You'll Endlessly Enjoy A Visit To These Lagoons Nestled Along The Hawaiian Coast
By Megan Shute|Published March 30, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Nestled on Oahu’s western shore, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki is the small resort area of Ko Olina. This 642-acre master-planned vacation and residential community is home to four hotel and vacation club resorts: Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Marriot’s Ko Olina Beach Club, The Ko Olina Beach Villas, and The Four Seasons at Ko Olina, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. But the crowned jewel of Ko Olina is the two miles of coastal frontage that includes three natural and four man-made lagoons with white sand beaches.
You won’t find many man-made water bodies across the Hawaiian Islands, but these four man-made lagoons nestled along the coast are the exception.
Made with sand imported from Lanai, the four lagoons — Hanu, Naia, Kolola, and Ulua — are protected from high surf by large rock barriers, making the water safe to swim in year round.
Snorkeling is popular here, especially for children and beginners. Tropical fish and sea turtles are commonly spotted here, and crystal clear water makes for stellar visibility.
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With fine, white sand and crystalline turquoise waters, these protected lagoons are perfect for family beach days and swimming, though many find it too calm for most water sports, including surfing and body boarding.
Just be sure to stay away from the lagoons’ rock barriers. Not only is the rock slippery, but the currents between the barriers can be strong and you could be dragged out into the open ocean if you tried to swim here, especially when the surf is up. If you stay within the lagoons, you’ll be fine.
More than a mile and a half of paved walkway connect the four lagoons and with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, manicured lawns, and luxury resorts, Ko Olina is also the perfect destination for a shoreline stroll.
Though these nearly identical man-made lagoons don’t necessarily harken to the wild, untamed Hawaii we know and love, there is certainly something to be said about the list of amenities you’ll find here.
Exceptionally clean restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, as well as wheelchair accessibility and food concessions, make this an excellent destination for a family day trip.
While these picturesque lagoons are backed by some of the island’s most prominent resorts, all beaches in Hawaii are public, and you will find daily public parking in designated areas near each lagoon from sunrise to sunset on a first-come, first served basis.
Pro tip: Lagoon No. 4 has the most parking and many people suggest heading straight here and then walking to the other lagoons.
So, what are you waiting for? These pristine, crescent-shaped swimming lagoons are a favorite among local families, visiting tourists, and well, anyone who visits them.
he Ko Olina Beach Lagoons are located along Oahu’s southwestern shore. You will find the entrance to this resort area at 92-1480 Ali’inui Dr., Kapolei, HI 96707. Have you experienced the splendor of these lagoons for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
After a day spent splashing in the lagoons, consider heading over to Monkeypod Kitchen for dinner.
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