Far from Waikiki, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina leans into surf culture, Polynesian traditions, and oceanfront living
Words by LESLEY McKENZIE
On a sun-drenched stretch of Oahu’s western coastline, far from the buzz of Waikiki, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina pairs resort luxury with experiences designed to connect guests more closely to Hawaii’s culture, landscape, and traditions. Set along four emerald-blue lagoons, the 642-acre property takes advantage of Oahu’s drier western climate, serving up balmy weather and sweeping ocean views in equal measure.
The resort’s amenities are expansive, spanning eight restaurants and bars, four pools, a spa and wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and access to the Ted Robinson–designed Ko Olina Golf Club. Dining is a focal point of the experience, particularly at the beachfront Mina’s Fish House by Michael Mina, where locally caught seafood steals the show in dishes such as char-broiled shellfish finished with miso butter, garlic, and yuzu kosho, best enjoyed with a locally brewed beer.
Recent additions include the resort’s new Club Lounge — the largest in the Four Seasons global portfolio — which overlooks the Pacific and offers Club guests dedicated concierge service, a private bar, daily breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktail service. Elsewhere, Five-One-Six, the resort’s laid-back rooftop bar inspired by the feel of a modern speakeasy, has transitioned from seasonal pop-up to permanent fixture, drawing guests for both its panoramic Pacific views and island-inspired cocktails. Among the standouts is the Hi-State Margarita, topped with hibiscus-calamansi foam and a Hawaiian chili tincture.
On the accommodation front, take your pick from 370 rooms and suites, ranging from the privacy-driven Premium Oahu Suites, complete with ocean views and amenities such as outdoor spa tubs and private lanais, to well-appointed guest rooms, many featuring balconies. Feeling extravagant? The penthouse suite ups the ante with an expansive oceanfront terrace designed for everything from morning yoga to sunset entertaining.
Increasingly, the property’s appeal lies not only in its amenities, but also in how thoughtfully it connects guests to the island around them. Guests can board Moananuiākea, a traditional-style voyaging canoe inspired by Polynesian navigation practices, or take part in the newly launched Nalu Surf Experience, created in partnership with former professional surfer and Hawaii native Kekoa Cazimero. Timed to coincide with celebrations marking 50 years of professional surfing, the private half-day program introduces guests to Oahu’s surf culture through one-on-one coaching at Wai Kai, home to Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave, followed by a well-deserved meal at the storied Highway Inn before returning to Ko Olina. fourseasons.com/oahu.
May 29, 2026.
Discover more TRAVEL news.
