Waikiki may be Oahu’s best-known resort area, but it’s not the only one. On the island’s west side, along a chain of postcard-worthy lagoons, clients will find Ko Olina, located less than an hour from the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
The 642-acre master-planned resort area includes Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, which share Ko Olina Lagoon 1 (the largest of the humanmade coves); Beach Villas at Ko Olina, which offer luxury two- and three-bedroom vacation rentals at Lagoon 2; and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club at Lagoon 3.
Clients can also take advantage of the 18-hole championship golf course at Ko Olina Golf Club — one of Hawaii’s premier courses — as well as book cruises and snorkeling excursions out of Ko Olina Marina. There are even luaus at Paradise Cove, Marriott Ko Olina and Aulani.
Here’s a look at just some of what’s new — and a few staple favorites — at Ko Olina for clients seeking an Oahu vacation.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Opened in 2016 after an extensive renovation, the 371-room Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina recently introduced a revamped menu and a new mixology class at Noe, its Southern Italian restaurant. The new oceanfront Asian-fusion Manalo Lounge, meanwhile, serves dishes such as bibimbap with duck confit, the Manalo signature A5 Wagyu beef on a hot stone and toasted rice ice cream with miso butterscotch.
The new oceanfront Manalo Lounge features an Asian-fusion menu.
Credit: 2023 Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina“Manalo Lounge celebrates the diverse mix of cultures that influenced our cuisine in Hawaii,” said Michael Arnot, the resort’s executive chef. “Along with flavorful food and unique cocktails, the ambience creates an inviting atmosphere — like being welcomed into a friend’s home."
In March, the resort debuted a collection of elevated wellness programs, including sunrise meditation on the beach, guided hikes to Maili's “pink pillbox” and new spa treatments inspired by Hawaiian traditions.
Also new is the Specialty Suite Lifestyle program for clients booking Penthouse, Presidential, The Residence and Pacific suites. Exclusive amenities and experiences include a private in-suite Mu Hala Sound Journey or Stargazing Experience, a daily luxury cabana, a daily breakfast buffet at La Tiki Kitchen, spa treatments and private airport transportation — all coordinated by a dedicated guest experience agent.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Built in 2011 through a partnership between Hawaiian cultural experts and Disney Imagineers, the 351-room Aulani (plus its 481 Disney Vacation Club units) perfectly blends island traditions with Disney magic.
“Our goal is to immerse families in their vacation through culture and storytelling,” said Kimberly Agas, the resort’s general manager. “As soon as guests set foot on property, the stories of Hawaii fill their senses through art, architecture, music, food and, of course, the people who make Hawaii so special and unique.”
Aulani blends island tradition with Disney magic.
Credit: 2023 Aulani, A Disney Resort & SpaIn October 2022, the resort’s signature oceanfront restaurant, Ama Ama, debuted a reimagined four-course, prix-fixe dinner menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Showcasing Hawaiian flavors, the new health-focused menu is also almost entirely gluten-free, with plant-based options available for every course.
This May, poolside quick-service spot Off the Hook introduced a new daily breakfast menu that includes Mickey waffles — a Disney favorite. The resort’s coffee bar also moved to Off the Hook, making it a one-stop breakfast location for clients on the go.
“Aulani is a great choice for families with a wide variety of accommodation options,” said Beci Mahnken of Washington-based MEI-Travel. “The villas are perfect for a multigenerational family to spend time together.”
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Part of the Marriott Vacation Clubs portfolio, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club features standard guestrooms, plus one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens. The resort also offers several on-site restaurants, three outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa.
“We have a very robust activities program,” said Christina Gabriel, the hotel’s resort manager. “We have activities such as bingo, water balloon toss and how to dance the hula, then fitness activities such as morning yoga on the beach, water fitness and beach boot camp. There are also activities for kids and teens of all ages.”
The Fia Fia luau is hosted by Chief Sielu, the first World Fireknife Dance Champion.
Credit: 2023 Samantha Davis-FriedmanOn Tuesdays, Marriott’s award-winning Fia Fia luau includes cultural demonstrations, a traditional buffet dinner, Polynesian music and dance and a spectacular fire-knife finale featuring Chief Sielu, the show's host and very first World Fireknife Dance Champion. (Note: During high season, Fia Fia is only available to Marriott Ko Olina guests.)
Activities in Ko Olina
Clients looking for a seafaring adventure that’s also a uniquely Hawaiian experience will love family-owned Hawaiian Ocean Adventures. The company takes guests of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on one-hour excursions onboard sailing canoes built by founder Nakoa Prejean. Advisors can book sailing canoe adventures through the resorts, and private charters for up to eight guests are also available (all ages are welcome).
“These sailing canoes are how our ancestors traveled from island to island, so our guests are truly experiencing an authentic cultural activity,” said Terry Galpin, media manager for the tour operator (and Prejean's partner). “Aloha is in our DNA, and perpetuating and sharing this part of our culture keeps it alive."
Meanwhile, Palehua Trail Rides — operating since February — offers the only horseback riding location on Oahu’s west side, providing one-of-a-kind mountaintop views of the island’s epic sunsets. One-and-a-half-hour afternoon and evening group rides are available, as well as private bookings for two or more riders (the minimum age is 8).
“We’re located at an exclusive location that isn't open to the general public, providing views of Oahu that have never been featured before,” said Emily, who helps manage the company’s rides.
