We are thinking of staying at Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club that is slated to start its operation Jan. 3rd next year.

I booked it from Jan 6th to 10th. I'm a bit worried that since this is the very beginning of the Lo Olina Beach Club, the facilites may be still pretty much incomplete and under construction when we get there. Does anyone know how things are going with this timeshare. Is the area already pretty enough or is it still a future resort in development? Any information really appreciated.

I too would love information on this resort. We will be there in June. If you go, would you please post a trip report for me. Thanks.

I just returned from Oahu about a month ago. On our last day, we decided to check out Ko Olina. It was unfinished, but still beautiful. It's just down the street from the JW Marriott Ihilani resort, so the area is really pretty. A little too far away from everything for me, tho.

Thank you for your update, Dianne.
It sounds like a really nice place there. But January may be too early to go with some ramaining construction. It's still hard to decide.

I've always had such good luck with Marriott's, I'd go for it. When we went to the Marriott Marbella Beach Club in Spain they said there might be "construction" going on. There was, but it was so minor that I was surprised they mentioned it. I really don't think they'd open if they weren't prepared to offer top notch services.

And please, let us know what it's like when you return!

Sounds good, Julie.
I think I'm going to give this property a try. I'll let you know how it was like. Thanks for your advice.

Which is better, a deluxe ocean view room in the hotel or a 1 BR villa in the "timeshare" section? Can anyone give me a comparative? We're using marriott points so cost is not the issue. Is the location comparable for both? Thanks in advance

We arrived at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club Jan. 8 (5 days after opening). We were delighted with it and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We went to another island, but would have been glad to stay here longer.

There is currently one building of ‘villas’ (hotel room and condominium-type units). We were told the 15-year plan is for 4 buildings. The building is attractive with about 10-12 floors. There is a large open-air lobby overlooking the pool. Cascading water and streams are near the entrance. Landscaping is quite establishing and nice looking.

The staff is friendly and well trained. We encountered no glitches.

We stayed in a 2BR ocean view villa. This is a 1BR unit with BR, LR, DR, kitchen, sitting area, 2 baths and lanai. One bath has vanity, shower and toilet. The other bath has vanity and soaking tub. The 1BR unit connected to another BR and bath with lanai (hotel room). The beautiful furnishings were done in warm colors, quite upscale and very comfortable. The kitchen was supplied with everything needed for cooking and meals. Housekeeping did a good job daily. There is a washer and dryer in the unit.

There is a large, lovely pool with whirlpool and lots of deck chairs. Hawaiian and other music plays from rock speakers. There are 4 large circular man-made lagoons at Ko Olina. One is right on the property, but all are within easy walking distance. A lighted, curving walkway leads along the ocean to the JW Marriott Ihilani. It’s about a 10 minute walk.

The lagoon at the property (and the other 3) is beautiful with a large circular sandy beach and calm, clear water and a sandy bottom. A barrier of large rocks at the entrance to each lagoon breaks the large waves. It’s ideal for children. Lounge chairs and cabanas are on the beach. These are public beaches.

The resort is an easy 20-30 minute drive on H1 West from the airport. About 2-3 miles away is the town of Kapolei, having a newly-developed suburban feel. There is a K-Mart, Safeway, movie complex, many stores, restaurants, fast food, etc.

Our unit was ocean/pool view. There also appears to be ocean front and golf course/mountain view. One side of the building, however, faces a nice marina, but beyond that is what appears to be a refinery of some kind. In my opinion, this would not be a pleasant view.

There is a Marketplace shop with some food and tourist items. There are no restaurants, but I understand a pool bar/grill will be added by this summer. There is a large, well-equipped fitness center. A covered parking ramp is connected to the building and parking is $6 per day.

The Ko Olina Golf Course was great and is across the street. I think shuttle service is available to the golf course and the JW Marriott Ihilani. As a guest, you have privileges at the JW Marriott for restaurants, spa, etc. A lovely hotel.

You are presented with the opportunity to hear a 90-minute timeshare presentation and receive a voucher for use at the property, but there is really no heavy pressure to do so.

While we also wondered about a brand-new property, we enjoyed this new experience on Oahu away from Waikiki and would definitely return. I hope this helps! Enjoy!

Marie, thank you so much for the information! It sounds wonderful.

Candy, I think it depends on if you want to have cooking facilities or not. The hotel room wouldn't, but the villa would. So it depends on you.