We are wanting to enjoy an openair hut massage during our honeymoon in Hawaii. I am not experienced in massages so I have a few questions>

Is there a best time of day to have a massage?

I was thinking that about 4 pm would be great, but then I may be too relaxed to get ready to hustle out to dinner.

We can have a massage as late at 8 pm - would it be okay or comfortable to have a massage after eating dinner?

Is morning best?

What works for you?

I like outdoor massage in the late afternoon/early evening. I wouldn't want to get dressed and hustle for dinner after having a massage. Would the outdoor massage be at your hotel? I hope so, because the other thing that is nice is not to have to get dressed to go out for one, or get dressd and get back to your hotel afterwards. Maybe have one on a night when you've had a full day outside the hotel when you can stay in for the evening to relax, and then have room service afterwards. That's what I'd do if it was my honeymoon.

It's really a personal thing, IMO. I think one of the best times to have a massage is after a work out or an active sport like tennis (or even golf). Your muscles are warmed up and they get well relaxed during the massage. Otherwise, I like the end of the day because if they use special moisturizing oils it is good to leave them on your skin overnight, plus you are so relaxed that it is easy to go off to sleep. I agree that an 8 pm one would be great IF you do room service that evening and can stay in your bathrobes?

All that being said, I would do whatever works into your schedule. I have a massage about once a month, and even enjoy them on Saturday mornings before going out for the day. Bear in mind that an outdoor massage in Hawaii which is fairly hot and humid may not be that relaxing or pleasant at 4 pm when the sun is still quite strong.

I get "beach massages" in Mexico. I like to do them mid day and then just return to my beach chair and relax afterward while letting the massage oils soak in. I would not want to do an outdoor massage during sunset as (1) you would miss the sunset and (2) you will have the sun low in the sky shining right on you. So my choice would be, mid-day or late night just before a relaxing evening at home. How about on a day when you've had a rather large, late lunch and then a light room service dinner on your lanai after the massage.

I love the evening massage, then room service dinner idea. I wouldn't recommend eating FIRST, then the massage, though. I've had a massuse tell me not to eat anything heavy before a massage, and I can't imagine that it would be as enjoyable with a full stomach. If you don't want to do the room-service dinner thing, I would do the massage in the morning, then spend a few hours by the pool or on your balcony relaxing, before heading out for the day. It would be a shame to "waste" that relaxed, happy feeling you get after a massage by rushing around right afterwards.

I'm jealous! Enjoy it.