A Complete Guide to Visiting Hawaii’s Premier Resort Community: Ko Olina

ko olina

Located on the island of O’ahu, otherwise known as “The Gathering Place,” Ko Olina is a pristine, 640-acre gated community that embraces the philosophy of “living pono,” or living in harmony with the unique nature and wildlife that inhabits the surrounding area of Ko Olina. The resort is within Wai’anae, the oceanfront retreat on the southwest shores of O’ahu.

Visitors here can expect to find premium resorts, including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, and the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, as well as the Beach Villas at Ko Olina. In addition, there are multiple lagoons to explore, scuba dive, surf, and snorkel within to see the beautiful marine life that inhabits the shores of O’ahu. It is also home to the Ko Olina Golf Club and the Ko Olina Marina, Hawaii’s only deep-draft marina.

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Ko Olina encompasses high standards of luxury for resort guests while upholding the integrity and rich culture of the environment it inhabits. When you’re wondering which island to visit in Hawaii, O’ahu is a great place to start.

Know Before You Go

marriott ko olina

Ko Olina is known for being a premium resort property, offering multiple experiences and opportunities for families or couples alike to unwind and rejuvenate on vacations. The Ko Olina Golf Club is an award-winning, 18-hole course by Ted Robinson with picturesque views suited for all skill levels. The Ko Olina Golf Club is an award-winning, 18-hole course by Ted Robinson with picturesque views suited for all skill levels. In addition, there are over 20 unique boutiques and shops and almost 30 restaurants or lounges at Ko Olina Station and Ko Olina Center.

There are four luxurious Hawaii resorts to choose from in Ko Olina, offering exceptional accommodations, amenities, and experiences. Disney Vacation Club owners often opt for staying at the Aulani, but they can also exchange their points with Interval International to stay at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club instead. Each resort has a hotel side for visitors that do not own timeshares within the property so that anyone can enjoy Ko Olina. Each lodge also has access to one of the four lagoons that Ko Olina encompasses.

You’ll likely plan to fly into the Honolulu Airpot, 17 miles away from Ko Olina. However, renting a car is recommended, so you don’t miss out on any sightseeing excursions, and you won’t need to rely on the local shuttle cycles.

While Ko Olina is a perfect spot to retreat, you might want to make plans to explore Honolulu and Waikiki. Each city is only about a 35-minute drive away. 

Weather in Ko Olina

They say that O’ahu has two seasons rather than four. Most tropical climates skip spring and fall, although O’ahu winters are incredibly mild. Winter lasts from November to March and holds average temperatures of 76 to 79 degrees. At nightfall, this can drop between 10 to 15 degrees. The coldest you can expect may be as low as 60 degrees. Ko Olina is also customary to experience more rain and overcast days during winter.

The best time to visit for supreme weather would be in the summer season, which lasts from April to October. The climate ranges from 78 to the mid-80s, although evenings can be more relaxed. It’s best to visit during this time because the ocean temperature also rises to about 81 degrees, making it easier to splash in the water and explore. 

Things to Do While Visiting Ko Olina

As we mentioned, the Ko Olina community has many things to do that couples, families, adults, and kids can enjoy. Practice your swing and take in the incredible views at the award-winning Ko Olina Golf Club. Rejuvenate at one of the many resort spas with massages, facial treatments, and more. Or, if you’ve seen all the lagoons and activities in Ko Olina, head to Honolulu or Waikiki for an urban experience and explore the cities with more shops, museums, and restaurants.

1. Attend the Interactive Fia Fia-Polynesian Dinner Show

Head to Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club resort to experience an interactive show while indulging in traditional Hawaiian plates. Guests are entertained with live fire-knife dancing accompanied by Polynesian music and some comedy. 

2. Go Whale Watching For an Unforgettable Sight

Join experts on a catamaran to get up close and see Alaska humpback whales in the ocean. It’s best to go between December to March when the whales have migrated to the shores of Ko Olina. However, you can go snorkeling and see marine wildlife on a catamaran at any time! Ko Olina Ocean Adventures offers daily morning and afternoon sunset sail and snorkel trips. For a more romantic setting, you can also book a sunset sail (no snorkeling) complete with light bites to eat and complimentary beverages (plus a gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunset).

3. Receive Traditional Spa Treatments at the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu

The Four Season Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina Spa offers a unique spa experience that you can’t find at the other spa in Ko Olina. Select from a menu of services inspired by local indigenous healing practices and traditions. The facility is six levels and over 35,000 square feet, with indoor and outdoor treatment areas and exercise facilities. Schedule a massage for serene views of the perfectly landscaped gardens in a private cabana. 

4. Go On a Wellness Retreat Under the Moonlight

Besides rejuvenating spa treatments, the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu spa also has a unique wellness retreat with Dana Childs, author, and energy healer. The retreat gathers in the evening on top of the roof of the spa facility. Participants can expect an evening of spiritual and physical healing with crystals, zero-gravity chairs, meditation, and more.

5. Sip on a Cocktail at Happy Hour 

At Mekiko Cantina, you will find an elevated full-service restaurant and cantina offering Mexican cuisine. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Order an Aloha Margarita, Mekiko Mai Tai, Sunday Sunrise, or Chabela, one of the four most popular cocktails Mekiko Cantina offers, and get it at a discounted price. Or, sip on a $5 bottled beer and $8 a glass of wine. 

6. Look At the Stars With an Astronomer

Using a giant telescope, go on a guided tour of the universe with an astronomer. During this hour-guided tour, you will learn about Polynesian star voyaging, Hawaii star lines, constellations, and more. Additionally, find out about the latest NASA findings of space, astronomical discoveries, and cultural mythologies of constellations worldwide. Whether on a romantic date night or with the whole family, this excursion is bound to be an unforgettable memory.

7. Experience a Luau

Known as one of the best luau experiences in Hawaii, Paradise Cove Luau gives each guest the whole Hawaiian experience. As you enter the Hawaiian Luau, you’ll be welcomed by a tropical Mai Tai greeting and traditional Hawaiian music to set the festive mood. Come with an empty stomach because they offer an extensive menu that combines the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes, local favorites and continental cuisine. In addition, you will be entertained and amazed by the impressive display of songs and dances from Hawaii and Polynesian culture.

8. Try Out Water Sports

Enjoy the water from a new perspective at Four Oceans. Watch the sunset of O’ahu while paddle boarding on a glow-up paddle board. The glow paddle session allows you to explore the water even in the darkness. Or, catch some sun rays and go paddle boarding during the day. Lagoon two is a quiet calm area that is great for beginners. But, for those who feel comfortable on a paddle board, lagoon four is the one for you. In addition, Four Oceans offers kayaking, surfing, yoga, and fitness. Ko Olina is also one of the best surfing spots in Hawaii for those that prefer a more exhilarating time spent on the water.

Ko Olina Resorts

There are four luxurious resort properties in this premier Hawaii community. No matter which Ko Olina resort you stay at, you’ll be pleased with outstanding amenities, spas, dining options, on-site pools, and access to the beautiful aqua lagoons. Each has world-class services and unique offerings. Stay at a Disney Vacation Club resort in Hawaii to bring the magic to the islands. Or lapse in luxury with the Four Seasons. Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club provides exemplary customer service to all guests. Or, the Beach Villas at Ko Olina accommodations have floor-to-ceiling windows that give guests panoramic views of the lagoons.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Disney’s Aulani resort offers a family paradise infused with magic. In addition to the spectacular lava rock formations that blend with the architecture, the resort features themed recreation areas, such as the Waikolohe Stream and Menehune Bridge, and a stunning lobby art installation. Disney’s iconic service, luxurious rooms, and enchanting entertainment make this Hawaii resort the perfect destination for families of all ages. 

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club offers the perfect blend of Hawaii’s natural beauty and world-class amenities and services. Choose from one, two, and three-bedroom villas that provide stunning views of the crystal blue lagoon waters and sandy beach. It’s one of the best Marriott Hawaii resorts for good reason. There are also a variety of family-friendly amenities to choose from, such as heated outdoor pools with whirlpool spas, a children’s outdoor pool, a play area, an activity center as well as restaurants.

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina offers luxurious accommodations in a classic Hawaiian style. The 17-story hotel stands next to the historic Lanikuhonua estate on a tropical landscape of sand beaches and tropical gardens. Five restaurants can be found on-site, as well as a spa with 370 rooms and a 360-degree ocean view. In addition, the property offers a five-court tennis facility, a custom-built wedding chapel, and four pools, including an adult-only pool and luxury cabanas.

Beach Villas at Ko Olina

A world-class level of hospitality and service accompanies the amenities and location of Beach Villas at Ko Olina. Each two and three-bedroom villas are spacious, air-conditioned, and includes separate living and dining areas. Guests will love the amenities offered. This consists of the Makai Hale Beach Bar, a fully-equipped fitness center, swimming pools, spa tubs as well as spa tubs. Not to mention, multilingual staff is available to provide information and assistance to guests.

Ko Olina Timeshares for Sale and Rent

If you are a frequent visitor to the Hawaiian islands, a timeshare at one of the four Ko Olina resorts may be worthwhile to enjoy vacations here year after year. Timeshares Only offers timeshares for sale by owners at all Ko Olina properties, so you can find a great deal. Make an offer online and our specialists will assist to connect you with a licensed real estate broker to close the sale. Or, if you are looking for exquisite vacation rentals in Ko Olina, we have those too. For more space at a better deal, timeshare rentals are available at top resorts worldwide. Owners that are not using their timeshares for the year oftentimes place them for rent just to cover annual maintenance fees and expenses. Rather than booking with the resort, browse our timeshares for rent in Ko Olina to save.

For more information, contact our team of timeshare experts at 1-800-610-2734 or email info@timesharesonly.com. We’re here to help Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 9 PM EST.

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