Best of the West
By OCinSite | October 11, 2011 10:22 AM
By Emmy Kasten
Once only a locals’ retreat and insiders’ secret, the sparkling bays and beaches of Ko Olina Resort and Marina are gaining momentum as the next hot spot for travelers who want to skip the crowds in the usual Oahu tourist territory.
Where to Stay: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Just when you thought the Hawaiian Islands couldn’t get any more magical, Disney casts its spell on the west side of Oahu with Aulani, the iconic company’s first resort and spa in Hawaii—and the first Disney hotel that is not located next to a theme park. The 21-acre oceanfront oasis has been highly anticipated since whisperings of its development began in 2007, and at long last, the property welcomed its first guests in late August of this year. Situated on the leeward coast of the island, Aulani is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport. With 359 rooms, more than 400 villas, four restaurants, two lounges, multiple swimming pools and more, details throughout the grounds blend Hawaiian art and culture with Mickey Mouse fantasy to create the ultimate family-friendly enclave. Not to miss: the luxurious, 18,000-square-foot family spa where moms, dads and kids can get manicured, pedicured, massaged, masqued and pampered with local products and ancient Hawaiian techniques. Rooms start at $399 per night. (aulani.com)
Where to Eat: Roy’s
Hawaii regional cuisine founder and celeb chef Roy Yamaguchi serves his signature, groundbreaking fusion cuisine at the Ko Olina Golf Club. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame a view of waterfalls, the lagoon and the championship course’s 18th hole. Though the menu changes daily, you can never go wrong with Roy’s classics such as the misoyaki marinated butterfish or the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi. Can’t decide? The prix fixe menu is always a good bet, and Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle is a no-brainer for a sweet ending. (roysrestaurant.com)
Where to Play: Paradise Cove,
One of the largest and most respected luaus in Hawaii, Paradise Cove has entertained guests for more than 20 years. While wielding a signature mai tai before the big feast, guests can soak in the magnificent sunset views by the beach or take part in an array of Hawaiian cultural activities. The breathtaking hula girls and Polynesian fire knife dancers amake the trip worth the effort. (paradisecovehawaii.com)
Ko Olina Ocean Adventures
For a romantic sunset cruise, a daytime snorkel or to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale or sea turtle, Ko Olina Ocean Adventures offers luxury charters to suit every whim. Whether guests want to go sportfishing or cruising for dolphins, the friendly crew will guide each journey on their well-appointed vessels. Try snuba, a combo of snorkeling and SCUBA, to breathe up to 20 feet under water without the burden of heavy equipment. Best of all, there is no certification required, so adventure seekers can dive right in. (koolinaoceanadventures.com)
Luxury hotels and family resorts along the Kona Coast suffered damage from the earthquake-generated tsunami last march. The 45-year-old Kona Village Resort is still closed, but the relatively minor damage at Hualalai Resort on the Big Island has been completely repaired, and the resort is arguably better than ever.
The Kings Pond (the “outdoor aquarium”) in front of the Four Seasons Hualalai actually came away with more fish! Other damaged areas, including pools, a restaurant and 12 guest rooms and suites, have been repaired, including new oceanfront paths throughout the public areas and an enhanced beach. New beach furniture, additional oceanfront seating at Pahu i’a restaurant, enhanced views from some rooms and suites as well as the addition of private outdoor patios and lawns to some rooms and suites complete the physical enhancements.
New at the resort is the Hualalai Grille, an island-style sports bar located above the Club Shop that offers gastro pub cuisine.
Hualalai Resort also offers luxury homes for sale (including one that went for $26 million in 2009). None were damaged in the tsunami as the residences are up the slope from the resort hotel.
Also new at Hualalai Resort is an all-inclusive luxury travel special called “The Hualalai Experience” for a group of up to eight people in a beautiful Hawaiian-style custom homes. The experience includes a four-bedroom custom home with private pool and spa, daily golf for one foursome on the exclusive Hualalai Golf Course, paddleboard lessons and use for all, eight massages, one private dinner and more.
The experience goes for $3,950.00 per night plus tax for up to eight people for a minimum of five nights. (hualalairesort.com)
