operators faced a dilemma: the mines constantly flooded with warm geothermal spring water that required enormous effort to pump out. Rather than waste this natural resource, they decided to use it.
Former miners and their families were retrained as resort workers, hula dancers, and hospitality staff. The Hawaiian theme was chosen to evoke escapist warmth and exoticism for Japanese visitors who could not easily travel abroad in the 1960s. The gamble paid off spectacularly. The resort's story was later dramatised in the acclaimed 2006 film Hula Girls, which brought national and international attention to this extraordinary history.
What's Inside the Resort
Today, Spa Resort Hawaiians is a large, well-maintained complex with multiple distinct areas:
Hot Spring Pools & Spa Facilities
- Polynesian Spa — large indoor thermal pools with a genuinely tropical atmosphere, kept warm by the geothermal water
- Edo Yashiki no Yu — a more traditional Japanese onsen area with a variety of bath types
- Multiple outdoor baths and relaxation zones
Water Park & Entertainment
- Wave pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers in the warm indoor water park
- Regular hula dance shows performed by the resort's own dance troupe — a living tradition stretching back to the 1960s
- Seasonal Polynesian-themed live performances and fire dance shows
Accommodation
The resort has on-site hotel accommodation ranging from standard rooms to more elaborate suites. Staying overnight allows unlimited access to the facilities and a more relaxed, unhurried experience — highly recommended.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Yumoto district, Iwaki City |
| Access from Iwaki Station | Resort shuttle bus available (check current schedule) |
| Opening Hours | Generally 10:00–21:00 (varies by season/facility) |
| Best For | Families, couples, groups, rainy-day visits |
| Note | Book in advance for weekends and school holidays |
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Arrive early — the pools get busy, especially on weekends and public holidays
- Don't miss the hula show — check the performance schedule at the entrance
- Bring your own towel or rent one on site
- Try the Edo Yashiki baths for a quieter, more traditional onsen experience alongside the main resort
- Consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed atmosphere
Why It Matters Beyond Tourism
Spa Resort Hawaiians isn't just a fun day out — it's a living monument to community reinvention. The hula dancers who perform today are part of an unbroken lineage stretching back to the miners' daughters who trained in the 1960s. For visitors willing to look a little deeper, there's a genuinely moving story beneath the tropical decor.