Ever wondered what it’s like to float in **total silence and darkness**? Imagine being enveloped in warm saltwater, buoyant and weightless—this is the unique experience of a **sensory deprivation tank**. We recently ventured into this tranquil realm at **Dream Float Hawai‘i**, where a 60-minute float promises an introspective journey unlike any other.
Discovering Dream Float Hawai‘i
Nestled in the serene Wai‘alae Iki, Dream Float was founded a decade ago by owner **Geoff Sato**, who sought to share the meditative benefits of floating with the community. Claiming the title of **O‘ahu’s first flotation center**, Dream Float has provided relief and relaxation to over **10,000 guests**, including **former President Barack Obama**, whose framed portrait hangs proudly in the facility.
Each flotation tank is meticulously filled with **10 inches of water** and a staggering **1,000 pounds of Epsom salt**, creating a unique buoyancy that allows you to float effortlessly. The experience begins with private rooms equipped with shower facilities, where guests can prepare themselves for what awaits.
Explore More: Our experience with Contrast Therapy
What to Expect During Your Float
A glimpse inside a flotation tank at Dream Float Hawai‘i. Photo: Katrina Valcourt
Katrina’s Personal Journey
As I prepared to step into the tank, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety about spending an hour with nothing but my thoughts. Could I really quiet my mind? What if I got lost in my own thoughts? Yet, beneath the apprehension lay a hope for relaxation and relief from my sore muscles.
Upon entering my private tank, I submerged myself into the warm buoyancy, closing the hatch to retreat into darkness. The initial sensation was **strange**—it took some time to adjust and let go. As I floated, I experimented with different arm positions, seeking **optimal comfort**.
In that serene isolation, my imagination wandered. I envisioned myself as a **mermaid**, effortlessly gliding through an endless ocean, free from the constraints of daily life. The initial racing thoughts began to dissipate as the weightlessness cradled me into a tranquil state, almost like a **meditative embrace**.
Although boredom threatened to take hold, I reminded myself that true relaxation often arrives after pushing through discomfort—the “runner’s high” of floating, if you will. Before I knew it, the hour was drawing to a close, and I reluctantly returned to reality.
The calming atmosphere of the flotation tank. Photo: Katrina Valcourt
Diane’s Experience
As someone accustomed to yoga and breathwork, I was both eager and slightly apprehensive about my own float. Closing the hatch plunged me into an eerie quiet, where my thoughts tangled with notions of confinement and vulnerability. To counter this, I focused on my breath: **inhale for four counts, exhale for eight**. Slowly, I sunk into dark tranquility—each breath sounded like the soft whisper of a breeze.
Gradually, the anxious thoughts faded. The experience became akin to an extended **Savasana**, a moment of pure rest and relaxation. When the session concluded, disoriented but calm, I emerged feeling rejuvenated—almost as if I had undergone a spa treatment.
The Details You Need to Know
If you’re intrigued by this unique form of therapy, booking a floating session at Dream Float is easy. A **single float** costs **$99**, while couples can enjoy the experience for **$149**. There’s also an enticing **trial package** of three floats priced at **$199**, and monthly memberships available for enthusiasts. Additionally, you can explore a **20-minute cold plunge session** for just **$25**.
Visit dreamfloathi.com for more information.
In conclusion, whether you’re seeking respite from the chaos of daily life or exploring a new avenue for relaxation, a sensory deprivation tank experience at Dream Float Hawai‘i may just be the oasis you were looking for.
