Still in diapers, on a strict schedule of two naps a day, and unable to grow more than an inch of hair on my head, I first went to Hawaii as a child. For the occasion, my parents dressed me in a floral bikini top and a grassy hula skirt. (Yes, i have photographic proof.) Looking back, maybe this is where my love of dressing for a theme started? In any case, Hawaii had me hooked.
I’ve returned more than a dozen times over the past three decades, staying at various resorts, hotels, condos and Airbnbs on Maui. KauaiAnd Oahu. Each location has its own pros and cons, so I haven’t been loyal to any one property until now. after three nights Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko OlinaYou will find it difficult to accommodate me anywhere else. As Parker Posey’s character white lotus Say, “I don’t think, at this age, I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life.” Keep scrolling for my honest review of the resort grounds, accommodations, activities, and dining.
1. property
Here are some fun facts by numbers. Located a thirty-minute drive from Honolulu Airport, the resort features six restaurants and bars, four pools, two gift shops, four pickleball courts, a 35,000-square-foot spa, and a wedding chapel, to name just a few of the things you’ll see around the grounds. While these figures are certainly impressive on paper, the resort really stays with you because of all the non-tangible elements: the calmness of the water in the lagoon, the sound of the ocean from your bed, and the greenery of the impeccably manicured landscape.
As you can see from my video in the lower right corner, the beach is incredibly quiet as it is protected by rocky barriers that form a peaceful little lagoon right in front of the hotel. This is something I’ve learned to never take for granted in Hawaii. Just because a hotel is beach front doesn’t mean it will be good for swimming! For example, at a hotel in Kauai, I couldn’t swim for more than two minutes without keeping an eye out for incoming strong waves, lest they knock me over and take my bikini top with them.
One of the four pools is for adults only (pictured above right) and is equipped with its own swim-up bar. Be sure to try the Mai Tai! Another pool is conveniently located in the spa and wellness center, so you can take a refreshing dip after your massage and sauna. The remaining two pools are popular with families of all ages.
2. Housing
As an introvert, I love nothing more than a nice balcony to enjoy the beautiful view from my hotel room. You mean I can enjoy the sunset without having to join a couple on their honeymoon to take photos? I like it! (Congratulations though.) Speaking of sunsets, the view from my room at the Four Seasons Oahu was so great, I felt as if the sky was putting on a colorful show especially for me.
There was another important thing in my room that I love: a separate bathtub and shower. I loved washing off my sandy feet, salty hair, and chlorine-filled swimsuit in the shower and leaving the bathtub squeaky clean for my nightly relaxation ritual. (After which I covered myself in an impossibly plush four seasons clothingNaturally.) Heavenly Custom Toiletries include scents of citrus and piqué (a flower in the jasmine family).
3. Activities
Listen, I don’t blame you if you go to Oahu and do nothing but lie on the beach all day. (In this case, I highly recommend reading wedding people As I did.) However, if you want something a little more indulgent than that, there are plenty of options at this resort. First of all, my father and I were lucky enough to go there Divine Canoe Experience. Before taking off from shore in our double-hulled canoe, our guide (pictured above left) lit a torch and blew the conch (pu’u in Hawaiian) to mark the beginning of the adventure. Taking us around the lagoon and out to sea beyond, he explained how the ancient Hawaiians used the stars for navigation. For both my father and I, it was the best experience of the entire stay as it combined a fun water activity with a dose of culture.
Instead of a yoga class or tennis lessons, both of which are offered, I decided to do something with less sweat and more movement: a sound bath (above right). Held in the hotel chapel and led by Piali Lawson, who comes from a long line of Native Hawaiian healers, the relaxing experience made my stress disappear faster than the ice in my beard melting. you can Join the weekly class on Thursday Or Book a Private Session.
Another highlight of my agenda: seven ritual faces (bottom right). Seven different tools and techniques combined to give me the best looking skin I have had in years. The facial utilizes CO₂ oxygen exfoliation, a hot/cold wand, a hydradermabrasion aqua peel, radio frequency, electro-ion microcurrent, ultrasound therapy and oxygen infusion to reduce inflammation, remove dullness, increase product absorption and more.
4. Food and Drink
Yes, I tried every one of the resort’s many restaurants and bars. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. I enjoyed the char-roasted shrimp Meena’s fish house (pictured below right), enjoyed a buffet breakfast filled with pastries la hickeyRigatoni filled with bolognese next to the koi pond noeAnd there’s room saved for mochi ice cream (top right) Manalo Lounge. My dad said the A5 Wagyu at Manalo Lounge was the best he ever had. I’m not a big beef person myself, so I haven’t independently verified their claims, but I think you can trust them.
Naturally, I also had a drink (or two) to wash it down. The hotel’s speakeasy-style rooftop bar, five one six (above left), offers amazing sunset views, while the on-site coffee bar near the lobby makes a matcha latte. Oh, and I also really enjoyed the fact that there is food and beverage service right on the beach.
