Ko’Olina is a somewhat secluded, beautifully landscaped, quiet and safe, resort area, perfectly located, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. It was an easy drive, about 25 miles from the Honolulu airport. There is a town called Kapolei, about 5 miles away, with everything you’d need. There’s a target, Costco, Safeway, a shopping mall, various fast food and full service restaurants, etc.
Upon entering Ko’Olina, there is the country mart shopping area, with a small grocery store, several restaurants and some clothing/tourist shops. There is a golf course, a few buildings with privately owned condos, paradise cove luau venue, the Four Seasons, Aulani Disney and the Marriott Vacation club resorts.
The Marriott has a lagoon, with clear-blue, calm ocean waters that you can float in, swim, play, etc. it’s perfect for kids! Nice sandy bottom, shallow. There are free beach chairs on the beach for guests to use. You can also rent a chair with an umbrella, should you wish to. You’re welcome to bring your own umbrella, if you don’t want to pay $30/day to rent one. The grounds of the resort are gorgeous. There are several pools, including a “quiet” adult only one and one with a water slide and waterfall. There are also several hot tubs. The Pool and hot tub hours are from 7a-10p. There is a spa and gym as well, although we didn’t use either. There are two main restaurants on site, along with a market/store with a Starbucks. If you wish to cook your own food, there are several bbqs for guests to use. The bbqs are clean and work well! There is a bar/food hut at one of the pools and a bar in each restaurant, however, there is very little to no “nightlife-party vibe” at the resort. It’s very chill and quiet at night, except for the sound of kids doing night swims in the pools. If you want nightlife, dancing, partying…you’ll have to drive to Waikiki, I’d think.
We stayed in the studio with ocean view. We were placed in the Hale Moana building, which is set towards the back of the property, with a view of the resort grounds and the pool in the foreground and the ocean, farther in the distance. Ask for a higher floor, to ensure a panoramic view of ocean. Understand though, while the hotel is “oceanfront”, the rooms are not. The hotel room towers are set back somewhat.
The room was clean and simple, with a king sized bed, a futon couch, a kitchenette and a small balcony. The room was as it is pictured. It’s small but, has what you need. Be aware, that bc of covid, there is no, daily housekeeping service. You have to call front desk to get replacement towels and take your own trash out.
We were extremely happy with our stay. It was peaceful and relaxing, the weather was perfect 80 degrees, a few intermittent clouds, no rain, cools off at night and it wasn’t exceptionally crowded. We were there from Jan 25-30.
Brandon made the experience stress-free and easy! He is always accessible to answer your questions. He was professional, patient and kind, despite my many questions!