Looking to plan a luxury Hawaiian getaway this summer? With more direct flights from the mainland than any other Hawaiian island, Oahu proves to be a great choice for a stress-free holiday that is easy on the travel drama, without skimping on the aloha!

Less than a 30-minute drive from Honolulu on Oahu’s rugged and sunny western coast, sits the master-planned community of Ko Olina.  Far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city, while also being easily accessible, this 642-acre resort allows for a more authentic Hawaiian getaway.  Ko Olina is home to various resort properties, including the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, which was recently renovated and opened its doors again in March 2021. This five-star property balances a classic Hawaiian style with contemporary décor and modern-day luxury amenities.

 

Room to Relax

 

The Four Seasons Oahu rises 17-stories from a landscape of lush gardens, a white sand beach cove, and lively pools.   Nearly all 370 guest rooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows and private lanais, with extra-wide sliding glass doors that afford panoramic ocean views.  The accommodations are large and extremely comfortable, with multiple seating areas, sizeable spa-like marble baths, a desk/work-station, and my absolute favorite- heated toilet seats with built-in bidet.  Our family of five enjoyed the oceanfront junior suite, which suited us perfectly.  The suite includes a king-size bed and living room area with a sofa bed and a 65-inch HD TV for family movie nights. Automatic lighting system and bedside charging outlets for electronics are just a few of the many comforts you will enjoy when returning to your room after a day of fun.

 

Fun in the Sun… & Beyond

The Four Seasons Oahu is a mecca of fun in the sun for all, especially for families!  You may have a difficult time choosing between the three expansive pools on-property and the calm jewel-toned waters of the lagoon.  Children will especially love the beach shack where boogie boards, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment are complimentary. For a truly unique Hawaiian experience, reserve a snorkeling tour on a traditional outrigger canoe.  Booked through the Four Seasons and run by a lovely local company called Hawaiian Ocean Adventures, these tours give you the feeling of ancient Polynesian navigation as it was when settlers first arrived on the islands of Hawaii.  As for the younger guests, well they’ll be excited to feel like Moana!  This tour was easily one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Oahu, as we had the incredible opportunity to snorkel with colorful reef fish, countless turtles, and even an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

 

 

 

 

 

Outside of the water, the options for activities are equally varied.  The Kids For All Seasons complimentary kids club hosts a wealth of fun and educational activities for children ages 5-12 from 9am to 4pm.  They also have special paid events in the evenings a few time per week, such as glamping or dance parties.  Our girls had the opportunity to participate in a glamping event and couldn’t say enough about it!  With smiles from ear to ear they redacted the night in detail, from the group games, to the dinner and a movie, laser tag, and s’mores.

Meanwhile, my husband and I visited the amazing Naupaka Spa & Wellness Center. The spa was named after the native naupaka shrub that comes in two varieties, one that grows in the mountains and one by the shoreline. Both varieties are famous for their small, white half-flowers.  Legend has it that there was once two lovers driven apart by their families, who were exiled: the man to the mountains and the woman to the ocean. They became the two varieties of the naupaka plant, with a half-flower representing their broken love.   The flower can only be whole when the two lovers are reunited. Similarly, the Naupaka Spa strives to mend its guests’ ailments, help them feel connected and whole again, with customized treatments and therapies.  I relished every second of my Naupaka Lomilomi massage, a signature treatment that begins with choosing between their two signature scented oils, Mauka (mountain) and Makai (ocean).

The Four Seasons Oahu also boasts a well-appointed fitness complex, including a five-court tennis facility and lap pool and privileged access to the Ko Olina Golf Club and Ko Olina Marina.

 

 

For the Foodies

 

The cuisine at the Four Seasons Oahu will excite even the pickiest of eaters.  Options abound with five different restaurants, and you seriously can’t go wrong with any of the dining choices on-property. Located next to the Serenity Pool and offering fresh, sustainable cuisine, La Hiki serves breakfast and lunch daily.   Its name is derived from the phrase Mai Ka La Hiki A Ka La Kau, meaning “from sunrise to sunset,” and it hosts the famous weekend Brunch For All Seasons.

At Noe, you will find Southern Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair. Think local seafood, choice meats and homemade pastas, paired with a beautiful selection of Italian wines, including their own private label.

Saving my favorite for last: a visit to Mina’s Fish House is an absolute must.  At this traditional Hawaiian Fish House with a beachfront setting,  James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina presents a line-to-table philosophy. You will savor dishes such as Char-broiled King Crab with miso butter, garlic, and yuzukosho, Hamachi crudo, grilled octopus, and garlic and duck fat French fries.  Seafood-lovers will enjoy a visit from the Fish Sommelier; he’s a wealth of information and suggestions on the catch of the day, where the fish come from, and what patrons can expect in terms of preparation and taste. Their menu is simply amazing!  And for an even more relaxed, toes-in-the-sand experience, request a fire pit table at Mina’s Beach Club.