Hawaiian Luxury: The Four Seasons Oahu in Ko Olina

Two years ago the JW Marriott in Ko Olina became the Four Seasons Oahu. Set among green lawns and a dramatic coastline with the Waianae Mountains in the background, the Four Seasons connected with designer Mary Philpotts and invested millions of dollars to transform the 17-story property into the most luxurious resort in the area.

I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the resort’s Waterman Lounge and Bar with Yvonne Hunter, the Director of Public Relations and Joy Goto, with Stryker Weiner & Yokota. Meeting them at a table next to a circular pool, I mentioned how it’s much quieter than the next door Disney Aulani Resort and Spa.

Zane, the Four Seasons Tanning Butler approached me asking if I would like some sunscreen. With a strap around his neck, he held a tray with five different strength lotions and sunscreens. Zane visits guests at both the pool areas and the beach to help prevent painful sunburns.

The hotel offers multiple restaurants and lounges, including Noe, a fine dining “Italian-meets-island cuisine” and the new Mina’s Fish House, named after James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina. This three terrace Hawaiian fish house offers line-to-table seafood-focused meals paired with local brews, tropical cocktails and panoramic ocean views. It’s a popular spot during Aloha Hour before dinner.

While sitting under large umbrellas, we enjoyed lobster rolls, burgers and a healthy Buddah Bowl while sipping rose wine.

After lunch Hunter took me on a tour of the property, including the 3,840-quare-foot Presidential Suite on the fourth floor, which offers full ocean views. The two-bedroom suite has a private theater screening room, living and dining room, plus a stairway leading up to a 516-square-foot terrace and lounge area. There is a separate kitchen for guests to have meals prepared onsite for al fresco dining.

I learned the resort has 371 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and private viewing terraces. The ground floor oceanfront rooms have doors that open up to a private outdoor oasis, complete with a Jacuzzi and lush garden area. The lanai offers an outdoor dining set plus a lounge chair. Guests also have easy beach access for strolls along paved pathways around the Ko’ Olina coves to the marina.

All the spacious oceanfront and garden-view rooms are decorated in colorful Hawaiian décor complementing the turquoise water and sand colors outside.

Swim areas include two family-friendly pools and a sheltered beach lagoon, complete with complimentary water toys and paddle boards. Guests can take a ride on the Four Seasons outrigger canoe or swim in the circular family pool.

The adults-only beach and pool, offers a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a waterfront massage cabana. Adjoining this area is the private Lanikuhonua estate that was once for Hawaiian royalty. Now the property hosts a variety of cultural activities, including the nightly Paradise Cove Luau.

For guests seeking a wedding venue, the Four Seasons built a beautiful chapel with a stained glass window on the resort’s grounds. Wedding receptions can be set up outside on the lawns overlooking the ocean with twinkle lights strung above the festively decorated tables.

Visiting the Naupaka Spa & Wellness, Hunter shared with me that there are 17 treatment rooms. She showed me one of the three healing hales overlooking the green lawn and ocean views, where  sea breeze massages can be enjoyed.

Activities include the #FSWAYFINDERS, an ongoing weekly series that includes art, culture, and history. There are in-depth workshops that include a floral Haku-making class, jewelry making, ukulele lessons and an art walk, where guests can interact with local artists.

The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina entices guests to unwind, create and experience a little bit of the Hawaiian Aloha culture.