Oahu is the most-visited island in the Hawaiian island chain, and while the capital city of Honolulu is popular with travelers, simply 30 minutes away you’ll discover Ko Olina. Travelers are drawn to the marina and the resort neighborhood, where you’ll find a number of lagoons with crystal-clear water, spectacular white-sand beaches, and popular resorts including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Finest Hotels and Resorts
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Disney’s storytelling excellence blends perfectly with the island way of life at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The oceanfront hotel has a more high end feel than its mainland Disney equivalents and features standout dining, a high-end medical spa, an extensive water park, and posh accommodations that range from studio rooms to multi-room suites.
” You can anticipate Disney’s service and hospitality without the theme park feel,” shares Jim Bendt, a T+L A-List consultant. “The residential or commercial property has been created to honor Hawaiian culture linked with Disney’s characters.”
Aulani packs in unlimited activities, from motion picture nights to ukulele classes. “My preferred activity is our gorgeous Rainbow Reef,” shares Aulani visitor service manager Alyssa-Lende Kane. “Snorkeling in the wide-open ocean can be intimidating, however our Rainbow Reef supplies a safe and fun environment to see our spectacular marine life without the worries of unforeseeable currents.”
4 Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
4 Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina provides the brand name’s signature hospitality and customized service at its first-ever property in Oahu. The luxury, oceanfront resort shares a lagoon with Aulani; within, it oozes luxury. Elegantly designated accommodations vary from basic rooms to two-bedroom suites with private balconies neglecting the sea.
” Its oceanfront spaces have fantastic views, and the adults-only infinity swimming pool offers the calmness couples are looking for,” shares Bendt. “Here, the aloha spirit and hospitality are done the Four Seasons way.”
You’ll find bars, restaurants, several swimming pools, tennis courts, a personal beach, and a wellness health spa at one of Hawaii’s best hotels.
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
A hotel and timeshare property, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is located across the street from the Ko Olina Golf Club and is set on a human-made lagoon. It’s a great family resort with clear waters, casual eateries, and several expansive pool areas throughout its beautiful grounds. With lodgings that vary from standard visitor spaces to multi-bedroom rental properties with complete kitchens, this is a terrific option for a multi-generational getaway.
Best Things to Do
Luau
The southwest side of Oahu may be sleepy come nightfall compared to other Hawaii locations, but it is home to some of the best luau. Ka Wa’a’– A Luau on Oahu at Aulani and Paradise Cove Luau inspect all the boxes when it comes to the in-demand experience, consisting of cultural events, tasty fare, flowing beverages, and jaw-dropping live entertainment.
Laniwai Spa
For a wonderfully restful experience, head to Laniwai– A Disney Spa at Aulani. The full-service facility uses Hawaiian methods in its services and consists of a special outdoor hydrotherapy garden that houses both hot and cold plunge pools. All of the above makes this the very best day spa in the area.
Ko Olina Marina
For all things fun on the water, head to Ko Olina Marina, a cutting edge marina that provides everything from sunset catamaran cruisings and boat charters to snorkeling and dolphin watching. Numerous companies run out of the expansive 342-slip marina, consisting of Ko Olina Ocean Adventures. “Consider cruising like the ancient Hawaiians and snorkeling in an authentic Hawaiian wa’a (canoe),” adds Bendt.
Ko Olina Golf Club
With an 18-hole, par-72 course developed by famed golf course designer Ted Robinson, Ko Olina Golf Club is considered among the leading courses on Oahu. Having played host to the LPGA Championship, this world-class golf course has a dynamic clubhouse and greens ideal for all levels in an idyllic setting.Monkeypod Kitchen
Led by Chef Peter Merriman, Monkeypod Kitchen has ended up being a Hawaii institution. There are a number of areas throughout Maui and Oahu, each with regional craft brews and live music. The casual restaurant is known for its hand-tossed pizzas that are cooked in a Kiawe wood-burning oven. Locally sourced fish and addictive homemade cream pies are likewise on the menu. And you can’t pertain to Ko Olina without attempting what is probably the best version of a mai tai, topped with Monkeypod’s signature honey-lilikoi foam.
Mina’s Fish House
Found at the Four Seasons, Mina’s Fish House is a line-to-table dining establishment with sensational breathtaking ocean views, and it’s helmed by James Beard Award-winning star chef, Michael Mina. An upscale method to a Hawaiian fish house, Mina’s is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the island. “Order the Hawaiian Seafood Tower while taking in the stunning sundown; make sure to reserve a 6 o’clock appointment so you do not miss out on the sundowner,” adds Bendt.
‘ Ama’Ama.
Aulani’s oceanfront restaurant ‘Ama’Ama uses awesome views of the sunset in an environment that radiates love. The outdoor location, covered by a thatched roof, includes a tasting menu with twists on beloved Hawaiian dishes. Locally sourced fish and produce are the centerpieces of the multi-course meal.
Egg ‘n Things.
For a no-frills start to your early morning, head to Egg ‘n Things, where there’s a little something for everybody. The reasonably priced menu consists of quality breakfast products and local breakfast staples– believe Hawaiian loco moco and Portuguese sausage– utilizing area-sourced ingredients.
Roy’s Ko Olina.
Neglecting the 18th hole at Ko Olina Golf Club, Roy’s Ko Olina provides upscale fare with prime views of all the action happening on the green. You’ll wish to get here starving to delight in the cooking area’s premium, seasonal active ingredients, consisting of the macadamia nut-crusted regional fish of the day. Roy’s is also known for its excellent wine and whiskey lists.
Best Time to Visit.
Whenever is a good time to check out, however you’ll discover that the crowds thin out throughout the shoulder months of spring and fall, primarily April through May and September through early December. “My preferred time of the year to share with loved ones is November,” states Kane of Aulani. “It’s when the holidays are approaching, the weather condition is beautiful, and generally there are less crowds due to school being in session.” December through March, visitors might get the special chance to identify moving humpback whales, as this is when they get here in the warm Hawaiian waters to reproduce.
How to Get There and Get Around.
Guests checking out Oahu will fly into Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport; from there, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the southwest side of the island to Ko Olina.
Walking paths: Compact in nature, Ko Olina and its resorts and dining establishments can be accessed on foot through strolling paths. The oceanfront lagoons that link many of its hotels– including Aulani and Four Seasons– likewise have winding seaside paths.
Ride-share services: If you plan on checking out all that the location has to offer, popular ride-share services like Lyft and Uber are readily offered.
Rental cars and trucks: Rental vehicles are a popular option for those checking out Oahu, specifically if you ‘d like to add other locations– like the well-known North Shore and Polynesian Cultural Center– to your schedule. Reservations can be made ahead of time for cars and truck pick-up from Honolulu International Airport with the majority of significant rental brand names. If you’re relocating to another part of the island after a stay at Ko Olina, regional car service options are likewise offered.