The Ko Olina Lagoons are something of an anomaly in Hawaii, where beautiful tropical bodies of water occur naturally. Four of the seven inlets that mark the shore of the Kapolei coast are manmade, with artificially constructed depths, beaches and rocky outcroppings. But what nature did not provide on the leeward side of Oahu, humans have done an incredible job of constructing, as any visitor to the western shores will readily agree.
The four lagoons are named Hanu, Naia, Kolola, and Ulua. Each one of them is protected from the high surf of the Pacific Ocean by large rock barriers. This makes the water safe for swimming throughout the year, unlike the exposed beaches of the windward shore, which are battered by waves in the winter months.
The designed tranquility that has been created makes these lagoons too calm for surfing and other water sports that depend on waves and wind. Those seeking the excitement of big surf can find it further north along the coast.
But for families and those who appreciate a picturesque scene for picnics, wading, swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and beachcombing, the manmade lagoons are just perfect. They also have the advantage of being much less crowded than popular Waikiki Beach, even on weekends.
Apart from the imported sands that line their perimeters, the Ko Olina Lagoons have all of the extra amenities it takes to make good beaches. For example, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, public phones and beach shops are within a few steps of each cove. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season, and most of them don't mind keeping an eye on children.
The resorts that have popped up beside the lagoons offer everything else you might imagine for a tropical paradise experience, from luxury spas and championship golf to dining at upscale restaurants.
Seven translucent lagoons and over a mile of seashore pathways ensure accessibility to an abundance of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing and sunset dinner cruises. Overlooking the beautiful Naia Lagoon, for example, is the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, the Marriott Vacation Club International's first resort on Oahu.
Also positioned near one of the lagoons is the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. It has access to one of the finest white-sand beaches in all of Hawaii. Meanwhile, the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort has private two- or three-bedroom villas facing the sandy lagoons.
Also nearby is Roy's Ko Olina, a famous restaurant offering diners a stunning view of the lagoons and waterfalls near the 18th hole of Ko Olina Golf Club. And the Ko Olina Wedding Chapel has a 180-degree view of the blue crescent-shaped lagoons facing the turquoise sea.
The grassy areas of the Ko Olina Lagoons are ideal for picnics, although perhaps a bit overly manicured for the tastes of naturalists. Each lagoon is wheelchair accessible and there are public access boat ramps for kayaks, canoes and small sail craft.
A few cautions are worthy of note. The rocks that separate the four lagoons can be quite slippery and dangerous to climb. More than a few accidents have occurred. Also, on rough weather days, currents can be strong enough to drag weak swimmers out to the open ocean. Be sure to stay within the marked safe areas and always obey lifeguards, postings and warning signs/flags.
The Ko Olina Lagoons are located at 91-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI 96707, adjacent to the 43-acre Ko Olina Marina, which was voted "Marina of the Year'' for 2008 by Marina Dock Age magazine.
