BarbaraS

We just returned from a wonderful time in Oahu. We stayed at the Marriott KoOlina. It was fabulous, beautiful grounds, pool, beach and rooms. My only complaint is how far from everything it is. We ate one night at Azul, which my husband loved, but I thought it was overpriced and stuffy. We went to the Paradise Cove luau - it was fun, but the food wasn't great.

We spent two days scuba diving - sharks cove and three tables. We had pizza at Pizza Bob's, shaved ice with ice cream at Matsumotos and Aoki's in Halewia. We thought Aoki's had better shaved ice.

We went to Brunch on the Beach in Waikiki and had fabulous french toast from Duke's. We loved it so much we came back to eat dinner at Duke's. We had a great table with a perfect ocean view. We hit the swap meet for cheap souvenirs.

We spent several days just hanging out at the KoOlina lagoons. They are uncrowded, beautiful and peaceful. Drove up to Pali Lookout - it was amazing.

We weren't able to do everything I had hoped for. Wish we could have had more time. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

dolciani

Hi Barbara, Thanks for the report. My husband and I will be staying (for the 1st time) at the KoOlina in July. Did you stay at the hotel or the time share? We're supposed to stay in an Ocean View at the hotel - hoping the rooms are spacious and nice w/ big bathrooms ????? My husband and I are going alone (we're 50) and are taking our golf clubs and snorkel gear. Can you give any advice about the golf course, spa, or general atmosphere? I've heard a lot of people say it's "too far away from Waikiki and the sights", but we're not looking for night life excitement. Hope you can elaborate and answer my inquiries. Thanks in advance.

BarbaraS

The Ko Olina is a timeshare resort, not a hotel and timeshare. It is just one building. The timeshare/condos are three rooms. One kitchen/living area, one master bath/bedroom area and another bedroom/bathroom area with a small kitchen. Often the timeshare owner doesn't want/need the second bedroom and it is "locked off" from the other rooms. These are the rooms they sell as "hotel" rooms.

We stayed in the "hotel rooms" and it was great. You have a comfortable queen size bed, sectional couch, microwave, small refrigerator, plates and utensils. The bathroom is a nice size. There was plenty of closet and drawer space to unpack all our things.

There is construction going on, but it never really disturbed us. We too had an ocean view room, although you had to stand on the corner of the balcony to actually see the ocean. Mostly it was a view of the pool. But the balcony was nice with a small table and chairs to eat on.

The grounds are so beautiful. We didn't golf, but the golf course looked great. The spa and all the restaurants are at the JW up the road/beach. I didn't use the spa, but the JW is beautiful. Be sure and checkout the shark and sting ray pools near the swimming pool.

They offer a shuttle service between the Ko Olina and the JW, but the walk up the beach is so beautiful we rarely took the shuttle.

One of my favorite times at the Ko Olina was sitting in a floating lounge chair in the lagoon tethered to the bottom. It was so relaxing and a great way to tan.

Snorkeling wasn't great in the lagoons, although there are some fish near the rocks. But the water was fairly warm and swimming was fun.

I would say the majority of the guests were families, I suppose because of the timeshare facilities. But it wasn't overwhelming or a problem.

There is a little town, Kapolei, nearby with a Safeway and a Kmart. We bought things for breakfast and beach snacks. We probably should have bought a cheap small cooler to take cool drinks and snacks to the beach with us. There are no convenient snack shops on the beach. Although I hear they have them planned.

We also ate at a small restaurant in Kapolei, Jurison's Westside Cafe, they have a marvelous fried cheesecake. They serve breakfast as well, although we didn't try it because we didn't discover them until the last day.

I think you'll be really pleased with the Ko Olina, especially if you're looking for a relaxing vacation away from the crowds. By 10:00 p.m. there was nobody out of their rooms. Perfect time for a late night stroll along the beach.

stacey

My sister and I just returned from Ko'Olina May 23rd. We loved it there! Loved the lagoons and we did see some octopus & starfish when we went snuba diving there in the first lagoon by the JW Marriott. They offer snuba lessons there.

There are a few local places that have great food for around $5. We enjoyed L&L drive in which seemed to be everywhere. We drove up North to Wainae and ate there. The people were very nice and always helpful (although no one - mostly locals - knew directions well at all)contrary to reports I have read.

We did the brunch on Waikiki too & it was so nice. Do get all your suvies at the Swap meet on Sat, Sun & Wed at the Ahoha Stadium .. great prices.

I agree w/BarbaraS ... wonderful place to relax and get some sun Enjoy

islandmom

I just got a letter we can try the place out for $399 a week per person. Seeing how we live here I wonder if it is worth it. Aren't they making 3 other towers? Did you snuba through the other hotel? Did you have to be a guest in the area?

LoisL

Dolciani, the JWMarriott that was mentioned is the original hotel on the property, not to be confused with the timeshare, which was added last year. We stayed at the JWMarriott Ko Olina, and the rooms were beautiful and spacious. Because we are platinum, we were upgraded to an amazing suite. I'd choose the suite over the timeshare, but the time share units over the regular rooms. And, if you're not planning to do much island hopping, especially for the night life, and will be spending much of your time on the property [which is beautiful] then I'd go with the timeshare units, since they have kitchens. Either way, I don't see how you could be disappointed.

BarbaraS

Islandmom - I don't think it's worth $399 a person for you since the lagoons are open to the public - unless you wanted some romantic time away from the kids.

dolciani

Thanks LoisL, I was a bit confused for a moment. We actually have (at this time) double booked and will have to cancel one of the reservations w/in 2 weeks. Choice between using 95,000 points (plus $60/night) for an ocean view room at the JW Ihilani Resort OR pay $270/night for a 1BR Ocean View "Villa" (timeshare) at athe Ko Olina Beach Club. I'm leaning toward the room because we will be spending a full week in the Kaui Marriott in a villa after Oahu. What do you think?

BarbaraS

Sorry about the confusion. I assumed when you said Ko Olina you meant the Ko Olina Beach Club and not the JW Ihilani. It might help you to know that all of the restaurants and the spa are at the JW Ihilani. However, the pool at the Ko Olina Beach Club is much larger/nicer.