What's there to do at Ko O'lina?

[BWV Dreamin]

The proposed resort site posted on a couple of websites shows the new resort to be built between two other hotels. What else is there? I hear it is 30 miles away from Wakkiki.

 

[disneykid4ever]

There is a spa at the Ihilani, a boat dock, golf course, man-made lagoons, and I think there's also a luau that you can attend on property . . . . honestly, in my opinion it's not a "destination" in and of itself with lots of things to keep you non-stop busy on property. It is beautifully landscaped, and you have lagoon access (not beach access, no surfing, etc . . .) but in my opinion . . . that's it (and the surrounding area just outside the property is NOT great). It's a relaxing place to be and just lounge, but if you want activities there isn't much there. BUT, if Disney provides activities then it might be a different story. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Other than the resort itself, there is not a whole lot around it. In fact right to the south is an industrial area that is a blight on the landscape. The closest attraction would be Pearl Harbor, but that is a fair drive. To get to Waikiki you have to go through some very heavy traffic. The Dole Pineapple Plantation wouldn't be too bad to get to, but still a pretty good drive. I would think folks would definitely want to rent a car if they stay there.

PS - if you really want to get a good feel for it, go to Google Maps (or Earth) and check out the satellite photos. They have some real good pictures of the Marriott resort and you can get a feel for what is near the area.

 

[WDWLVR]

We stayed at Ko Olina Beach Club (Marriott) in Febuary. We had a pretty full schedule that kept us off property during the day but we got a daily activity sheet of things going on for kids, teens and adults. Some were free and others required a fee. Some of the things listed:

lei making
island crafts
hula lessons
Bocce Ball
Hawaiian tatoos
Texas Hold'em 101
Ukelele Lessons
Chocolate lovers bingo
fish feeding
power walk
surf lessons
Ulu Maika (Hawaiian bowling)
Ping Pong
Ko Olina Idol
Yoga
Visit from Polynesial Cultural Center
Learn to Paint
Sea Creature visors
Wood pendants
Photo shoots
jewelry making
Shaved Ice eating contest
Water balloon toss
musical floaties


There is also an all day kids camp, tennis, golf and a spa

I would think the Disney's resort would offer many of the same things.

One thing that Marriott didn't offer that I hope Disney does is tours to the Poly Center and Pearl Harbor right from the resort. We drove to the Poly Center and booked a tour for Pearl that left from Waikiki (but that tour was totally worth it).

In addition to all of the above there are a number of boats available at the Ko Olina marina for fishing and snorkeling excursions. We did the Ko Olina Cat and loved it!

We've already talked about the fact that when we go back we still may do some tourist things like the Poly Center but we are also just going to relax and enjoy the resort and the lagoons more.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I wonder why there is no beach located there? That is what I think when I think about going to Hawaii.....the beautiful beaches!

 

[WDWLVR]

I wonder why there is no beach located there? That is what I think when I think about going to Hawaii.....the beautiful beaches!

There are beautiful beaches at the 4 lagoons.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Wow, now that's what I'm talking about! Great pics, they sure helped give a great visual about the lagoons.

 

[epicureangirl]

My hope is that Disney has the same activities as the Marriott and THEN SOME. Especially if they have kids day camps, or some evening activities so I can go for an 'adult' dinner while the kids are kept busy, that would be fantastic. I would consider Ko'Olina as a place I would stay as THE destination, and then spend a few days elsewhere if I wanted to see the sights nearer Waikiki. I think it would be perfect for 5 nights or so, but then I'd probably want to move on to another island (or stretch of beach).

 

[ccigliano]

I stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina a couple of year ago and loved it. When I heard that Disney was building on Oahu I hoped it was Ko Olina. Waikiki is much too commercial for me - its like Manhattan with a beach. Don't get me wrong - still worth going to but not where I'd choose to stay. When in Hawaii you don't stay at the resort every day you wander around the island. The Polynesian Cultural Center has a great day of everything Hawaii including a luau, the north shore has great sunsets and pipeline where the professionals surf in the wintertime. Visit Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Lanikai Beach and Haleiwa. The lagoons at Ko Olina are great - snorkling was fun and there is alot to be said for no waves at all thanks to the breakers. I am sure Disney will do Hawaii right.

 

[llp479]

There are actually two luaus at the MVC, as well as a large property that does the "commercial" luau next to the Ihilani. In addition, there is a fantastic golf course there as well. From the marina you can take catamaran tours as well.

When we were at Ko Olina in March, they were running several different tours to Pearl Harbor, etc that you could sign up and do. The area in Kapolei is growing rapidly with more shops, including a large upscale mall that was announced while we were there. We usually rent a car and go touring after the rush hour, and plan to return either well before 4, or after 8. To be honest, most of our time there is spent either lagoon or poolside with an umbrella drink in hand.

 

[loribell]

When I visited a few years ago we slept in Wakiki but spent the rest of our time visiting all of the sites around the island. Wakiki is pretty much a beach & a shopping area in my opinion.

The Polynesian Cultural center is a must. Their evening show is amazing. The luau there is more of a traditional one so I would do a different one. There is also snorkeling at Hanama Bay, Diamond Head, different island tours, and much more.

I can't wait to see what all Disney offers!

 

[jekjones1558]

Oahu should not be missed. Lots of must-dos. But we now prefer the other islands, so I'm not sure whether we will try to stay at Ko'Olina or not.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Going back to the aerial photograph posted above. I know the Marriott hotel is the topmost complex/lagoon and the Marriott timeshare is the bottommost complex/lagoon. Where will the Disney resort be located? Also, what is the construction that is taking place right above the Marriott timeshare?

One more thing, I wonder if folks staying at the Disney resort will have golfing privileges at the golf course?

When I saw this resort area last year, I thought it was really neat.

 

[WDWLVR]

Going back to the aerial photograph posted above. I know the Marriott hotel is the topmost complex/lagoon and the Marriott timeshare is the bottommost complex/lagoon. Where will the Disney resort be located? Also, what is the construction that is taking place right above the Marriott timeshare?

One more thing, I wonder if folks staying at the Disney resort will have golfing privileges at the golf course?

When I saw this resort area last year, I thought it was really neat.

From what I have read the Disney resort will be located just below the Marriott hotel so either on lagoon 1 or 2 (lagoon 4 is not in that picture).

The construction taking place right above the Marriott timeshare is a private condo building.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

You can take a bus trip to the north shore and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.

 

[ADP]

Thanks for those pictures Mary. Looks very nice.

 

[rparmfamily]

I was just there on Monday looking at the empty lots around lagoon 1 and 2. There was one large empty lot, then the chapel, then another empty lot. Looked like plenty of space for a large resort, though I'm not sure what would happen to the chapel. I can try to get pics this weekend.

If I remember correctly--

Lagoon 4 is the marina
Lagoon 3 is the Marriot timeshare and new condos
Lagoon 2 has 2 empty lots facing it, with the chapel inbetween
Lagoon 1 is the JW Ihlani hotel

 

[rparmfamily]

Oh and for what to do at Ko'Olina, the snorkling and beach there is great, even if manmade. They are protected lagoons and perfect for families. The water is totally clear and we usually see fish in the lagoons and crabs on the rocks. In winter/spring you can see the whales breeching. Ko'Olina itself is a resort area, self contained. There is a lot to do on O'ahu. Waikiki is a bit of a drive (like 45 mins) but you aren't far from the H-2 and the North Shore. There is a huge mall planned for out in that area as well. http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Jan/15/bz/bz03p.html

 

[rparmfamily]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Oct/04/ln/hawaii710040355.html

Has graphic of lagoons and location.

 

[aclov]

I stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina a couple of years back when they first opened, it's a beautiful resort. I will say if you like nightlife or active type of person, you will get bored here. It's very relaxing - swimming, snorkeling, boat tours, enjoying the beautiful nature - that kind of place. Waikiki is a bit of a drive and as someone else mentioned, there is traffic. You can always drive around the island and enjoy the sights.