This Oahu Resort Community Is Known for Beautiful Lagoons, Luxe Hotels, and a Beloved Disney Resort

With sunny skies year-round, world-class beaches, and superb dining, it is little wonder that Hawaii sits atop many travelers' wishlists. Oahu is the most-visited island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and while the capital city of Honolulu is popular with tourists, just 30 minutes away you’ll find Ko Olina. Travelers are drawn to the marina and the resort community, where you'll find several lagoons with crystal-clear water, stunning white-sand beaches, and popular resorts including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. And the area shines even brighter with an outpost of beloved Hawaiian restaurant Monkeypod Kitchen, plus incredible luau and an award-winning golf course. Read on for more details about this magical corner of Oahu.

Related: 12 Best Beaches on Oahu With Stunning Views and Epic Waves

Best Hotels and Resorts

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Disney’s storytelling excellence blends seamlessly with the island way of life at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The oceanfront hotel has a more upscale feel than its mainland Disney counterparts and features standout dining, a luxury spa, an expansive water park, and posh accommodations that range from studio rooms to multi-room suites.

“You can expect Disney's service and hospitality without the theme park feel,” shares Jim Bendt, a T+L A-List advisor. “The property has been designed to honor Hawaiian culture intertwined with Disney's characters.”

Aulani packs in endless activities, from movie nights to ukulele classes. “My favorite activity is our beautiful Rainbow Reef,” shares Aulani guest service manager Alyssa-Lende Kane. “Snorkeling in the wide-open ocean can be intimidating, but our Rainbow Reef provides a safe and fun environment to see our dazzling marine life without the worries of unpredictable currents.”

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina delivers the brand’s signature hospitality and personalized service at its first-ever property in Oahu. The five-star, oceanfront resort shares a lagoon with Aulani; inside, it oozes opulence. Elegantly appointed accommodations range from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites with private terraces overlooking the sea. 

“Its oceanfront rooms have amazing views, and the adults-only infinity pool offers the serenity couples are seeking,” shares Bendt. “Here, the aloha spirit and hospitality are done the Four Seasons way.” 

You’ll find bars, restaurants, multiple pools, tennis courts, a private beach, and a wellness 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 across its gorgeous grounds. With accommodations that range from standard guest rooms to multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens, this is a great choice for a multi-generational getaway.

Best Things to Do

Luau

The southwest side of Oahu may be sleepy come nightfall compared to other Hawaii destinations, but it is home to some of the best luau. Ka Wa’a’ – A Luau on Oahu at Aulani and Paradise Cove Luau check all the boxes when it comes to the sought-after experience, including cultural ceremonies, delicious fare, flowing drinks, and jaw-dropping live entertainment.

Laniwai Spa

For a delightfully restful experience, head to Laniwai — A Disney Spa at Aulani. The full-service facility uses Hawaiian techniques in its services and includes a unique outdoor hydrotherapy garden that houses both hot and cold plunge pools. All of the above makes this the very best spa in the area.

Ko Olina Marina

For all things fun on the water, head to Ko Olina Marina, a state-of-the-art marina that offers everything from sunset catamaran sailings and boat charters to snorkeling and dolphin watching. Several companies operate out of the expansive 342-slip marina, including Ko Olina Ocean Adventures. “Consider sailing 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 designed by famed golf course architect Ted Robinson, Ko Olina Golf Club is considered one of the top courses on Oahu. Having played host to the LPGA Championship, this world-class golf course has a bustling clubhouse and greens suitable for all levels in an idyllic setting.

Related: 20 Best Things to Do on Oahu, According to Locals

Best Restaurants

Monkeypod Kitchen

Led by Chef Peter Merriman, Monkeypod Kitchen has become a Hawaii institution. There are several locations throughout Maui and Oahu, each with local craft brews and live music. The casual eatery 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 also on the menu. And you can’t come to Ko Olina without trying what is arguably the best version of a mai tai, topped with Monkeypod’s signature honey-lilikoi foam.

Mina's Fish House

Located at the Four Seasons, Mina’s Fish House is a line-to-table restaurant with stunning panoramic ocean views, and it's helmed by James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef, Michael Mina. An upscale approach 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 gorgeous sunset; make sure to book a 6 o'clock reservation so you don't miss the sundowner,” adds Bendt.

'Ama'Ama

Aulani’s oceanfront restaurant ‘Ama’Ama offers breathtaking views of the sunset in an environment that exudes romance. The open-air locale, covered by a thatched roof, features a tasting menu with twists on beloved Hawaiian dishes. Locally sourced fish and produce are the focal points of the multi-course meal.

Egg 'n Things

For a no-frills start to your morning, head to Egg ‘n Things, where there’s a little something for everyone. The reasonably priced menu includes quality breakfast items and local brunch staples — think Hawaiian loco moco and Portuguese sausage — using area-sourced ingredients.

Roy's Ko Olina

Overlooking the 18th hole at Ko Olina Golf Club, Roy’s Ko Olina offers upscale fare with prime views of all the action happening on the green. You’ll want to arrive hungry to enjoy the kitchen's high-quality, seasonal ingredients, including the macadamia nut-crusted local fish of the day. Roy's is also known for its impressive wine and whiskey lists.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime is a good time to visit, but you’ll find that the crowds thin out during the shoulder months of spring and fall, mainly April through May and September through early December. “My favorite time of the year to share with friends and family is November,” says Kane of Aulani. “It’s when the holidays are approaching, the weather is beautiful, and usually there are less crowds due to school being in session.” December through March, visitors may get the unique opportunity to spot migrating humpback whales, as this is when they arrive in the warm Hawaiian waters to breed.

How to Get There and Get Around

Guests visiting 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 pathways: Compact in nature, Ko Olina and its resorts and restaurants can be accessed on foot via walking paths. The oceanfront lagoons that connect many of its hotels — including Aulani and Four Seasons — also have winding seaside pathways.

Ride-share services: If you plan on exploring all that the area has to offer, popular ride-share services like Lyft and Uber are readily available.

Rental cars: Rental cars are a popular option for those visiting Oahu, especially if you'd like to add other destinations — like the famous North Shore and Polynesian Cultural Center — to your itinerary. Reservations can be made in advance for car pick-up from Honolulu International Airport with most major rental brands. If you're moving to another part of the island after a stay at Ko Olina, local car service options are also available.