We just returned from a 6 day / 5 night "preview" of the Ko Olina. We had been looking to purchase a timeshare week, and got the opportunity to visit on a $599 preview package that included a rental car. We were very impressed, and ended up puchasing. This is a great location for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation - away from the noisy and busy areas of Honolulu / Waikiki, but close enough to drive there for the day. The facilities are very new, and very nice. The 2 BR suite, which we shared with our in-laws, was very large and comfortable, even with our 2 kids (18 mos and 3 yrs). The kids loved the pool with the sand beach and shallow wading area. It was also great for us, as we didn't have to watch over them constantly, and were able to lounge poolside. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The only "downside" to this property is that there are not very many restaurant options, as only 2 of the 4 buildings are complete. There is only 1 real restaurant on site (poolside bar & grill), plus the Marketplace (mini-market), and a buffet for breakfast or dinner next to the ponds. Overall, Marriott has done another fine job with this resort. Plus, it will only get better as they complete the other buldings, and the rest of the resort area is built out over the next few years.

We stayed for 4 nights in March (me, my husband and our two boys 13 and 16.) This is my husband’s and my 9th trip to Hawaii and the boys’ 3rd.

We had a one bedroom unit at a AAA rate, $287/night (note: they ask for the AAA card on check-in). Apartment was nicely furnished. View was truly horrible. We looked out at (1) a parking garage (2) an industrial area complete with several refineries. We’re from New Jersey and my older son made a joke about getting a “Garden State view” instead of a “Garden view” (though the hotel told me it was a mountain view). Hotel said that lots of guests had complained. They couldn’t move us but in the end credited us with $100 because of the awful view.

The property and in fact the whole area around it is under construction. I suspect that even some of the better views will be in jeopardy.

There was very little to do in terms of resort activities (as compared to other resorts where we’ve stayed) Perhaps one activity per age group per day? There are two pools, pretty, but nothing special, and a beach cove. Perhaps if you are a lie around the pool all day person it would be ok, but we’re only good for a few hours of that and otherwise like to do things. We went off property and did activities in Honolulu and spent one rainy PM at the movies. Note that getting to and from Honolulu around rush hour is a disaster. We had a tour of Shangri-La scheduled at 8:30am and needed to leave by 6:45am.

We ate largely off property, occasionally in the room. One son had a hamburger at the grill. We had dinner at Roy’s, which was okay, but not nearly as good as the original Roy’s near Hanauma Bay.

The tone of the resort is a bit weird. When you enter through the gate there are signs informing you that you will be under surveillance. At the timeshare presentation (we didn’t buy) they emphasized that you are under video and audio surveillance all the time including at the beach (via fiber optics) and that, while the beach is nominally public they limit access to outsiders by restricting beach parking. (This is actually pretty ridiculous because there is lots of parking available throughout the resort area.) Then, when we were at the beach (a nice cove, but no fish to be seen), my husband and the boys built a sand castle and one of the beach guards came over and said “Nice job, make sure to knock it down as soon as you leave to prevent beach erosion.” We have built sand castles all over the world and this is the first time anyone has ever said anything like this. There is no way a sand castle is contributing to beach erosion (although my husband did say it gave him a feeling of power :-). Even if it did, would knocking it down help? This guard was quite authoritarian.

The extra space at the Marriott was nice, but we’ve achieved this in the past via a home rental for comparable or lower $’s. The pools and activities weren’t comparable to other resorts (e.g. the Hilton Waikoloa where we went next). The view was horrible, rendering the lanai pretty useless. The emphasis on surveillance and the rudeness of the beach guard left a bad taste in my mouth. We probably won’t be heading back.

We stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Resort Feb 28-Mar 7, 2006. We had a 1 bedroom unit with an ocean view but really had more of a view of the parking and harbor and some type of industrial park/plant. Regardless of the view, our room was very nice. There were a few things that could have been improved on at such a deluxe property.

The couch in our unit was horrible. It was very worn. The cushions were sinking into the frame of the couch making for very uncomfortable sitting.

Also, although the kitchen was very nice, the coffee maker and toaster were cheap and worked as such and the utensils to cook with, ie pots and pans, etc. were much to be desired. Also, the fan vent over the stove did nothing. Such a nice kitchen should be stocked better and money should not have been cut short in equiping it.

The grounds were beautiful. The lagoons were crystal clear and the beach areas were great. The path along the the lagoons was nice and led to the JW Marriott. We walked down to the JW and thought it was also a nice property with a really fabulous spa (still had a fee to use even if staying at the JW), but the pool was rather small. We were really glad we chose the Beach Club.

The fitness center was very adequate with about 8 treadmills, 4 ellipticals, 5 exercise bikes, free weights, and many weight machines. This is a great fitness center compared to what is offered at a lot of properties.

The pools are laid out very nicely. It is a bit noisy because of the ongoing construction but can be tolerated.

The presentation was not pushy, which was a pleasant surprise.

The clientele seems to range from the very young, ie newly weds, families with children, couples, and older folks. It seems to appeal to all.

We really enjoyed our stay and are seriously comtemplating purchasing a time share. The area is great. Secluded yet only 30 miles from Honolulu. Adequate shopping nearby and some restaurants.

Our vacation of a lifetime was to celebrate our 45th anniversary. We could not have picked a better place.
We just returned from two weeks at Ko Olina. First week we stayed in a deluxe master guestroom. It was small but very nice and equipped fine for a couple with small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and dishes. We spent the first week by ourselves, looking around, sitting on the beach and near the pools, walking to JW Marriott (which is short walk and great place to eat) and one trip to Safeway for supplies.
Second week we had friends join us from California and we moved to a one bedroom villa which we had traded our Orlando Timeshare for. It was on the eighth floor and wonderful view of pool, beach, ocean, mountain and golf course.
We shared a rented car and drove to Ala Moana Mall at Waikiki (huge beautiful mall with the best food court I have ever seen), Pearl Harbor, North Shore to see surfers and shopping. Our friends enjoyed the hot tub at Ko Olina. We also enjoyed the Paradise Cove luau on the property - great experience!
Although Ko Olina is great for families we also found it great for seniors. A highlight was the rootbeers floats in the afternoon. We ate at the Kolohe's Beach Bar & Grill several time and enjoyed it very much. Also, ate food from The Marketplace (deli type). If you don't have a car you can get transportation to anywhere on the island from LeoTrans co. Check out their website at ---- for more info. Mel and all were so great and fun to deal with. Also, Pam and Kirk at the activites desk were a great help in planning trips and getting tickets.
Many thanks to all the very friendly employees - many who delivered oxygen for my husband, carried luggage, helped me in and out of vehicles, etc. Ko Olina is a very special place with special people.
Aloha and Mahalo