When planning a stay on O‘ahu, there aren’t many hotel options not centered in the area surrounding Waikiki Beach. Luckily, one of my top places to stay doesn’t have a Waikiki address. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Hawaii, there are a plethora of reasons to consider the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina.
Location
Set on the western, Leeward Coast of O‘ahu, Ko Olina Resort stretches 642 acres and features four popular swimming lagoons. Along with the Four Seasons, the resort area is home to a trio of other properties, including Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Beach Villas at Ko Olina, and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club.
Accommodations
The Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina features 370 rooms and suites. I stayed in a Club Oceanfront Room with Double Beds on the 16th floor. After entering the room, I was immediately drawn to the huge balcony. It was 30-or-so minutes before sunset, and a large pod of dolphins was using the last fleeting moments of daylight to showcase their acrobatic prowess.
Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, heading inside doesn’t require giving up the sea views. (There’s even screen doors for guests who prefer a sea breeze to air conditioning.) Beds are topped with fluffy down bedding and are memorably comfy.
Covered in brilliant white marble, the spa-like bathroom offered more than enough room for my grown daughter and me; along with double vanities, there was a walk-in shower, soaking tub, and water closet.
Other handy in-room amenities included a coffee maker, an electric kettle, a small refrigerator, and a wireless Bluetooth speaker.
My 16th-floor room granted me access to the resort’s recently launched Club Lounge. In between daily breakfast and an evening service including craft cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, guests can pop in at any time for grab-and-go snacks and beverages, or to speak with a dedicated concierge. And along with stellar service, you’ll find great views. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., it’s the largest Club Lounge in the Four Seasons global portfolio.
Public Spaces and Facilities
Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina is the type of property where you dedicate time to enjoying staying put. Lounge on the beach or swim in the protected lagoon. If you don’t like sand in between your toes, choose between a pair of family-friendly pools, the adults-only pool, and an outdoor lap pool at the Naupaka Spa & Wellness complex.
In addition to a trio of plexi-pave tennis courts, there are four pickleball courts and a spacious fitness center. Four Seasons guests enjoy special privileges at the nearby Ko Olina Golf Club.
The hefty spa features 14 treatment rooms; several offerings are based on traditional Hawaiian techniques. I highly recommend the Signature Lomolomi massage at the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Center, where the long, relaxing strokes used in the treatment are meant to mimic the rhythm of ocean waves.
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Dining Options
There are a half-dozen dining options on property, ranging from a more formal experience at Italian-inspired Noe to grab-and-go selections at Hokulea. Dinner at Mina’s Fish House was a highlight of my stay. Expect a rainbow of local, fresh fish offerings, as well as filet mignon, NY strip, and a tomahawk ribeye for landlovers. I’m still thinking about the Phyllo Crusted Hawaiian Swordfish, the eatery’s take on fish and chips.
Fans of chef Michael Mina’s Lobster Pot Pie will be happy to know they can enjoy the showstopper here. Save room, if you can, for a slice of Brûléed Ube Cheesecake.
Breakfast at La Hiki is served a la carte and buffet-style. Favorites during my stay included the Hawaiian Sweet Bread Pudding French Toast (plan on sharing) and the Island Acai Bowl.
Family-Friendly
The Four Seasons brand is well-known for the robust kids’ programming it offers at properties around the globe. And the O‘ahu resort lives up to the reputation. Camp Kohola At The Hideaway is designed for kids ages five to 12. The complimentary kids program includes everything from lei-making and pool time to tie-dye workshops. While there is no formal program for tweens and teens, they are welcome at any activities and can come and go as they please.
In addition to connecting rooms, complimentary cribs and rollaways are available upon request. And kids’ menus are available in all of the restaurants.
Good to Know
It’s just shy of a 20-mile drive to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
There are nine accessible rooms (spread throughout a variety of room categories) for guests with mobility disabilities. Resort signage also includes Braille.
The starting rate for a standard room at Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina is $895. There is no daily resort fee.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
I’m lucky enough to travel to Oahu frequently. Some of my other favorite hotels include: Halepuna Waikiki and its sister property, Halekulani, The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu At Ko Olina, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
