At Koolina last week

[jmatias]

We were out at Koolina Resort area last week and of course I had to check out the Disney property.

Can't see much now because there is the big construction walls all around the project. Was able to look in the open gates and biggest thing I noticed was that a building was under construction that looks like maybe the construction office or maybe a place for the models/preview center?

Right across the street, a small convenience mall area is under construction and will have a gas station etc. Slated to open in the summer

In the nearby area of Kapolei, the new and first Target in Hawaii is opening on March 8th. A Costco is also under construction.

Still very early yet but nice to see things moving along.

We will be out at Koolina again for Spring Break and I'll report on the progress.

Aloha,
Jen

[melanieewr]

Thanks so much for the update! I actually own a condo there at Ko'Olina (Kai Lani), but I haven't been there since last spring. I was wondering if construction had really begun. We love the area and have a number of friends there.

How exciting to have a Target so close! It will be packed all the time. I love shopping there, but it will be hard to keep the shelves stocked in Hawaii. Now, if they would let me build a Sonic there...:thumbsup2

[tomandrobin]

Any pictures?

[kimberh]

This will probably make me like Oahu better. Thanks for the update. :goodvibes

[jmatias]

Sorry...no pics. I was jogging by the times the gate was open. The times we drove by the gate was closed.

Right now just imagine a big green construction wall :)

Jen

[jmatias]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e363/alohadvc/IMG_0477.jpg

This is a picture taken from the Koolina Beach Villas which is 2 parcels over from the Disney spot. To give you an idea of the gorgeous views. The Beach Villas oceanfront units are selling in the high $2 mil to $3 mil range.

[ACDSNY]

Thanks for the wonderful picture...I can't wait to go back to the islands.

[jmatias]

Another interesting thing the salesperson at the Beach Villas told us was that Disney used its clout for upgrades to the general landscaping at Koolina common areas, asking for more colorful plants, add more tropical foliage, etc.

It will be a total improvement to the entire area.

Also, here is more info on the new mall that is being built in Kapolei, which is just 5 minutes away from the Koolina Resort area.

www.kapoleicommons.com

[dgaston]

Only 1 Hawaii trip under my belt, but i hope there will be an ABC store close!:lmao:

[ccigliano]

Thanks for the info. I'll be at the Ko Olina Marriott in a 2 bedroom villa in March so I'll try to take pictures if possible. I've been to the Marriott Ko Olina Hotel a few years ago and I really did like the area.

[gracelrm]

When is the proposed opening date for the resort in Hawaii?

[DisDaydreamer]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e363/alohadvc/IMG_0477.jpg

This is a picture taken from the Koolina Beach Villas which is 2 parcels over from the Disney spot. To give you an idea of the gorgeous views. The Beach Villas oceanfront units are selling in the high $2 mil to $3 mil range.


Were are the waves :confused3

Is that sunrise or sunset?

[liznboys]

Thanks for the report and gorgeous picture. I can't wait to get back to Hawaii! :goodvibes

[WoodysRoundup]

Thanks for the report and gorgeous picture. I can't wait to get back to Hawaii! :goodvibes


Us too!!!

:wave2: Hi Liznboys!

OP, thanks for the update!

[ccigliano]

Were are the waves :confused3

Is that sunrise or sunset?

While I didn't take the picture - I have been there and there really aren't any waves at Ko Olina. There is a huge breaker about 1000 ft out and each little cove (there are 4) is very calm. It is almost like relaxing on a lake that's crystal blue with tropical fishies everywhere. I enjoyed the snorkling as I didn't get seasick from bobbing up and down.

[rparmfamily]

We enjoy snorkeling at Ko'Olina, it's perfect for my children. There really aren't waves, the water pretty much just laps in and out.
The sun sets at Ko'Olina, which is on the west end of the island.


Here is a pic of lagoon #4 (I think...the "public" lagoon.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/susaninitaly/Christmas2006246.jpg

[kidaniokeefe]

Thanks for the update! I can't wait to go!

[kerickson]

I heard there's alot more wind on the west side of the island and that's why is hasn't been developed much. From these pics it doesn't look like it. Anyone know?

[Horace Horsecollar]

Here is a pic of lagoon #4 (I think...the "public" lagoon.)
The four manmade lagoons at Ko Olina are all open to the public. However, there is limited pubic parking, so the lagoons primarily serve the guests of the adjacent resorts.

The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Disney's resort site are at Lagoon 1.

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club is at Lagoon 3 and Lagoon 4.

[KAT4DISNEY]

The four manmade lagoons at Ko Olina are all open to the public. However, there is limited pubic parking, so the lagoons primarily serve the guests of the adjacent resorts.



AFAIK it extends farther than that. ALL beaches in Hawaii are public. I'm not certain how far the setback is that the land can be owned, but it's not up to the water. At least you don't have to worry about going onto private property when you're walking along the beach.

[theOCdisney]

We have stayed at the Ihilani twice, once in summer and once in the fall. Neither time was there any wind to speak of. There is more wind in Kaanapali, Maui in the evening than in Ko Olina anytime. We even golfed and I must confess that wind was not responsible for my score.:rolleyes:

As I posted another time, I snorkeled in the cove where the Ihilani is and the new DVC will be and swam with several sea turtles. I went out about 8:00 am and had the cove to myself. It is very calm and beautiful.

While we will not purchase there, hopefully we can use our points to stay a few nights on the front or back end of our Maui Ocean Club weeks.

[rparmfamily]

Yes, all beaches in Hawaii are public and access can not be impeaded. :) But the last lagoon has the largest parking lot so that's why I refer to it as the "public" lagoon, it is also not kept up like the others. (which are raked every morning it looks like, the others have umbrellas,etc.)

It's not that windy to me. We go there all the time. We bring a picnic lunch (cooler,etc) and relax for the day under a palm tree.

They did just have a hammerhead shark sighting in one of the lagoons though, very rare! (not that rare on the west coast of O'ahu but rare IN the lagoon!)

[nuts]

They did just have a hammerhead shark sighting in one of the lagoons though, very rare! (not that rare on the west coast of O'ahu but rare IN the lagoon!)

I hear mouse is their favorite food :rotfl2: :rolleyes: :scared1: