Lagoons
What are the Ko Olina Lagoons?
One of the things that make Ko Olina so special is its four man-made lagoons. The waves can be rough and unpredictable near Ko Olina, but the lagoons keep swimmers totally protected.
There could be huge waves just outside the lagoon but the water in the lagoon itself will be flat and calm.
These lagoons make Ko Olina the perfect place for young (or other less confident) swimmers. Kids can splash around with little worry that a rogue wave is going to knock them down.
Are Ko Olina Lagoons Private or Public?
Just like every beach in Hawaii, the Ko Olina lagoons are public. However, parking is limited so arrive early and don’t sit on the resort beach chairs. The hotel attendants check semi-regularly and they will ask you to move if you don’t have a resort wristband.
What Ko Olina Lagoon is the Best for Snorkeling?
The four lagoons in Ko Olina are great for swimming, SUP, and safe for swimmers that are still getting used to the water.
While they’re great for swimming, they’re not great for snorkeling. There’s no reef (as they are man-made) and there are few rocks. You may be able to find some fish and the occasional turtle towards the lagoons’ ocean opening, but in the middle, you won’t find much else.
But for avid snorkelers, all hope isn’t lost. The best Ko Olina lagoon for snorkeling is one that few people know about. It’s a natural lagoon just north of lagoon 1, near Paradise Cove Luau. This site gives walking directions to help you access the secret beach just outside of Ko Olina.
And as always, use your judgment before getting into the water to snorkel. Ocean conditions can be unpredictable.
What is the Best Ko Olina Lagoon?
If you’re staying at one of the resorts, the best Ko Olina lagoon is going to be the one in front of your hotel. Why? Ease of access and you can grab a beach chair to use for the day.
If you’re coming to Ko Olina to visit for the day, the best lagoon is lagoon 4. It has the biggest parking lot so you’re most likely to be able to snag a spot. Plus, lagoon 3 is easily accessible from the parking lot, so you have two lagoon options within a very short distance.
Ko Olina Lagoons Address
92-1220 Ali’inui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707
Ko Olina Lagoons Admission Fee and Hours
Ko Olina Lagoons Admission :
FREE
Admission to beach coves is free unless you opt to go to one of the Resorts.
All beaches on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii are Public beaches.
Ko Olina Lagoons Hours :
Open 24 Hours
Suggested is Dawn to Dusk
Getting to Ko Olina Lagoons
By Car to Ko Olina Lagoons : (From Waikiki)
– Take the H1 Freeway, heading west
– Exit H1 West toward Honolulu International Airport
– Continue on H1 West toward Waianae for approximately 15 miles
– Take the Ko Olina exit
– Enter the Ko Olina Resort and Marina property, drive through the security gate
– Follow the signs for the Lagoons number 1-4 (Lagoon 4 has more parking than others)
– Lagoons and Hotels are on the right-hand side of the road.
By TheBus to Ko Olina Lagoons : (from Waikiki – not Recommended unless staying overnight)
– From Waikiki, take the #20 bus from Kuhio St towards Downtown Honolulu.
– Transfer to bus #40 or #40A on the lower level of the Nimitz Hwy.
The bus drivers can help you with this exit.
– Exit the bus at the Kapolei Transit Center.
– From here, go take a Special Kapolei bus, which will take you into the Ko Olina Marriott Grounds.
We don’t recommend taking Bus as it will take about 3-4 hours (one way) to Ko Olina Lagoons from the Waikiki area.
Recommendations and Tips for visiting Ko Olina Lagoons
– Ko Olina Lagoons are a Good place for families to relax with kids. Bring and wear sunscreen!
– Ko Olina Lagoon No. 4 has the largest Parking Lots.
Parking is free but first come first served basis, which means they fill up fast!
We suggest going to Ko Olina Lagoon No. 4 if you have a car.
– Bring your own snacks and drinks (no alcohol).
There is a Towncenter with restaurants available too at the Ko Olina Lagoons area.
– Ko Olina Lagoons have the following facilities:
Bathroom, Outdoor Rinse off showers
Free Parking lots at each beach spot
Wheelchair access
Grass sitting areas w/ partial shade
– Note: No Lifeguard on duty, so don’t swim outside the stone sea wall into the open sea.
– You can combine with Golf at Ko Olina and the Paradise Cove Luau: This is one of the better Luaus
– There is also Paradise Cove Beach which is tucked next to the Luau area at Ko Olina.
If you arrive at the right time, you can see green sea turtles and seals hanging around this little beach. Parking is limited!
– Oahu Coast cruise with snorkeling and buffet meal departs from Ko Olina and provides Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off from Waikiki
Ko Olina Resort
Townhouse
Contact
- gosal@gowestko.com
- 1 (925) 325-5566