Ko Olina, Oahu’s Hawaii is a fairly new destination resort offers a fun alternative to Honolulu.   In early October, Jan Geiser a 35 plus year travel consultant at James TravelPOINTS vacationed in Oahu Hawaii with her husband were they stayed at the luxury J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa.  

Prior visits included the neighbor islands, so this trip we opted to stay solely on the island of Oahu, the “Heart of Hawaii”.  In Denver, we boarded our nonstop flight to Honolulu.  United Airlines offers daily wide-body service to Honolulu.  Upon our early afternoon arrival in Honolulu, we rented our Hertz car.  Our destination was Ko Olina.  Ko Olina, Oahu’s newest destination resort, is just a short, easy 20 minute drive from the Honolulu Airport.  “From secluded lagoons and exciting adventures to championship golf and undersea panoramas, Ko Olina offers a neighbor island-style getaway without leaving Oahu”.  Our hotel was the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa.  After brief check-in procedures, we were escorted to our partial ocean view room.  Our accommodations were very spacious and well-appointed.  The size of the room was the equivalent of a Jr. Suite in many hotels.  Our room included a walk-in closet and over-size bathroom with an European-style bathtub.  The lanai was furnished with a table and padded , adjustable chairs.  The view of the ocean and subsequently, the sunsets, was magnificent. 

The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa is regarded for its award-winning cuisine and amenities.  We shared a romantic dinner for two at the Azul Restaurant.  This restaurant has an excellent reputation and the food and service were exquisite.  The Naupaka Terrace, an alternate dining venue,  is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, offers regional cuisine and also, themed buffets.  We enjoyed many morning and evening walks skirting the 4 lagoons that comprise the resort of Ko Olina.  The pristine lagoon  surrounded by white sand directly in front of our hotel was complemented by an azure sky and view of the Wai’anae Mountains.  The pool offered view of the oceans.  The award-winning Ihilani Spa provides an oasis of tranquility.  Its treatments aim to soothe your soul and experience harmony of mind, body, and spirit.  A brochure of numerous services and treatments is available.  My spa choice was the Deluxe Thalasso Therapy with  color and aqua essences.  It was, as promised, a sensory, therapeutic experience for the body, mind, and spirit.  I was a new person in less than 30 minutes.  Next time a half day of treatments sounds like heaven on earth!  It was difficult to leave our resort, even for a day.  We did take a drive to the North Shore one day.  The beauty and quaintness of the “other” Oahu are definitely missed by many visitors to the island.  We enjoyed lunch in Haleiwa at Jameson’s by the Sea.  We returned to Ko Olina driving through fields of pineapples.

 All too soon, it was time to leave paradise found in Ko Olina.  We spent the last few days of our vacation in Honolulu.  This vibrant city has much to offer — culture, sights, beautiful Waikiki Beach, dining options for any palate, and of course, shopping.  My husband’s birthday was celebrated in style at the 5 star restaurant, La Mer, located in the Halekulani Hotel.  Our oceanfront table enabled us to experience a breathtaking sunset.  The dinner was superb and the service was impeccable.  Our remaining days were spent walking and relaxing on Waikiki Beach and swimming in the ocean.  We did a little shopping at the International MarketPlace and also, at the boutiques and shops located on Kalakau Avenue.  Evenings were quite pleasant for outdoor dining at numerous ocean side restaurants. It is difficult to put into words the beauty of the islands.  The sights,  the flowers and fragrance, and the “Aloha” lifestyle all contribute to the unique destination of Hawaii.  If you are planning a trip to the island of Hawaii, please call me.  It would be a pleasure to discuss your any of your travel plans.  

About Jan Geiser 

Jan has been in the travel industry for 35+ years and is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC). She has extensive personal experience in both leisure and cruise travel.  Jan has traveled all over the world and brings a wealth of experience and advice to our clients.  She has been recognized by American Express as a World Cruise Specialist. She is also a graduate of advanced travel industry training offered by Holland America Line and has achieved the rank of Commodore status with both Princess and Cunard. Destination specialties include:  Europe, South Pacific, Caribbean, Mexico (Master Agent for Secrets Resorts), USA – Alaska (Certified Expert) and Hawaii, and of course, Cruises. Call Jan at 303-442-2340X231.

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